How to Install a Ground Cloth

Ground fabric is an environmentally friendly way to control weeds.

Ground cloth, also known as weed barrier, can be an effective chemical-free way of controlling weed growth in a garden, as well as conserving water in the soil. With just a pair of scissors, you can install ground cloth in the garden in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Ground cloth (amount varies with area to cover)
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Mulch, such as wood chips
• Spade

Instructions

1. Measure length and width of area to be covered. Add 3 to 6 inches of overlap on each side of the measurement, to ensure complete coverage.

2. Remove remaining grass and weeds from area to be covered. Ground fabric can prevent grass and weeds from springing up under it, but it is not strong enough to kill a thick lawn of growth beneath it all by itself.

3. Cut fabric to dimensions needed for the area. For irregularly shaped garden areas, cover the area with many separate pieces rather than trying to cut one large piece to cover the whole thing.

4. Cover ground fabric with mulch to hold it in place. Add the mulch a little at a time so that the fabric is anchored to the ground and less likely to shift or blow away. Be sure that all visible ground cover is covered with mulch because sunlight is the most damaging element to ground fabric and causes the most disintegration.

Tips & Warnings

• Ground fabrics are rated for how long they are expected to last, buy the longest-lasting fabric that the budget allows. Avoid plastic sheeting, as they are detrimental to soil and plant health.

References

• The Landscape Design Site: Professional Landscaping Fabric / Weed Barrier