Cutting Asphalt for a Planting Bed: Tools and Edging

Clean Asphalt Cuts for Landscape Beds

A homeowner wants to cut a 4×20 ft planting strip in a blacktop driveway abutting a neighbor's drive. Needs smooth cut and professional edging.

Tool Options (Rental)

• Walk-behind concrete saw – Water-cooled blade, straight cuts, standard for this work
• Handheld cutoff saw – Larger skillsaw-style with diamond blade; better for curves

Both give crisp edges. Check rental yard availability.

After the Cut

You'll still need to break out the asphalt with a jackhammer or pry bar, depending on cut pattern.

Edging for Professional Finish

• Steel or aluminum landscape edging – Clean, durable, nearly invisible
• Concrete curb/mow strip – Permanent, contains mulch/soil
• Belgian block or stone edging – Decorative, substantial
• Plastic paver restraint – Budget option, less visible

Pro Tip

Cut slightly wider than 4 ft to accommodate edging material. Slope bed soil away from asphalt edge to prevent washout onto pavement.

~Marc