Flower Bed Landscape Fabric Weed Barrier

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How To Install Weed Barrier Cloth

Installing weed barrier cloth, also known as landscape fabric, is one of the easiest and most successful ways to fight off weeds. This cloth will prevent the germination of weed seeds in the soil or take root on top of the soil. Because weed barrier cloth breathes, it allows water, nutrients, and air to get down into the soil to feed your plants.

On its own, this cloth will work just fine but it is recommended to cover it with mulch, rocks, or another ground cover. This cloth will separate the cover material from the soil keeping stone and gravel clean and will reduce the breakdown of organic mulch. Black plastic is another kind of weed barrier that works in the same way but unfortunately, plastic is known to tear and create a non-penetrable barrier preventing water and air from getting to your plants.

Installing a weed barrier cloth is a little more difficult than spreading out a bed sheet. Just make sure to prepare the ground by ensuring it's flat so it won't damage the cloth. Also, make sure to overlap and secure the edges of the cloth in order to prevent weeds and the cover material from getting through the seams.

The following steps will help you install your landscape fabric:

Remove Vegetation: Dig up all weeds, grass, and vegetation using a garden hoe, shovel, or other instrument. Dig as deep as needed in order to reach the roots. If you do not get rid of the roots, they will continue to grow even when covered with landscape fabric. Use the hoe in a swing motion and bring the blade down to the ground. Strike the ground at a 45-degree angle in order to get deeply into the soil and get under the roots to lift the weeds and roots all at once. Then drag the weed and roots toward your body. The other alternative, kill the vegetation with a broad-spectrum herbicide. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and wait for the plants to die. You will need a herbicide because weeds spread using surface runners so getting rid of them can be difficult using only a hoe.

Clear & Level The Soil: Thoroughly rake the area with a steel garden rake known as a bow rake. Pull up all uprooted weeds then rake out the stones, twigs, and any other sharp objects that can damage the fabric. While raking, throw out loosened rocks and other debris until the soil is smooth and flat.

Using Staples, Secure The Fabric: Be sure the fabric is in the right position then secure it with landscape fabric staples using a hammer or a small hand maul. Drive them every 10 feet along the edges and seams and in the interior areas if needed. If you are using a ground cover, it will hold down the fabric. If needed, trim the fabric along the edges.

Mark The Fabric For Plants: (this is optional) If you are placing plants in this area, using scissors or a utility knife, cut an X mark in the fabric for each plant. Make sure it's only big enough to dig a hole for the plant's root ball. Keep in mind, that the fewer and smaller the holes, the better for the fabric.