Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Use Weed Control Fabric
How to Use Weed Control Fabric. Weed control fabric--or landscape fabric--is a porous synthetic material that can simplify the job of maintaining garden beds. The fabric controls the growth of weeds in the landscape, but allows air circulation and water penetration. Weed control fabric is expensive, but when properly installed can control weeds for...
Weed control fabric--or landscape fabric--is a porous synthetic material that can simplify the job of maintaining garden beds. The fabric controls the growth of weeds in the landscape, but allows air circulation and water penetration. Weed control fabric is expensive, but when properly installed can control weeds for up to five years. Although weed control fabric has certain drawbacks, it not only simplifies weed control, but also limits the need for harmful herbicides
Things You'll Need
Spade or shovel
Rake
Weed control fabric
Carpet knife
Scissors
Landscape staples
Mulch
Remove all weeds from the planting area. Dig the weeds with a spade or shovel, or pull the weeds by hand. Attempt to remove as much of the roots as possible.
Remove any roots, clods and anything sharp that can puncture the fabric. Smooth the area with the back of a rake.
Unroll the weed control fabric lengthwise over the planting area, then cut the fabric to the proper length. Overlap sections of weed control fabric by 3 to 4 inches.
Cover any existing plants with the fabric, then use a carpet knife to make a slit for the plant's main stem. Slide the weed control fabric around the plant, then enlarge the hole to accommodate the plant, if needed. For new plantings, use the carpet knife to cut an "X" in the fabric, then dig a hole for the new plant. Once the plant is in place, tuck the fabric firmly around the stem so no soil remains on top of the fabric.
Trim the edges of the fabric with scissors to adapt to the contours of your flower beds. Secure the edges of the weed control fabric to the ground every 8 to 12 inches with landscape staples. Any gaps will allow weeds to emerge.
Cover the weed control fabric with 2 to 3 inches of mulch, such as shredded bark or round pebbles, to improve the appearance of the fabric and prevent deterioration caused by sunlight. Keep in mind that organic mulch such as shredded bark is attractive, but it will eventually break down and produce an organic surface for weeds to sprout.
Tips & Warnings
Apply weed control fabric only when needed. Even though fabric is less harmful than chemicals, even breathable fabric will interfere with the soil's natural processes, slow moisture evaporation, and will disturb the habits of birds and insects.
