Clients often wonder when it is best to use Weed Cloth/Landscape Fabric. It can be a helpful tool when installing your newly designed landscape project. Here are a few key points to consider if it is necessary for your design.
Quality Selection Tips:
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Choose a non-woven geosynthetic textile fabric. Do not use plastic!
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Don’t choose the cheap stuff that will only last a season.
Reasons to Use:
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Helps to deter weeds from growing up into your beautifully designed landscaping.
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Acts as a separation barrier for the landscape rock and soil, so the stone doesn’t get pushed down into the soil.
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Reduces the need for herbicides as weed control.
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Best for use with landscape rock (inorganic mulch).
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Allows water absorption into the soil, which helps to keep moisture in the ground for plants.
Installation Tips:
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Do not use in garden beds where plant movement is frequent.
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Fabric must be covered with mulch or it will deteriorate with UV exposure. 2”-3” coverage is recommended.
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Helpful to apply a preemergent to the soil prior to laying the cloth. This aids to inhibit weed growth down through the fabric.
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Landscape fabric does require some maintenance.
Applications Where it is Not Necessary:
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Not as necessary for arid/desert climates as it is for wetter regions.
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Not as necessary when using organic mulch, as it inhibits nutrient transfer into the soil.
