Landscaping Fabric

Perhaps you’ve seen landscaping fabric on your weekend trips to Home Depot, and you’re curious. If you’re fed up with weeds, it might be time for some landscaping fabric. The experts at Apex Landscaping will tell you what you need to know about landscaping fabric. 

 

What You Need to Know About Landscaping Fabric

Landscaping fabric, sometimes referred to as weed fabric, is a popular weed-control method because it doesn’t involve using chemicals that could potentially be toxic to kill or prevent unwanted weed growth. Whether you’re trying to improve your landscape or get ready for summer, landscaping fabric might be the answer. 

 

What is Landscape Fabric? 

landscaping fabric

Landscape fabric is a material that is designed to act as a physical barrier between the soil and the sun. All landscape fabric can be covered with mulch, so you don’t see it in your landscaping. It is one of the many tips and tricks for a healthy lawn. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about landscape fabric: 

 

What is Landscape Fabric Made Of? 

It is constructed from either woven fibers or manufactured as a solid sheet with perforated holes to allow water to soak through. 

 

What is the Purpose of Landscape Fabric?

Its purpose is to act as a resilient barrier for flower beds and yard areas that are prone to weeds. 

 

How Much Does Landscaping Fabric Cost?

Landscape fabric comes in rolls, and the price depends on the thickness and the brand of fabric you choose. 

 

Where Can I Use Landscape Fabric? 

The best place for landscape fabric is around shrubs and trees where it can be installed and topped with quality mulch. Ideally, it will last for years! However, landscaping fabric is not ideal for vegetable gardens or annual flower beds since it is meant to be left in place. 

 

Benefits of Utilizing Landscaping Fabric 

landscape fabric

There are numerous benefits to landscape fabric, including: 

 

Keeping Unwanted Mulch and Debris Out of the Soil

A layer of landscape fabric keeps inorganic mulches and unwanted debris like rocks from sinking into the soil. 

 

Prevents Weeds From Sprouting

Landscaping fabric can prevent weed seeds that are buried in the soil beneath the fabric from sprouting. Even weed seeds need light and air to grow, so the landscape fabric stops them. 

 

Limits the Need for Herbicides and Other Chemicals 

Some gardeners and homeowners prefer not to use chemical herbicides for health reasons in their flower beds and borders if possible, especially if they have children and pets who love to play in the yard. Landscape fabric can reduce or completely eliminate the need for chemical herbicides. If you are hoping to create an eco-friendly landscape, landscaping fabric might be the answer. 

 

Helps Retain Moisture in the Soil 

Landscaping fabric helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. Two of the main factors behind evaporation are sun and wind, which can dry out your soil. If you put landscape fabric over the top of the soil, it will help keep that important moisture in the soil. 

 

Prevents Erosion During Heavy Rains

If you have slopes in your yard, landscaping fabric can prevent erosion from washout during heavy rains. Semi-permeable landscape fabric will still allow a little moisture to seep through while also protecting the surface of the soil from water running down the slope. 

 

Drawbacks of Utilizing Landscaping Fabric

Just like any other product, there are some downsides to using landscaping fabric in your yard. 

 

Landscape Fabric is Not Earthworm-Friendly 

Earthworms are actually very useful and aerate your soil. When earthworms can’t reach the soil surface, the ground underneath the landscape fabric can actually compact and become unhealthy. 

 

Blocks Natural Organic Mulch 

mulch

Fallen leaves and pine needles act as a natural organic mulch in most yards. However, landscaping fabric blocks these natural nutrients from entering your soil. 

 

Weed Seeds Can Still Sprout

Though landscaping fabric prevents weed seeds from sprouting underneath the fabric, unfortunately, they can still sprout in the mulch used to cover the fabric. Their roots sometimes even grab on to the perforations in the fabric and make it hard to yank them out without also ripping up the fabric. 

 

Makes Reseeding Difficult 

If you depend on certain plants spreading naturally via reseeding, you do not want to use landscape fabric. The fabric will make it so that the seeds that fall can’t penetrate the fabric or sprout. 

 

Hard to Remove

Once you have installed landscape fabric, it can be difficult to remove. Typically, landscape fabric is covered with rubber or wood chips or rocks. In order to remove the material, first you (or your landscapers!) will need to shovel or rake away the material. 

 

Price

Some homeowners and gardeners balk at the price of landscape fabric. At Apex Landscaping, we work with your budget to provide you with cost-effective solutions for your yard. 

 

Tips for How to Install Weed Fabric

If you are considering adding landscape fabric, here are some of our best tips: 

 

Choose Professional-Grade Landscape Fabric 

If you choose to add landscaping fabric to your yard, make sure to choose professional-grade fabric and have it installed by professional landscapers. 

 

Utilize Landscape Pins

In order to install landscape fabric, you will also need landscape pins to secure the fabric. If you choose a cheap option, it will be prone to ripping and won’t last as long. 

 

Add Amendments Before Installation

It is key to add all the amendments you need — like manure or peat moss — to the soil before you install the landscape fabric, since you won’t be able to do it afterward. 

The best way to install landscaping fabric is to turn to a professional landscaping company at Apex Landscaping. 

 

Apex Landscaping Can Install Landscaping Fabric For You 

Rather than trying to follow a complicated “20 steps to installing landscaping fabric” article or video, instead, just turn to the pros at Apex Landscaping. Our experts can help you determine whether to use landscape fabric or an alternative, help you choose the right type of landscape fabric, and install it for you. Contact us today to book the best landscaping services in Chicagoland

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