Learn How To Make The Fabric Work And Control The Growth Of Weeds In Your Garden.
When you go to the gardening or hardware shops, you may have noticed that there are rolls of black fabric sold. You may have even seen it in some DIY videos or Pinterest pictures, a black cloth laid on the ground with pebbles and mulches covering it. That black fabric is called a landscape fabric. There are other names and terms for this piece of cloth. Some call it weed fabric, weed cloth, garden fabric, but they all refer to the same thing. Landscape fabric is used by many gardeners to create a barrier between the soil and the surface to stop the weed from growing. While it may not eliminate the weeds in your garden completely, it helps a lot in controlling it by minimizing the need to use a weed killer.
Landscape Fabric Types
Landscape fabric can be made from different materials such as; polyester, polypropylene or, recycled plastic. The most commonly used are woven and nonwoven fabrics:
Woven landscape fabric is usually made of polypropylene, a type of plastic used in ropes. It has a criss-cross pattern that allows the air and water to reach the soil even when it's covered. This type of fabric lasts longer since the materials used are woven together, making it strong and difficult to tear.
Non-woven landscape fabric is also made of polypropylene but spun-bonded together to create a fabric sheet. Although it has some pattern for the water and air to pass through, it is not as porous as the woven fabric.
There are different brands of landscape fabric but they all come in thick rolls. Size varies from 3 feet x 100 feet to 5 feet x 300 feet. It usually costs around $.50 or less per square meter depending on the thickness. You can buy professional-grade weed fabric online or at hardware or gardening shops near you. Check this site for a sample.
How To Properly Install Landscape Fabric
Some say that using landscape fabric for your yard is a bad idea. But the results will all depend on how it is placed. Installing the fabric has to be done right to get the best results. Having a professional install it is highly recommended as this is a tedious task and takes more than one person to do it, you can hire a professional Lawn Care Service provider near you. However, if you are on a tight budget and prefer to install the landscape fabric yourself, you can follow the instructions below to complete the project:
Do the installation on a sunny weather when the soil is dry. Before you start working, make sure the surface of your area is free from any weeds, rocks, and anything that can tear the fabric once it is placed.
If you know the dimensions of your area, estimate the amount of fabric. Carefully plan the layout of your area before you start laying and cutting the fabric. Then place the landscape fabric over, with the rough side facing downward. Put some pins or staples to hold it in place while you cut the fabric so it doesn't move while you're working. Make sure you overlap at least 5 to 10 inches of the fabric. Also, allow at least a few inches to hang around the edges.
Position the plant on top of the landscape fabric. Make sure it's arranged properly with some space in between for the mulch to be added later.
Use a sharp knife and cut a big “X” on the fabric. Using a sharp knife avoids tears and messy strands when cut properly. Dig a hole on the soil just large enough for the plant to fit on it. Remove the plant from the pot and place it on the hole.
Once all the plants are placed, cover the fabric with 2 to 3 inches of layered mulch to hold it down. Do not limit the amount of mulch. If a thin layer of mulch is added, the fabric will begin to break down and will lose its effectiveness.
Things to remember when doing DIY:
- Use only the best professional-grade fabric as they last longer. Cheap fabrics tend to breakdown easily, damaging your soil and leaves more room for weeds to grow.
- Ask help from someone before starting the project. Laying down the fabric takes more than one person to do it. For you to finish the task early, have someone help you.
Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric
Pros
Cheap and Easy To Install - Weed fabric is available and ready to use anytime. They are cheap and very easy to install. The fabric can also last years.
Controls The Growth of Weed - With the reduced sunlight, weed growth is minimized. It also limits the seeds of the weed blown from above from germinating into the soil.
Maintains The Moisture - Less watering is needed as the fabric retains the water and reduces the evaporation due to the limited sunlight reaching the soil and plant.
Free From Chemicals - Using the fabric limits the use of chemicals such as herbicide to control the growth of weed.
Cons
Limits movement - Because the ground is covered, there is a tendency that the soil could become compact and unhealthy. You may need to give the plants more nutrients.
Natural nutrients don't reach the soil - The natural nutrients that the soil is supposed to get from mulches such as grass clippings and fallen leaves will only stay on top of the fabric and will not reach the soil.
Will Not Entirely Stop The Weeds From Growing - Weeds can still sprout even with the landscaping fabric. Covering the soil with it does not guarantee total elimination. Once weed starts sprouting under the fabric, it's difficult to pull them out without tearing it.
If you want to reduce your yard work, try using landscape fabric and see if it works for you. We hope you find this piece informative. Check out our other blogs for more tips and guides for your lawn.
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