How to Install Landscape Fabric for Weed Control?

Whether you call it landscaping fabric, weed block or weed barrier fabric, ask any landscaper or gardener how they feel about its use and they’ll probably have a strong opinion.

Landscape fabric is often promoted as the solution to the bane of every gardener’s existence – weeds. Not only does it supposedly block unwanted weed growth, but best of all, you don’t have to worry about weeding for what seems like years.

Function and Cost

Landscaping fabric consists of woven fibers with perforations incorporated into the cloth that allow water and air to flow through to reach the plant’s roots. Some brands have added UV protection, which adds to the fabric’s life and durability. When installed over a weed-free garden bed it acts as a barrier to weeds germinating from beneath, as well as stopping weeds taking hold sprouting on top of the cloth.

When it comes to the cost of installing landscaping fabric, the price can vary depending on several factors. The soft, pliable fabric comes in rolls that are generally 3 feet to 6 feet wide and in lengths of 25 feet to 200 feet. Depending on the brand and thickness of the cloth, costs run around 10 cents per square foot to 85 cents per square foot. In addition, landscape fabric pins, which hold the fabric in place, usually run around 10 cents per pin.

Installation costs vary depending on who is doing the job. If you are the lucky one, the only cost is some of your patience and time. The price of a professional landscaper is dependent on the size of the area and the time involved, in addition to material costs, which can amount to a hundred dollars or more.

Some of the benefits of using landscaping fabric include:

• Keeps inorganic mulches like rocks from sinking into the soil.

• Prevents weed seeds covered by fabric from sprouting.

• Reduces the need for herbicidal weed control.

• Suitable used on slopes where erosion is a problem.

• Helps the soil retain moisture.

Weed Barrier Fabric Installation Tips

If you’ve settled on using landscaping fabric, below are tips that assure the fabric will work properly. In addition, it’s easier to install the fabric in a bed where nothing is growing. 

1.Measure the area so you have an idea of how much landscaping fabric, pins and mulch you’ll need.

2.Spread the fabric over the area, being sure to overlap the edges by 6 to 8 inches and cutting in the shape of the bed as needed. Allow the fabric to hang over the border of the bed by about 2 inches, which then tucks into the soil when you pin it in place.

3.Pin the fabric to the soil, placing a pin about every 8 inches to make sure it doesn’t come loose.

4.If planting plants in the area, cut an “X” for the placement area and fold the cut area back in place once you are finished planting.

5.Add about a 3-inch layer of organic or inorganic mulch over the fabric.