how to lay landscape fabric under gravel
Landscape fabric, also known as weed barrier fabric or weed control fabric, is a material used in gardening and landscaping to inhibit weed growth, improve soil moisture retention, and provide other benefits. One of the common applications of landscape fabric is to lay it under gravel, such as in driveways, walkways, or patios. This can help suppress weed growth, improve drainage, and maintain the integrity of the gravel surface. Here are the basic steps to lay landscape fabric under gravel:
- Prepare the soil. Before laying the fabric, you need to remove any weeds and level the ground. You can till lightly if needed, but avoid disturbing the soil too much, as this can create air pockets that can encourage weed growth.
- Cut the fabric to size. Measure the area where you want to lay the fabric and cut it accordingly. Add extra for a 12-18″ hem along edges that will be buried. You can use scissors or a utility knife to cut the fabric.
- Dig a shallow trench (optional). If you want the landscape fabric to be more secure and less likely to shift, you can dig a shallow trench around the perimeter of the area where the fabric will be placed. The trench should be about 2-3 inches deep and slightly wider than the fabric. This will allow you to tuck the edges of the fabric into the trench and cover them with soil later.
- Lay out the fabric. Starting in a corner, unroll the fabric with the rough side down. Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the fabric is flat and tight. If you have a large area, you may need to use more than one piece of fabric. In that case, make sure to overlap the edges by 4-6 inches and secure them with fabric staples every 1-2 feet.
- Secure the edges. Use landscape spikes or rocks along the outer edges to hold the fabric in place. You can also use fabric staples to secure the fabric to the ground every few feet. Make sure the fabric is not loose or sagging, as this can create gaps for weeds to grow through.
- Tuck edges. Fold under any excess fabric and secure the hem along the perimeter with staples. Alternatively, you can tuck the edges of the fabric into the trench you dug earlier and cover them with soil. This will help prevent the fabric from lifting or fraying over time.
- Add gravel. Use a leveling rake to distribute gravel evenly over the fabric at a depth of 1-2 inches. You can use any type of gravel you prefer, such as pea gravel, crushed stone, or river rock. Make sure the gravel covers the entire area of the fabric and does not leave any exposed spots.
- Compact the gravel. Tamp it down gently with a hand tamper or lawn roller to settle the stones and create a smooth and firm surface. This will also help lock the gravel in place and prevent it from shifting or washing away.
- Top up periodically. Over time, the gravel may settle or erode due to weather or traffic. You may need to add more gravel as needed to fill in low spots or areas disturbed over time. You can use the same type of gravel or a different one to create a contrast or a pattern.
- Re-secure lifting edges. If any fabric edges start to rise up through the gravel, you can staple them down again or cover them with more gravel. This will help prevent weeds from growing through the fabric or the fabric from tearing or ripping.
- Inspect and maintain. Periodically inspect the area to ensure that the landscape fabric is still intact and functioning effectively. Remove any debris or weeds that may accumulate on the surface of the fabric or the gravel. You can use a leaf blower, a rake, or a broom to clear the area.
By following these steps, you can effectively lay landscape fabric under gravel to help suppress weed growth, improve drainage, and maintain the integrity of the gravel surface.
