Plastic or Rubber

• The more standard landscape edging material is black rubber or plastic edging. The rubber edging comes in rolls, and the plastic edging usually comes in stacked segments. When you want to create a landscape look that is professional but not obvious, then go with the standard plastic or rubber edging. It will help you to keep your mulch separated from your yard, and it also can help you create borders around your trees that allow you to plant colorful flowers at the base. Professionals use black or brown plastic or rubber edging because it is very simple to install, and the finished product looks appealing.
  
  

Stone

• Using stone as a landscape edging material can sometimes be a challenge. Not every situation looks good with stone edging. For example, if you want to create separation between your garden and your lawn using gentle curves, then stone is not the material you want to go with. Stone can add color to your edging, however, and it also can add a textured look to your landscaping that the other materials do not offer.
  
  

Wood

• Many years ago, people used to use railroad ties to do their tiered landscaping work. Today we know that the creosote on the railroad ties is potentially dangerous. Montana State University's website states that creosote offers possible risks for cancer. So it is a good idea to stay clear of using railroad ties for landscaping.
  
  Other wood offers an attractive option for landscaping, especially in separating the lawn from things such as the driveway and the house. Use 4-inch-by-4-inch pressure-treated posts as your landscaping wood, and they should last for many years.