How to Install Landscape Cloth
Landscape cloth helps keep weeds out of your garden. Landscape cloth is readily available from most garden and home improvement stores. Choose a strong cloth--if you can tear it, that's a sure sign that weeds will break through the barrier. When you're ready to install it, don't simply lay the cloth over existing plants and weeds. For the best results, take the time to prepare the area you wish to protect. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Landscape cloth
- Scissors or utility knife
- Optional:
- String
- Herbicide
- Compost
- Fertilizer
- Hoe
- Rake
- Fabric pegs
Instructions
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1
Mark the area where you wish to install the landscape cloth using string, rocks, sticks, or any other item.
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2
Measure the area to determine the amount of cloth you'll need. Allow for a 3- to 6-inch overlap where pieces of cloth meet.
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3
Remove all old plants and weeds. Do this by hand, with a hoe, or with an herbicide. If you wish to recess a lawn, after spraying with an herbicide use a sod cutter to remove the top layer of grass.
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4
Prepare the soil if you plan to add plants to the area. Add compost, fertilizer or other nutrients. With a hoe, rake or rototiller, work these into the soil 4 to 6 inches deep while breaking up clods. Remove rocks and sticks, and then rake the soil into an even surface.
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5
Install watering system now, if you plan to add one to your landscaping.
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Cut the fabric to the proper size using scissors or a utility knife.
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Lay the cloth over the area, making sure to overlap seams. The fabric should lay flat and be kept tight around the edges. Hold the fabric in place with pegs, or simply use rocks or some other weight.
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Mark the areas where you want to plant, or arrange the plants on the cloth to get a sense of the landscape design.
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Cut an "x" in the fabric where you wish to plant, and fold the flaps under the cloth. The "x" should be the size of the plant's root ball.
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Dig the hole for the plant and place the plant in the hole. Gently pull up the fabric flaps and lay them next to the plant.
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Place the ground cover (such as decorative rocks or mulch) over all exposed fabric once you have finished planting.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the edges of the landscape cloth as tight as possible. When cutting for curved areas, cut and lay out in a square pattern first, then cut around the curves. Make sure all fabric is covered with mulch. Sunlight will cause the fabric to deteriorate.
Weeds will still grow around the edges of the cloth.
