How to Install Landscape Fabric: Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

Landscape fabric is a foundational component in many landscaping projects for commercial property owners and homeowners alike. Installed correctly, high-quality landscape fabric is a low-maintenance weed suppressor that helps keep gardens look lively and well-kept.

What is Landscape Fabric?

Landscape fabric, often referred to as weed barrier fabric, is a permeable material typically made from woven polypropylene or polyester. It lays over soil to prevent weed growth while still allowing water, air, and nutrients to pass through to the soil beneath, nourishing desirable plants. Its primary function is to create a barrier that inhibits weed seeds from germinating and growing upwards, simultaneously blocking sunlight from reaching any existing weed seeds in the soil.

Benefits

• Weed suppression: By blocking light and creating a physical barrier, this type of fabric dramatically reduces the need for manual weeding or herbicides.
• Moisture retention: This fabric helps reduce water evaporation from the soil surface, meaning plants may require less frequent watering.
• Soil temperature regulation: The fabric can help keep soil temperatures more consistent, protecting plant roots from extreme heat or cold.
• Prevent soil erosion: On slopes, this fabric holds the soil in place, making it especially beneficial in areas prone to heavy rainfall.
• Separation layer: When used under pathways or decorative stone, landscape fabric serves as an excellent separation layer, preventing gravel or pavers from sinking into the soil.

Types of Landscape Fabric

• Woven Landscape Fabric: Typically made from tightly woven polypropylene, it is highly durable and resistant to tearing, making it suitable for heavy-traffic areas or beneath gravel paths and patios. Its permeability allows water and air to pass through, though sometimes at a slower rate than non-woven options. Woven fabrics are excellent for long-term weed control.
• Non-Woven (Spunbound) Landscape Fabric: Constructed from synthetic fibers that are spun and thermally bonded together, non-woven fabric offers excellent water and air permeability. It is generally softer and more pliable than woven fabric, making it easier to conform to irregular shapes. This type is often preferred for use in planting beds where moisture penetration is critical. While effective for weed control, it may not be as durable against heavy foot traffic as woven options.
• Perforated Landscape Fabric: This variant is typically a thin, lightweight material with pre-punched holes. It is designed for quick installation and is often used in vegetable gardens or annual beds where plants will be spaced regularly. While it offers good initial weed suppression, its lighter construction may not provide the same long-term durability as woven or non-woven fabrics.
• Biodegradable Landscape Fabric: Made from natural materials like burlap, cardboard, or plant-based plastics, this fabric decomposes over time. It is an environmentally friendly option, particularly for annual gardens or projects where the fabric's presence is not desired indefinitely. Its lifespan is shorter than synthetic fabrics, and its weed suppression capabilities diminish as it breaks down.

What You'll Need

Once you've decided on the type of landscape fabric that is right for your outdoor space, be sure to grab the necessary supplies.

• Landscape fabric
• Utility knife or sharp scissors
• Measuring tape
• Garden staples or landscape fabric pins
• Rake
• Shovel or spade
• Gloves
• Wheelbarrow or tarp
• Mulch, gravel, or decorative stone
• Edging material (optional)

Site Preparation

1. Clear the Area Thoroughly

Begin by meticulously clearing the designated area. This step involves removing all existing weeds, grasses, rocks, sticks, and any other debris. For persistent perennial weeds, consider using a non-selective herbicide several weeks prior to installation, adhering strictly to product instructions.

2. Level and Smooth the Surface

Once the area is clear, the next step is to level and smooth the soil surface. Use a rake to break up any large clods of dirt and create an even grade.

3. Define Your Edges

Before laying the fabric, clearly define the edges of your landscaped area. This step could involve digging a shallow trench along the perimeter where the fabric will terminate or installing edging materials.

Step-by-Step Landscape Fabric Installation

1. Measure and Cut the Fabric

1. Measure the dimensions of the area where the fabric will go.
2. Add a few inches to these measurements to allow for overlapping and securing the edges.
3. Unroll the landscape fabric and cut it into manageable sections.

2. Lay Out the First Section

1. Unroll and position the first section of landscape fabric over the prepared soil.
2. Ensure that it lies flat and smoothly, without wrinkles or creases.
3. If you have defined your edges with a trench, allow the fabric to extend slightly into the trench.
4. For areas without a trench, ensure the fabric covers the entire intended area, extending slightly beyond the perimeter (to be trimmed later).

3. Secure the Fabric with Staples/Pins

Once the first section is correctly positioned, begin securing it to the ground using landscape fabric pins or staples. To do so:

1. Drive a landscape staple every 1 to 2 feet along all perimeter edges of the fabric.
2. For the interior of larger sections, place pins every 3 to 5 feet to prevent shifting and lifting.
3. Ensure the pins penetrate firmly into the soil, holding the fabric taut against the ground.

4. Overlap Subsequent Sections

1. When laying additional sections of fabric, ensure a generous overlap.
2. Subsequent sections should overlap the previously laid section by at least 4 to 6 inches.
3. Secure the overlapped seams with landscape fabric pins, placing them every 1 to 2 feet along the length of the overlap.

5. Cut Holes for Existing Plants (If Applicable)

If you are installing landscape fabric around existing plants, you will need to cut openings for them.

1. With the fabric securely in place around the plants, use your utility knife to cut an X or H shape centered over the plant's base.
2. Make these cuts just large enough to accommodate the plant's stem without constricting its growth.
3. Gently fold the fabric flaps inward towards the plant's stem for a snug fit.

6. Cover the Fabric with Mulch or Other Materials

The final step is to cover the installed landscape fabric with a protective layer. This layer can be organic mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark, pine needles), gravel, decorative stones, or other chosen materials. Apply a layer that is at least 2 to 3 inches thick for materials like mulch or 1 to 2 inches for materials like gravel.

Alternatives to Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is an effective tool for weed suppression, but it's not the right choice for everyone. Other options include:

• Organic mulch (without fabric): A thick layer (4-6 inches) of organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or straw can suppress weeds effectively, retain moisture, and enrich the soil as it decomposes.
• Groundcover plants: Dense plantings of low-growing plants can naturally suppress weeds by outcompeting them for light and resources. This option is a living, aesthetically pleasing solution that can require more initial care to establish.
• Hardscaping: For pathways and patios, materials like pavers, gravel, or concrete provide permanent weed suppression without the need for fabric, though initial installation costs can be higher.

Landscape Fabric Installation FAQs

How do you secure landscape fabric to the ground?

Landscape fabric is often secured using landscape fabric pins or staples. These pins are U-shaped or J-shaped metal or plastic, designed to penetrate the fabric and firmly anchor it into the soil.

Pins should be placed every 1 to 2 feet along perimeter edges and overlapped seams. For larger interior sections, placing pins every 3 to 5 feet helps prevent lifting and shifting.

Do I need to pin down landscape fabric?

Yes, because pinning:

1. Prevents lifting
2. Helps suppress weeds
3. Keeps everything together

Can you lay landscape fabric straight on soil?

Yes, you can lay landscape fabric straight on soil if it has been properly prepared. Laying fabric directly on unprepared soil can lead to ineffective weed suppression and potential damage to the fabric.

Can I hire professional landscapers to install landscape fabric?

Yes, you can absolutely hire professional landscapers to install landscape fabric.

Looking for a professional in the St. Louis area? Turn to Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction. We have years of experience serving St. Louis properties just like yours.