Creating a mowing strip is a DIY project that your future self will thank you for.
It also means you don’t have to take out the trimmers to tidy lawn edges afterward.
Here’s how to create a mowing strip in a few hours.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Gather Materials
Before you get started, collect everything you need.
We recommend a strip that’s between 6 and 12 inches wide.
Then use a spade to cut through any sod and remove it,excavating a 6- to 8-inch-deep trench.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Start Filling Trench
Cover the bottom of the trench with a 1- to 2-inch-deep layer of sand.
Top the sand layer with a 1- to 2-inch-deep layer of road-base gravel.
Don’t worry about leveling the layers yet.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Add Larger Stones
Position the rubble or fieldstonesat ground level with flat sides up.
Add gravel under pieces as needed to create a level surface.
Leave 1-inch-wide or larger gaps between the pieces.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Sprinkle gravel into the gaps until they’re mostly filled and the area is level.
Brush any excess off the adjacent rubble.
Add dry concrete mix to level any areas and saturate.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Cover the finished installation with a sheet of plastic or burlap to keep the concrete damp while it cures.
Wait two days before walking on it.
Another benefit to a mowing strip?
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
By creating a barrier, it prevents your turf grass from creeping into planting beds.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
