What is Landscape Fabric Used For
Many people use landscape fabric for a variety of uses. Some of the most common uses of landscape fabric are:
- Weed Control: Black plastic mulch or landscape fabric reduces light penetration so that seeds under the fabric do not germinate. This can save the expenses associated with using weed-killer chemicals.
- Erosion Prevention: Landscape fabric also prevents soil erosion, especially on slopes and hills, by providing a barrier.
- Water Flow: Landscape fabric is porous; water, air and nutrients can pass through small pore openings. This helps drain water and prevents weeds from finding their way through.
- Tree and Plant Health: Landscape fabric, when applied as mulch around trees and plantings, excludes weeds that limit nutrients for plants.
- Added Protection: Landscape fabric is an added feature in landscaped areas and offers protection from various environmental elements to remain effective in aiding plant growth and other related functions in the landscape.
How to Use Landscape Fabric
To set up your landscape fabric for use, you will need to set it up properly first. Here are the basic steps to set up your landscape fabric:
How to Secure Landscape Fabric In Different Areas
Once the basic landscape fabric is set up using the above methods, use these advanced techniques to prepare your landscape fabric for different areas. These include:
1. Slopes and Hills
When used on steep slopes, arrange the fabric vertically rather than horizontally to prevent water from running through the areas where the fabrics overlap. Stake the fabric firmly with longer landscape stakes. Take the fabric further than the edges of slopes to ensure that soil does not come into contact with wind or water, which may lead to erosion.
2. Planting Through Fabric
When installing plants, make an opening in the fabric or make a slit on the side and then fold the extra flap of the fabric and plant it; this will help in covering the weed at the base of the plant. Purchase landscape fabric in “slit” style that comes with lines to help you cut the openings.
3. Under Pavers
Spreading landscape fabric before paving stones or pavers not only enhances the weed management but also retains the shape of the areas as it stops the soil from shifting. It also stops the dirt from moving up into the gravel or sand base that underlies the pavers.
That sums up some of the most important tips on using landscape fabrics to prevent weeds and create sober landscaping. If you follow those guidelines on properly laying and securing the fabric, along with gravel or mulch weighing it down, you will find it easier to prevent weed growth in your gardens and landscape beds.