5 Steps to Installing Landscape Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide

by admin | Sep 20, 2022 | landscape fabric | 0 comments

 

When you’re installing an outdoor landscape, you may want to add a layer of protection above some of your plants so that their soil doesn’t get destroyed by pests or weeds. Landscape fabric is a great way to do this, as it is a light and airy material that doesn’t restrict the growth of your plants but still covers them up so they can grow safely.

Landscape fabric comes in different materials and thicknesses, so there are pros and cons to each type. Once you understand these options and how to install landscape fabric correctly in your outdoor space, you can pick the right type for your plants. Here are 5 steps on how to install landscape fabric effectively!

What is Landscape Fabric?

Landscape fabric is a synthetic material that comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. It is usually green in colour, and it’s usually used to cover plants and soil so that weeds or pests don’t grow on them. Landscape fabric is often used for planting gardens, growing vegetables, and planting fruit trees. It can also be used to cover growing areas of soil if you need to protect the soil from certain insects, like slugs and snails. In addition, landscape fabric can be used to retain moisture in sandy soil.

Landscape fabric is a light, porous material that allows air, water, and nutrients to flow through. When you use landscape fabric, you can create a barrier that keeps out weeds, pests, and water. You can also use it to retain water in sandy soil. You can either place the fabric directly on the soil or place it over a growing medium, like mulch or gravel.

Step 1: Decide on the type of landscape fabric you want to install.

There are two main types of landscape fabric: synthetic and natural.

Natural landscape fabrics are made from materials like jute, hemp, or cotton. They are biodegradable and often used for eco-friendly gardens. However, they may cost more than synthetic fabrics and be more difficult to find in big chain stores.

Synthetic fabrics are more common and come in a wide variety of thicknesses, colours, and sizes. You can purchase them in bulk at most hardware stores, making it easy to get the amount you need for your project.

Just make sure to check the sizing before you buy to make sure it will fit your space. You might also want to consider what type of fabric you want based on the weather where you live. Cooler climates are probably best suited for a heavier fabric that will keep out the cold.

Step 2: Prep the area where you’ll install the fabric.

Before you begin installing your landscape fabric, you should prep the area. This includes removing any weeds and debris, as well as raking your soil so it is smooth and level. If you have sand in your soil, you may want to rake it smooth so the fabric lays evenly above it. The last step is to rake the fabric so it is smooth and level as well. This will make it easier to install the fabric evenly.

If you’re installing the fabric over mulch, you can also rake that smooth so it is level with the soil. Be sure to rake out any weeds or debris from the mulch before you install the fabric.

Step 3: Cut your pieces and lay them out.

Once you’ve roughed up your soil and raked the fabric, you can begin cutting the pieces of landscape fabric. You may want to sketch out a rough diagram of your space before you begin this process, so you can make sure you cut out enough pieces.

Generally, you’ll want to cut enough fabric so it overlaps by at least 6 inches on all sides of your growing area. If you’re covering a larger area, you may have to piece together multiple pieces of fabric. This can be done with a sewing machine or stapler. You can also use clothespins to hold pieces of fabric together while you work.

Step 4: Stitch your pieces together and fold over the edges.

After you’ve cut your fabric and fitted it around your growing space, you’ll want to stitch the pieces together. For synthetic fabrics, you can use a sewing machine or needle and thread.

However, you can also use a staple gun for small pieces of fabric. Once you’ve fitted the pieces together and sewn them, you’ll want to fold over the edges so they are secured. This is important so the fabric doesn’t come loose and fall off your plants. You can fold over the edges by hand or use a serger. Sergers are essentially fancy sewing machines used for finishing woven fabrics, like the ones you’d find in landscape fabric.

Step 5: Maintain your landscape fabric afterward.

After you’ve installed your landscape fabric, you’ll want to make sure you regularly maintain it. This includes checking the edges of the fabric so they don’t fray. If they do, you can use scissors to snip them off. You can also use trimmers to cut the fabric if you need to make adjustments. You should also regularly check the soil and make sure it doesn’t grow underneath the landscape fabric.

You can do this by raking the soil or using a cultivator to break up the soil beneath the fabric. Plant and weed regularly as well, so you don’t have weeds growing underneath the fabric. Finally, you should check the fabric for pests regularly. If you notice beetles, slugs, or snails crawling underneath the fabric, you can spray them with an organic solution.

Conclusion

Landscape fabric is a great way to protect an outdoor area or your plants. It’s light and provides a barrier that keeps out weeds and harmful pests. You can use it to cover growing areas of soil, or you can simply place it over soil where you want protection from weeds or pests. You can also use landscape fabric to retain water in sandy soil, or you can simply place it over a growing medium like mulch or gravel. 

If installed correctly, landscape fabric will prevent weeds, protect your plants, and provide a layer of protection over your soil, so you won’t have to worry about the damaging effects of harsh weather. As such, it is a great addition to any outdoor space, whether you’re planting a garden or building an outdoor room.