how close to put landscape fabric around plants

by AGU

Landscape fabric is a material that is used to suppress weeds and conserve moisture in gardens. It is usually made of plastic or natural fibers and comes in rolls or sheets. Landscape fabric can be useful for certain types of plants and gardens, but it also has some disadvantages, such as being expensive, non-biodegradable, and potentially harmful to the soil and plant health. Therefore, it is important to use landscape fabric properly and carefully, especially around plants. Here are some general guidelines for how to place landscape fabric around plants:

Prepare the planting holes: Before installing the landscape fabric, you need to create planting holes for your desired plants. The size and shape of the planting hole should be appropriate for the specific plant’s root system and growth habit. Typically, the hole should be wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding or damaging them. You can use a shovel, a trowel, or a knife to dig the holes.
Position the fabric: Once the planting holes are prepared, you need to position the landscape fabric over the soil, making sure it covers the entire planting bed. You can use pins, staples, or rocks to hold the fabric in place and prevent it from shifting or tearing. You can also overlap the edges of the fabric by a few inches to create a seamless barrier.
Cut the slits: Next, you need to cut slits in the fabric at each planting hole location. You can use scissors, a knife, or a razor blade to cut the fabric. The shape of the slit can be either X-shaped or cross-shaped, depending on your preference. The size of the slit should be slightly larger than the root ball or spread of the plant above ground. A 12-18 inch diameter is usually sufficient for most plants. You can also adjust the size of the slit according to the mature size of the plant and its growth rate. You need to leave enough space around each plant to allow for root expansion and air circulation. Squeezing the fabric tightly around plants can restrict root growth and potentially lead to stunted or unhealthy plants. Additionally, leaving some space around each plant allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues or disease.
Plant the plants: After cutting the slits, you need to plant the plants in the holes. You can gently fold back the flaps of the fabric at each planting hole and dig the hole to the appropriate depth. You can place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the plant’s roots are properly spread out and the plant’s crown or base is level with the soil surface. You can then fill the hole with soil and firm it around the plant. You can fold the fabric flaps back around the base of the plant, covering the soil and securing it in place. You can also use pins or staples to hold the fabric flaps if needed.
Mulch the plants: Finally, you need to mulch the plants to protect them from weeds, pests, and weather. You can use organic or inorganic mulch, such as wood chips, shredded bark, gravel, or straw, to cover the fabric around the plants. You need to apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to effectively suppress weeds and conserve moisture. You need to avoid piling mulch right up against the crown or trunk of the plant, as this can cause rot or disease. You also need to avoid using wood from previous construction work, as it may contain pollutants. Also, make sure to use guaranteed weed-free straw and avoid hay mixed in, as they may contain weed seeds.

By following these guidelines, you can place landscape fabric around plants in a way that minimizes the negative impacts and maximizes the benefits of the material. You need to regularly monitor the plants and make any necessary adjustments as they grow. If the plants start to outgrow the original planting holes or if the fabric becomes too restrictive, you may need to make adjustments or remove and reinstall the fabric accordingly. You can also combine landscape fabric with other weed control methods, such as manual weeding, ground cover plants, or herbicides, for better results. Experiment and find out what works best for you and your garden.