how to put landscape fabric down
Landscape fabric is a synthetic material that can be used to cover the ground and create a barrier between the soil and any cover material you choose to use, such as mulch, rocks, or gravel. Landscape fabric can help prevent weed growth, improve soil moisture retention, and enhance the appearance of your garden or yard. To install landscape fabric properly, you need to follow these steps:
Measure the area where you want to install landscape fabric and determine how much material and fasteners you need. It is recommended to use a single continuous piece of fabric rather than multiple overlapping pieces.
Remove any existing vegetation, rocks, or debris from the area. You can use a garden hoe to pull up any weeds, making sure to remove all parts of the weed, including the roots. Alternatively, you can spray the area with a herbicide to kill all existing weeds. If you choose to use a herbicide, you need to wait a few days before installing landscape fabric.
If you want to add compost, manure, fertilizer, or any other type of plant food, now is the time to do so. Apply it to the soil before laying the fabric.
Remove any pulled up weeds, stones, branches, and other debris that could tear the landscape fabric. Use a bow rake to smooth and level the soil surface. Make sure to create a flat base for the fabric.
Lay the landscape fabric, starting from one end and rolling it out along the edge of the bed. Try to keep the fabric smooth and avoid any wrinkles or bubbles. If you need to use more than one piece of fabric, make sure to overlap them by at least 6 inches to prevent weeds and cover material from getting through the gaps.
Use a rubber mallet or a hammer to drive landscape staples or nails into the ground, securing the edges and overlaps of the fabric. Place a staple or nail every few feet, making sure the fabric is firmly attached to the ground.
Cut planting holes in the fabric, using a blade or scissors to make a small slit or cross where you want to place a plant. Be careful not to make the opening too large, as this will allow weeds to get through.
Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, and secure the roots.
Cover the entire fabric surface with 2-4 inches of cover material, such as wood chips, bark, or stones. This will help secure the fabric, protect it from sun and wind, and beautify the bed. It will also provide additional weed suppression.
Check and maintain your bed regularly, removing any weeds that may grow, trimming or replacing any damaged fabric, and adding or replacing cover material.
By following these steps, you can effectively install landscape fabric to help control weeds, improve soil moisture retention, and create a barrier between the ground and any cover material you choose to use. Remember to prepare the ground well before laying the fabric, overlap and fasten the edges of the fabric, and add a layer of cover material on top of the fabric.
