Installing landscape fabric is an effective way to prevent weed growth and reduce maintenance in your yard or garden. Landscape fabric, also known as geotextile fabric or weed barrier cloth, blocks sunlight to prevent weed seeds from germinating and sprouting. When installed properly, landscape fabric can provide years of durable weed control.
Choose the Right Landscape Fabric
Not all landscape fabrics are created equal. Look for a fabric that:
- Is made from polypropylene or polyester material. Avoid plastic or nylon fabrics which can degrade in sunlight.
- Has a tight weave to block sunlight while still allowing water and air flow.
- Is durable and resistant to rips, tears, and decay. Opt for professional grade versus lightweight bargain fabrics.
- Works for your needs. Some fabrics also act as a soil separator or stabilizer.
Purchase fabric wide enough to minimize seams in your installation area. Fabric is sold in various widths from 3 feet up to 15 feet wide.
Prepare the Installation Area
Proper preparation is key to ensure the landscape fabric lies smooth and tight.
- Remove any existing weeds or vegetation by hand weeding or using a non-selective herbicide.
- Rake and smooth out the soil to eliminate any bumps, rocks, or debris that could cause the fabric to tent or tear after installation.
- Moisten the soil before installing the fabric to prevent dust that could clog the fabric pores.
- Plan your fabric joints to allow at least 2-3 inches of overlap so seams don’t separate.
Cut and Lay the Landscape Fabric
- Roll out the landscape fabric over your prepared installation area. Pull the fabric taut as you unroll it to keep it flat and smooth.
- Cut the fabric to fit your area, allowing enough excess for overlaps and anchoring. Use heavy duty fabric scissors or a utility knife.
- Overlap the fabric at joints and seams by 2-3 inches, especially if using multiple pieces. Adjoining pieces should shingle downslope to prevent water flow under the fabric.
- Try to orient the fabric with the length running down any slopes rather than across for maximum weed control.
Secure the Edges
There are several options to secure the outer edges of the landscape fabric:
- Landscaping pins or staples: Use 6-8 inch pins inserted every few feet around the perimeter and at seams to anchor the fabric tight to the soil.
- Edging material: Bury the edges in a trench lined with bricks, stones, or plastic landscape edging. Backfill the trench to hold the fabric in place.
- Mulch or gravel: Covering the outer edges of the fabric with 2-3 inches of mulch, pebbles, or crushed stone can prevent wind lift or shifting.
- Soil: Mound soil or dig shallow trenches around the perimeter to keep the edges in place.
Cover the Fabric
Leaving landscape fabric exposed to sunlight will cause it to degrade, tear, and lose effectiveness over time. Cover the fabric:
- With 2-3 inches of organic mulch material such as wood chips, shredded bark, or compost. Mulch prevents light penetration and smothers young weeds.
- In a gravel pathway, patios, or other surfaces with a layer of crushed stone.
- With soil and plantings in garden beds and landscaped areas.
Replace mulch or stone cover as needed over time. Exposed fabric will require replacement sooner.
Install Plants and Features as Desired
Once the landscape fabric is in place, you can install plants and other features:
- Cut X-shaped slits where desired for planting trees, shrubs, perennials or annuals. Pull the fabric back and plant as usual into the soil below.
- For raised garden beds, cut the fabric to fit inside retaining walls with excess to cover the rim of the planter.
- Cut holes forFeatures like irrigation components, decor, stepping stones or lighting can be positioned by cutting holes in the fabric.
- Avoid creating tears or large gaps in the fabric when planting or installing features.
Maintain the Fabric Over Time
Properly installed landscape fabric can last 3-5 years or longer before needing replacement. To maximize longevity:
- Inspect periodically for weeds, tears, or exposed areas and remedy as needed. A few weed escapes are normal over time.
- Control vigorous perennial weeds carefully by hand weeding rather than disturbing the fabric.
- Add additional mulch as needed to maintain 2-3 inch depth over the fabric.
- Replace the fabric once it becomes overly degraded, torn, or ineffective at blocking weeds.
Following these steps for proper installation and maintenance will allow landscape fabric to effectively control weeds and reduce work in your yard and gardens for years! Adjust methods as needed for your unique site conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use landscape fabric under mulch or hardscapes?
Landscape fabric is useful under mulch or gravel paths and patios to suppress weeds while allowing drainage. Avoid using it under poured concrete, pavers, or dense hardscapes that do not permit water flow.
Can I use landscape fabric in vegetable gardens?
We do not recommend fabric in annual vegetable gardens as it can impede planting each year. Use it only in perennial beds.
How do I remove old landscape fabric?
Cut or tear away the material in sections if overgrown. For easier removal, wet the fabric and cover with compost or mulch to decompose over several months.
Does landscape fabric prevent all weed growth?
No, some aggressive weeds can still penetrate the fabric. It prevents many annual & shallow-rooted weeds and reduces overall maintenance. Hand weed as needed.
How long does landscape fabric last?
3-5 years or longer for quality professional grade fabric. Less if exposed to sunlight so it’s critical to cover with mulch or stone. Inspect and replace when degraded.
Conclusion
Installing quality landscape fabric with proper preparation, anchoring, and cover material can significantly reduce weed growth and maintenance. The key is taking time to install the fabric correctly so it will last many seasons. Pairing fabric with mulching builds an effective, long-term weed control system. With a bit of periodic maintenance, you’ll reap the benefits of a cleaner, less weedy landscape for years to come.