How to Use Landscape Fabrics to Control Weeds - Better Homes and Gardens

Landscape fabrics seem to be the perfect solution for preventing weeds from growing in your garden . It lasts a long time, can be easily cut to any size room, and is relatively inexpensive . But although this substance is used in every workplace in the country, few homeowners know how to use it properly. Here's what you need to know about best practices, when and how to use landscape fabric, plus key maintenance tips. And if fabric isn't the best option for your situation, there are also some alternatives to consider.

Also referred to as a weed barrier or weed control fabric, landscaping fabric is typically used to repel weeds while allowing moisture movement both in and out of the soil. However, it is not a permanent weed control solution (nature will find a way). Even if you use landscape fabrics, you still need to do some weeding .

Where are landscape fabrics used?

It is best to use landscape fabrics under inorganic materials such as rock, gravel or sand. Landscaping materials are less effective when used under organic mulch such as wood chips or bark . As this mulch breaks down, it effectively creates a new layer of soil on top of the landscape fabric. After a short while, weed seeds will germinate and take root through the fabric itself, making these weeds more difficult to uproot. However, when leaves and other plant debris accumulate on inorganic materials such as gravel, the resulting small nests of soil can also be sufficient for weeds to gain a foothold .

If you plan to use landscape fabric over existing weeds and grass to smother it, this is not recommended. The area you wish to cover must first be cleared of any vegetation to prevent tough weeds from penetrating the material. Once holes in the fabric have been opened up, they create an opportunity for more weeds to establish themselves.

Landscaping fabric has limited use in annual and perennial gardens where you plan to do a lot of digging and add soil amendments like compost . It's easiest to use in places where you don't want to move anything around, e.g. B. under a patio or landscaped pavers. You can also use it in smaller areas, e.g. B. Around a tree where you intend to tear the fabric apart and replace it every two years.

How to install landscape fabric

Most types of landscape fabric are made from a variety of organic, synthetic, and recycled materials and can last for many years. Weed barriers are available in a variety of thicknesses and durability so care must be taken when choosing the right one for the intended use. To avoid common problems and get the most out of your product, learn how to properly install your landscape fabric here.

Step 1: Prepare the ground

Landscaping fabric should be installed on bare ground so that all weeds and other vegetation are removed if necessary. If the area is to be planted, mix in any desired fertilizers, compost, and other soil conditioners . Next, level the ground to avoid holes and lumps that can collect water and cause drainage problems .

Step 2: Place the fabric

Once the area is prepped, measure how much fabric you need to cover it. Be sure to leave a few inches of overhang on all sides. Lay the fabric on the floor surface so that the edges of the pieces overlap 6 to 8 inches. This keeps weeds from pushing through the seams and allows for some movement.

Step 3: Attach to the floor

One of the biggest mistakes people make when using landscape fabric is not securing it with anything other than mulch . If the mulch breaks or shifts, the unsecured fabric can slip and become an eyesore. Use landscape pins, also called garden pegs, to secure the fabric to the ground. About a foot between the pins is enough to hold the fabric in place. Excess fabric around the edges can be folded or pinned to the bottom.

Step 4 - Add Plants (Optional)

If you're planning a new garden in the area, place your plants through the secure weave where you want them to grow. Next, cut holes in the fabric large enough to fit inside the plant's root ball, leaving the pieces of fabric partially attached. The clippings can be divided in half and once the plants are in place the fabric can be repositioned around the plants to prevent exposing the soil around the base of the plants.

Step 5 - Add ingredients

When all the plants are in place, add bark mulch, gravel, rocks, etc. added. into the fabric to a depth of about two to three inches. Water all the plants, directing the water towards their base .

maintenance tips

Over time, landscape fabrics degrade, crack, and in some cases biodegrade. Annual maintenance is essential to keep the weed barrier safe and functional. If the metal pins rust or break, replace them as needed to keep the fabric in place. As organic mulches break down, they also need to be removed and replaced. Regularly clean leaves and debris from inorganic mulches to prevent them from giving weeds a place to grow . Over time your garden fabric will wear down to the point where it can no longer hold weeds and you will need to remove and replace it when you wish.

Alternatives to landscape fabrics

Certain planting styles can reduce or even eliminate the need for landscape fabrics. For example, in near-natural gardens, plants are grown together to block weed competition. Another alternative to landscape fabric is the use of cover crops . Also known as "green manure," cover crops not only help prevent weeds, they add nutrients and organic matter to the soil once growth is complete.

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