Mowing strips give a lawn an edge, and are installed for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Not only do they cut down on edge trimming, but they also make the shape of your lawn really stand out.

Mowing strips are generally about 15-30 cm (6-12 in) wide, and are made from smooth surfaced materials such as stone, concrete or brick. It is a good idea to use the same or complementary materials as those used elsewhere in the garden, such as those used for patios and paths. They should be installed level with the lawn surface so that the mower can run directly over them.

Installation Method

1. Mark out the mowing strip area using a line, sand or paint.
2. Remove the turf from the strip in sections, taking only 2.5 cm (1 in) or so of soil.
3. Stack turf, grass side down in a pile in a corner of your garden to generate a stock of loam for re-use elsewhere in the garden.
4. Dig out the soil along the strip to the depth of your edging material plus approximately 2.5 cm (1 in).
5. Level the soil along the strip using a rake.
6. Spread a layer of sand along the first part of the new mowing strip, and tamp down with a rake.
7. Place the first unit of your mowing strip into position and settle it into the sand.
8. Tap the brick, block or slab down firmly with a piece of timber or the handle of a trowel.
9. Check that it is level using a spirit level; add or remove sand if necessary.
10. Add the next unit.
11. You can mortar a brick, block or slab mowing strip into position as you lay it, or by brushing in a dry mix of mortar when you have finished.
12. If you are pointing with wet mortar make sure that you finish with a 'bucket handle' finish, so that the finished level of the mortar joint is just below the surface of the brick.
13. Alternatively you can brush a mix of 1:3 cement and sand into the joints to fill them, brushing off the excess when you have finished.
14. Use a watering can with a fine rose fitted to water the edge, and then leave to set.