how to lay down landscape fabric

how to lay down landscape fabric

Landscape fabric is a material used to prevent plants from growing in unwanted places (such as flower beds, gardens, balconies, etc.). It can effectively block sunlight, water and air, and prevent weeds, insects and pests from invading. This article will introduce how to lay landscape fabric correctly, and provide some tips.

Prepare the soil

First, please prepare the tools and materials you need. You need the following items:

• Landscape fabric: a high-quality landscape fabric made of spun synthetic-fiber material. This type of fabric blocks sunlight but allows water and air to pass through. It is durable and resistant to tears and sun damage.
• Cement: used to fix the landscape fabric to the soil.
• Shovel: used to remove excess or weeds from the soil.
• Scissors: used to cut plants or roots.

Next, please clean the area you are in, and level the soil surface. You need to do the following operations:

1. Remove any existing weeds from the soil, and use a shovel or rake to smooth out any wrinkles or folds on the soil surface. If there are large clumps of loose or uneven soil, use a shovel to break them up.
2. Prepare scissors, and use them when you need to cut plants or roots.

Choose quality landscape fabric

Next, please choose the appropriate type and size of landscape fabric. You need to pay attention to the following points:

• You should choose landscape fabric made of pure cotton fiber, without any chemical additives or fungicides, without any metal threads or other materials (such as metal threads). This can ensure that the landscape fabric has no adverse effects on the environment and plants.
• You should choose landscape fabric that is breathable, blocks sunlight moderately, andhas good tensile strength and resistance to tearing and sun damage.

Unroll the fabric

Then, please lay it flat over the prepared soil area, smoothing out any wrinkles or folds. Leave a few extra inches extending past the edges.

Secure the edges

Then, please bury the overhanging edges of the fabric a few inches underneath the outer soil line by raking overtop. Alternatively, you can use landscape spikes or rocks to anchor.

Cut holes for plants

Then, if you have existing plants or plan to plant new ones, cut holes in the fabric to allow them to grow through. Make sure the holes are large enough for plants’ root systems or cut planting holes. Use sharp garden shears or a utility knife to cut X-shaped or square slits in the fabric where you will plant. These should be just large enough for plants/roots.

Cover with mulch or rock

Then, please cover it with a layer of mulch, rock, or other ground cover material. This will help enhance its appearance and effectiveness as a landscape barrier.

Apply a mulch layer. Spread 2-4 inches of mulch such as bark chips, gravel, or stones evenly over the entire fabric surface. This shields it from sunlight and holds it firmly in place.

Once installed correctly with the rough side down, landscape fabric blocks weeds from emerging while allowing water to drain through. Be sure to maintain the mulch layer for ongoing weed prevention over time. Periodic inspection and repairs keep it effective as a barrier.