Curbing is a concrete product and there is always potential for cracking. We have very minimal cracks because of our techniques for mixing concrete and finishing. Spider cracks can occur in concrete and should not be confused with separation. Although cracks can and will occur in concrete, many factors contribute to this including materials, layouts, and temperatures. The main challenges with landscape curbing are extreme angles, inclines, and declines. A curbing machine weighs about 210 lbs, so getting enough compression is very difficult when facing those challenges. Cracks that are over 1/4 wide on level ground are an issue with operator error or lack of compaction, these cracks will be covered under warranty. Cracks in all other situations are not. We put the control joints closer to relieve stress but cracks can still occur, they are a fact of concrete life. Since we are dealing with moving concrete, we use expansion joints approximately every 2 feet for the relief of stress in the concrete as it cures. These joints are no different than the cuts in sidewalks or driveways. We are essentially putting cracks in ahead of time so the curbing will expand there. If it does then there may be a small crack that runs down the back or the front close to the ground. This means the control joints are doing their job and relieving stress.

Landscape curbing for your landscape is different from the curbing you may see in a parking lot. Landscape curbing doesn't have the same aggregate as other curbing.  The P.S.I. for normal landscape curbing varies depending on the type of sand used and how the ratios are mixed. Most are in the 2000 P.S.I. range. Several things could be done when it comes to reinforcement. Rebar used in flatwork isn't an option when it comes to landscape curbing. Some installers may run cable in their curb as that may help with separation, which is tensile strength. Others, like us, use blended polymers and fiber which not only increase tensile strength but compression strength as well.

Yes, if your yard has existing grass and sprinklers you can still have landscape curbing installed.  However, there are a few things to consider. Existing yards are considered a retrofit, meaning done after the fact. Normally curbing is installed before the sprinklers, rock, or mulch so the curbers can create smooth flowing lines without obstruction that would caused by things like sprinkler heads, etc. Since they are already in place along with the plastic or brick edging, the curb must go outside of those areas and create new lines. We would not replace or move any existing rock or edging which are things a professional landscaper normally does.  We would easily install the curbing outside the sprinkler heads and not obstruct spray, that way we can create smooth, beautiful flowing lines. The space behind the curbing then can be filled with other landscaping materials. 

Absolutely! Smooth-flowing lines and curves are the greatest look you can get to improve your landscaping. Straight lines and corners aren't always aesthetically pleasing and could be difficult to mow. You also can't get proper drainage with them. Realize that a 200 lb machine is laying your curb, it's constantly moving so straight lines will never be truly straight, no matter what company does them. The curb around your house should flow so it's easy to mow. You want it to transition cleanly from one area to the next. When looking at yards that have curbing, do the lines flow or are they a jumbled, jagged mess? If it's the latter then that would be a telltale sign that the operator/installer was not experienced. Flow is extremely important and it's the first thing you see when someone drives by. That's why choosing the right company to complete the job is crucial for the most professional and beautiful-looking outcome for your landscape curbing.