Garden edging

Garden edging can trap embers and other debris during a bushfire

Garden edging can add visual appeal and stop mulch and ground litter from spreading onto lawns and other parts of the garden. However, it should be used sparingly and with care in bushfire prone areas. Timber edging can ignite and spread fire to other parts of the property, while non-combustible edging alternatives (such as brick and concrete) can trap combustible organic matter which are vulnerable to ignition from embers. Garden edging of all types is a potential trip hazard during the low visibility conditions common during bushfire.

Do’s

  • If possible, eliminate the need for garden edging – ‘design out’ the risk.
  • Use non-combustible edging materials, such as stone, brick, or concrete.
  • Keep raised garden edging clear of accumulated debris.
  • Think about the role of edging in the wider design of your garden. Remember that each element can affect the elements around it. In the case of edging, trapped debris, such as leaves, garden waste and other ground litter (or the edging itself) can ignite and spread fire and embers.

Don’ts

  • Avoid using garden edging around key ingress and egress routes – raised garden edging is a trip hazard and can trap embers and other debris.
  • Garden edging made using combustible materials (e.g., timber) should be avoided, as it can ignite and spread fire to other parts of the garden.

Photograph showing areas of lawn and white-stone mulch separated by concrete edging. A lawnmower is shown in the centre of the image.

Low profile concrete edging is a good choice for bushfire prone areas (source: topseller/Shutterstock)