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How to Install Landscape Fabric in Your Garden

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published October 30, 2024

Installing landscape fabric is a good idea to control weeds in the garden. It works as a barrier, allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and blocking sunlight that promotes weed growth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install landscape fabric for weed control.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Types of Landscape Fabric

Before you install landscape fabric for weed control, make sure you have a good idea of the different types of landscape fabrics, each with its unique characteristics. When selecting the ideal fabric for your gardening, consider the specific needs of your space. 

Woven Landscape Fabric

The woven landscape fabric is made from linen fibers or polypropylene, making it more durable. It helps to resist UV rays and comes in many colors. This landscape fabric helps to control weeds and allows all the required nutrients and water to be absorbed into the soil.

Non-Woven Landscape Fabric

The non-woven landscape fabric is made from polyester fibers or polypropylene. They are mostly used to control weeds in gravel paths or rock beds. They are highly stable and do not allow stones to sink into the soil. This landscape fabric is used under stone pavers or in large-scale hardscaping projects. 

Spun Landscape Fabric

Spun landscape fabric is made from bonded polyester fibers. It is available in various thicknesses, making it suitable for different applications. Thinner spun fabrics are permeable to air and water, while thicker ones are more resistant. Spun fabrics are excellent for weed control in flower beds, under rocks, and for drainage or retaining wall applications. 

Perforated Landscape Fabric

Perforated landscape fabric is lightweight and budget-friendly. They have pre-cut holes that help to save time and make planting easier. They are the best option to be used in gardens as the plants change frequently and they are evenly kept. 

How to Install Landscape Fabric

To install landscape fabric for weed control is an easy process. Make sure to follow the below steps. 

Benefits of Using Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric offers many other benefits besides weed control and moisture management. Some of the benefits are explained below.  

Reduced Weeding Time

Weed pulling is a tedious process; with landscape fabric, you can reduce the time pulling weeds. 

Moisture Retention

To avoid frequent watering, use landscape fabric that retains moisture in the soil for a long period of time. 

Soil Stabilization

Stabilizing soil is important to maintain healthy landscapes. This helps to prevent soil erosion that can cause much harm, especially on slopes or in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Having knowledge about how to install landscape fabric can help to keep the soil stabilized for a longer period of time. 

Mulch Retention

Mulch helps to retain moisture in soil, and installing landscape fabric can keep this mulch in place. This will reduce the need for frequent replenishment and save time and money while retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. 

Temperature Regulation

Landscape fabric can help regulate soil temperature as a barrier between the soil and the surrounding environment. This is particularly beneficial for plants sensitive to extreme heat or cold fluctuations. 

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