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How to Properly Install Landscape Fabric to Prevent Weeds

Posted on by Admin

Laying down landscape fabric is one of the easiest and most effective methods for combating weeds. It prevents weed seeds from germinating in the soil or from landing and taking root from above. The fabric’s breathable design allows water, air, and nutrients to flow down to the soil, nourishing your desired plants. While landscape fabric works well on its own, it’s typically best to cover it with decorative mulch, rock, or another ground cover. This helps to keep stone and gravel clean, slows the breakdown of organic mulch, and separates the cover material from the soil. Unlike black plastic weed barriers, which are prone to tearing and can block essential water and air from reaching your plants, landscape fabric offers a more durable and plant-friendly solution.

Installing landscape fabric is as simple as spreading out a bed sheet, but proper ground preparation is key to ensuring a flat surface and avoiding damage to the fabric. Overlapping and securing the edges is also crucial to prevent weeds and cover material from slipping through the seams.

When working with landscape fabrics, it’s important to note that not all weed barriers are created equal. Thin, cheap plastic barriers are far inferior to quality landscape fabric, which is more durable and tear-resistant. Investing in high-quality fabric pays off in the long run, with some products guaranteed to last up to 20 years.

Another advantage of quality landscape fabric is its reusability. If you decide to change an area covered with fabric and mulch, simply remove the mulch, unpin the fabric, shake off any soil or debris, and roll up the fabric for future use. While it may be a bit dirty, reused fabric is just as effective as new material.

Most quality landscape fabrics are made from spun synthetic fibers that block sunlight while allowing water and air to pass through. Although the material is tough, it can still be damaged by sharp rocks, tools, or roots, so it’s essential to rake and smooth the ground before laying the fabric. Many fabrics are UV-protected, but they’ll last longer if they’re not directly exposed to sunlight. A layer of mulch or another ground cover can provide this protection.

Instructions for Laying Down Landscape Fabric

1. Remove All Vegetation
Start by clearing the area of all weeds, grass, and other vegetation using a garden hoe, shovel, or another suitable tool. Dig deep enough to remove the roots, as leaving them behind can lead to regrowth, even under landscape fabric. For effective removal, use a hoe with a swinging motion, striking the ground at a 45-degree angle to lift out the entire weed, roots included.

Alternatively, you can apply a non-selective herbicide, such as Roundup, to kill the vegetation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow enough time for the plants to die completely. Herbicides are especially useful for weeds with rhizomes or stolons that are difficult to eliminate by digging alone.

2. Clear and Level the Soil
Rake the area thoroughly with a steel garden rake (also known as a bow rake) to remove any remaining weeds, twigs, stones, and other sharp objects that could damage the landscape fabric. As you rake, discard any loosened rocks and debris, ensuring the soil surface is smooth and level.

3. Lay the Landscape Fabric
Unroll the landscape fabric parallel to the length of the area you’re covering. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the fabric to the required length. If you need to cover a larger area, overlap multiple pieces by at least 6 inches to prevent gaps (some manufacturers may recommend 3 inches, but 6 inches provides better coverage). Ensure the correct side of the fabric is facing up, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Temporarily weigh down the fabric with stones or other heavy objects to keep it in place.

4. Secure the Fabric With Staples
Once the fabric is positioned correctly, secure it with landscape fabric staples, using a hammer or small hand maul. Place staples every 10 feet along the edges and seams, as well as across the interior as needed. Your ground cover, if used, will also help hold the fabric in place. Trim any excess fabric along the edges if necessary.

5. Plant Through the Landscape Fabric (Optional)
If you plan to add plants to the area, make an X-shaped incision in the fabric where each plant will go. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut from the outside toward the center, making the cuts just large enough to dig a hole for the plant’s root ball. The fewer and smaller the holes, the better.

Pull the fabric flaps aside to dig the hole, and place the soil in a wheelbarrow or tub rather than on the fabric. Install the plant, backfill around the root ball with soil, and tamp the soil lightly to remove air pockets. Then, lay the fabric flaps snugly against the base of the plant.

6. Add Mulch (Optional)
If desired, cover the landscape fabric with mulch or another ground cover. For natural mulch like wood chips or pine needles, apply no more than 2 inches. For stone, you may need less depending on the type and intended use of the area. Spread and smooth the cover material with a rake, being careful not to damage the fabric underneath.