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How to Install Landscape Fabrics

by David Beaulieu

Project Complete: Landscape Fabrics, Mulch, Planting

Picture of mulch-covered weed fabric.
Picture of landscape fabric covered with mulch.
David Beaulieu

The photo on this page shows the completed project -- for the purpose of the present article, that is. I do, however, intend to install more plants in this space at a later time. To do so, I will repeat the process described in Steps #8 and #9. The salient point of the project as described here is that, in the meantime, weeds will be kept in check. As the garden mulch decomposes over the years, I will have to remove it, applying a new layer to take its place. At the same time, I may well replace the landscape fabric, as well, before too many plant roots become entangled in it.

As stated on Page 1, landscape fabrics have their critics. I by no means claim that they are a "silver bullet" for weed control. Indeed, "serious" gardeners may well choose to stay away from landscape fabrics altogether.

However, in providing tips on the topic of landscaping, I make it a point to steer clear of a one-size-fits-all approach. Some products, while imperfect, may nonetheless fill a niche role. A case in point is the use of landscape fabrics, which may help reduce landscape maintenance in some instances for homeowners who are "on the go." It is for just such individuals that the present article has been written, so that they can decide for themselves if, for their own unique circumstances, the pros of landscape fabrics outweigh the cons.

  1. What Are the Uses for Landscape Fabrics?
  2. Preparing the Ground for Landscape Fabrics
  3. How to Use Garden Hoes
  4. Use the Steel Rake to Even the Soil
  5. Using Mulches
  6. Installing Landscape Fabrics to Block Weeds
  7. Secure With Landscape Fabric Pins, or "Garden Staples," Then Mulch
  8. Making Incisions in the Weed Barriers for Planting
  9. How to Install Plants Through Weed Barriers
  10. Project Complete: Landscape Fabrics, Mulch, Planting

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