When it comes to landscaping, there are a lot of things to think about. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is what type of surface to put over your soil. You can go with gravel, mulch, or even concrete.
Landscape fabric is a material used to suppress weeds and erosion, while also allowing water and air to pass through. It’s a popular choice for gardeners and landscape professionals alike.
While landscape fabric is not absolutely necessary for a healthy garden, it can undoubtedly be beneficial in many situations. So, if you’re thinking about using landscape fabric in your landscape, be sure to do your research before you make a decision, there’s something you need to know.
According to the report of Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (2000), well-maintained landscapes can contribute up to 20% of the value of residential properties.
However, to get these benefits, landscapes must be installed correctly and properly maintained (Henry,1994).
So how you can install landscape fabric and keep maintained? That’s why you need to read this article. Because in this article, I will teach you how to lay landscape fabric under gravel?
So that your gravel stays in place and doesn’t get muddy or stained. Also, I have shared some tips and instructions that will help you to install it properly.
So Let’s Get Started!
What Is Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric is a type of synthetic fabric that is often used in gardening and landscaping. It is usually made from polypropylene or polyethylene, and it typically has a woven or non-woven construction.
Landscape fabric is available in a variety of weights and thicknesses, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as weed control, erosion control, and landscape stabilization.
One of the key benefits of landscape fabric is that it helps to prevent weeds from taking root in garden beds. In addition, landscape fabric can help to reduce soil erosion, making it an ideal solution for sloped or hilly gardens.
However, landscape fabric is not without its drawbacks. It can block water and air from reaching plant roots, and it can be difficult to remove once it has been installed.
As a result, landscape fabric should be used with caution in order to avoid damaging delicate plant life.
Why Should I Use Landscape fabric Under Gravel, Mulch Or Stone?
Landscape fabric is a woven or non-woven material that is placed under gravel, mulch, or stone to help with weed control.
A person can use landscape fabric under gravel for its numerous uses; it acts as a barrier, blocking sunlight and water from reaching the soil below. This prevents weeds from germinating and growing.
Therefore, the landscape fabric acts as a physical barrier to kill the weeds or you can simply call it a weed barrier.
In addition, landscape fabric helps to stabilize the ground underneath, reducing the likelihood of erosion. It can also help to extend the life of your gravel or mulch by preventing it from being washed away or blown away by the wind.
Landscape fabric is an inexpensive and easy way to keep your landscape looking neat and tidy.
If you make up your mind to use it then I suggest you read this complete guide on how to lay landscape fabric under gravel.
Pros And Cons
Landscape fabric is a popular choice for use under gravel, but it’s not without its pros and cons. On the plus side, landscape fabric helps to prevent weeds from growing up through the gravel.
Landscape fabric also helps to keep the gravel in place, which can be helpful in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.
On the downside, landscape fabric can be costly and it can be difficult to install. So before installing make sure to read our article on how to install landscape underneath gravel?
What Type Of Landscape Fabric Works Best Under Gravel?
Landscape fabric is a popular choice for weed control under gravel, but not all landscape fabrics are created equal.
Landscape fabric comes in a variety of weights and weaves patterns, and some fabrics are better suited for use under gravel than others.
When choosing landscape fabric for use under gravel, look for a heavyweight fabric with a tight weave. This type of landscape fabric will block out light and prevent weed growth while allowing water and air to pass through.
Avoid using landscape fabrics with a loose weave or that are too thin, as these will allow weeds to grow up through the gravel. With the right landscape fabric in place, you can enjoy a beautiful, weed-free landscape for years to come.
There are four major types of landscape fabrics.
- Woven Landscape Fabric
- Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
- Spun Landscape Fabric
- Perforated Landscape Fabric
Woven Landscape Fabric
Woven landscape fabric is made of woven linen or synthetic fibers, and it is designed to be durable and long-lasting. There are small holes between the fibers which allow water and air to access the soil.
Landscape fabric can be used for a variety of purposes, including weed control, erosion control, and drainage.
This fabric is often placed under mulch or rock to help prevent weeds from growing. It can also be used to line trenches or placed over bare ground to help prevent erosion.
In addition, landscape fabric can be used to allow water to drain away from plants or areas that are prone to flooding.
Key Features:
- Tough to puncture or tear.
- Suitable for rock ground covers.
Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
A piece of non-woven landscape fabric is a variety of solid sheet synthetic fibers that are woven together, typically made of polypropylene or polyester.
The fabric allows some water and air movement, but it is less permeable than other landscape fabrics.
Non-woven landscape fabric is often used to line walkways, prevent weeds from growing, and protect plant roots from pests.
Key Features:
- Suitable for rock pathways or line walkways.
- Best for erosion control.
Spun Landscape Fabric
Spun landscape fabric is a non-woven fabric that is made from a single layer of fibers that are spun together with heat or compression.
This fabric is very strong and durable, making it ideal for projects that will require a lot of heavy foot traffic.
In flower beds where digging is minimal, you can use its light variety.
Key Features:
- Very Strong and durable.
- Best for gravel pathway.
Perforated Landscape Fabric
Perforated landscape fabric is made from multiple layers of fabric that are bonded together.
This type of fabric is more breathable, as the water and air pass through easily, making it ideal for use in areas where plants will need roots to reach the ground.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and light-duty.
- Best for vegetable garden.
Is Landscape Fabric A Permanent Solution?
Most landscape fabrics are not a permanent solution. They will degrade over time and will eventually need to be replaced.
Some landscape fabrics are made from more durable materials that will last longer, but even those will eventually need to be replaced.
If you are looking for a permanent solution, you may want to consider using concrete or stone instead of landscape fabric.
Disadvantages Of Using Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric can be effective at controlling weeds and erosion, but there are some disadvantages to using it.
One disadvantage of landscape fabric is that it can block drainage. If water cannot drain properly, it can pool on the surface and lead to problems such as mold growth or mosquito breeding.
Another disadvantage of landscape fabric is that it can prevent air circulation. This can create a humid environment that is favorable for fungal problems such as root rot.
Finally, landscape fabric can be unsightly. While it is usually hidden beneath mulch or other landscape materials, it can be visible if these materials shift or are removed.
While landscape fabric has some disadvantages, it can be a helpful tool in the landscape when used properly. Be sure to read this complete guide on How to lay landscape fabric under gravel, so the disadvantages can be minimized.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you can begin installing landscape fabric, you’ll need these tools and materials on How to lay landscape fabric under gravel.
- Tape measure
- Garden hoe or Weed whacker
- Shovel or bow rake
- Hand tamper
- Garden trowel
- String or chalk
- Utility knife or Scissors
- Cut-resistant gloves or Garden gloves
- Staple gun
- Your choice of plant
- Your choice of fertilizer
- Your choice of landscape fabric
11 Easy Steps: How To Install Landscape Fabric Under Gravel?
Landscape fabric is a great way to keep weeds from growing in your gravel driveway or patio. But if you’ve never installed it before, the process can seem a bit daunting.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you how to lay landscape fabric under gravel and gets the job done.
Step 1: Measure The Area
It’s important to measure the area where you’ll be installing the landscape fabric before you purchase it. This will ensure that you have enough material to cover the entire area.
To measure the area, simply use a tape measure to calculate the length and width of the space. Once you have these dimensions, multiply them together to get the total square footage.
For example, if your space is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, the total square footage would be 50 square feet.
Measuring the area also helps you to know how many landscape staples you have to buy.
Tip: Buy some extra landscape fabric to cover-up:
Installation mistakes
Excess fabric around the area’s edges
Sliding some extra fabric under the slit
Step 2: Remove Existing Weeds
Weeding the area before installing landscape fabric will make the job easier and prevent weeds from growing up through the fabric.
You can remove existing weeds by hand or with a weed wrecker or garden hoe. Be sure to get rid of as many roots as possible so they don’t regrow.
Step 3: Clear The Rubble
Use a shovel or bow rake to clear any rubble or debris from the area. This will help create a smooth surface for the fabric to be laid on.
Step 4: Prepare The Soil Surface
Once the debris is cleared, you will need to level off the ground as much as possible.
This will help to ensure that the fabric lies flat and doesn’t bunch up in any areas. You can use a rake or garden trowel to achieve a relatively level.
You can also use a hand tamper which is similar to a shovel and heavy and mostly used for packing and leveling material like dirt, sand, or even stoned.
Step 5: Fertilizing The Soil
Fertilize the soil in the area because applying the fertilizer at this moment can enable the nutrients to work gradually into the root zone for the next growing season.
It will also help the plants that you put in later to thrive.
There are plenty of fertilizers in the market, but you have to choose the one that best fulfills your plant’s needs.
You can skip this step if you are going to install the fabric for a gravel pathway or gravel ground cover without the plants.
Step 6: Choosing Right Landscape Fabric
When choosing landscape fabric, it’s important to select a product that is specifically designed for landscaping applications. These products are typically made from woven or non-woven polypropylene materials.
Landscape fabric is also available in different thicknesses, which is important to consider depending on the project you’re working on.
Step 7: Lay The Landscape Fabric
Now you will need to mark out the area where you will be installing the fabric. This can be done with string, chalk, or another method of your choice.
Be sure to leave enough room around the perimeter of the area so that you can easily tuck the fabric under the gravel.
Lay the landscape fabric on the ground, starting from one end to another. Make sure that it is flat and there are no wrinkles or creases.
Step 8: Cut The Fabric Accordingly
After laying the fabric not it’s time to cut the fabric. You will need to cut it to fit the area that you are working in.
Make sure to keep a few inches of fabric extending past the edge. Cut the excess fabric with scissors or a utility knife and roll out the remaining fabric.
Wear cut-resistant gloves to protect your hand from cuts due to sharp edge knives. Although cut-resistant gloves cannot eliminate the risk of getting injured completely but can minimize the chance that it will happen.
Tip: Cut an X-shape incision into the landscape fabric for any existing plant in the area.
Step 9: Overlap The Fabric
If there is more than one piece of fabric is used to cover the landscape, plan at least 8 inches of overlap where the edges of the fabric meet.
Be sure to leave enough room around the perimeter of the area so that you can easily tuck the fabric under the gravel.
Step 10: Secure The Fabric
Before the wind blows the fabric all away, let’s secure it to the ground. Once the fabric is in place, you can use a landscape staple gun to secure it.
Begin at one end of the fabric and work your way along, stapling the fabric down as you go.
Make sure to use a staple every 8 to 12 inches along all edges of the fabric and any seams where separate sections meet.
Install The Edging
If your gravel pathway contains edging then it’s time to install it. Otherwise, you don’t need to do so.
Step 11: Spread The Gravel Layer
For the protection of Landscape fabric, cover the area with gravel and make sure to fill in all of the spaces.
Wrap Up On How To Lay Landscape Fabric Under Gravel?
So, once you have completed all of these steps, your landscape fabric will be installed properly and ready to use.
Be sure to check it periodically to make sure that it is still in good condition and that the gravel has not shifted.
With proper care, your landscape fabric should last for many years.
Have you had success laying landscape fabric under gravel by using these simple steps? Let us know in the comments below!
For more detailed guidance you can simply contact us.
FAQs: How To Lay Landscape Fabric Under Gravel.
People have many questions related to How to lay landscape fabric under gravel. Here I am answering some important questions;
Q1: How often do I need to check my landscape fabric?
Ans: You should check your landscape fabric periodically to make sure that it is still in good condition and that the gravel has not shifted.
Q2: Can I put landscape fabric over weeds?
Ans: Yes, you can put landscape fabric over weeds, but you will need to make sure that the fabric is in good condition and that the weeds are not too tall.
Q3: Can I use black plastic instead of landscape fabric?
Ans: Yes, you can use black plastic instead of landscape fabric, but you will need to make sure that the plastic is in good condition and that it is not too thick.
Q4: How deep do you put landscape fabric?
Ans: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the depth at which you install landscape fabric will depend on a number of factors, including the type of fabric you are using, the purpose for which you are using it, and the specific conditions of your landscape.
However, as a general rule of thumb, dig a 3 to 6-inch deep trench around the edges after you install the fabric around the seedling.
Q5: What works better than landscape fabric?
Ans: There are a few things that work better than landscape fabric when it comes to weed control.
One is mulch. Mulch provides a barrier between the soil and the atmosphere, which helps prevent weed seedlings from getting the light and air they need to germinate.
Another option is using herbicides in conjunction with landscape fabric. This will provide a better level of weed control, as the herbicides will kill any weeds that do manage to break through the fabric.