How to Lay Weed Barrier Fabric Around Bushes

Rake away any mulch located under the bushes and place it into a pile near the site. If desired, you may also dispose of the mulch and install new mulch after installing the weed barrier fabric.

Pull up any existing weeds or grass growing under the bushes using your hands and place them into a trash bag. Although the weed barrier fabric will kill the small weeds, it’s best to go ahead and remove them.

Examine the soil surface to locate any raised or depressed areas. Rake the soil to smooth the surface out evenly. Use caution not to rake too deep, since you can damage the bush roots.

Place the roll of weed barrier fabric at the front of the planting site and push it back against the bush until it is 3 inches from the trunk. Unroll the fabric sideways across the front of the bushes until reaching the end of the planting site. Cut the fabric off the roll using scissors.

Place the roll of fabric at the rear of the bushes 3 inches away from the trunk and unroll it across the back of them in the same manner. Cut off the excess fabric when you reach the end.

Cut off strips of the weed barrier fabric that are wide enough to fill the gaps between each bush. The width will vary based on your planting distances. Cover the areas between the bushes until no soil is visible.

Walk around the perimeter of the planting area and cut the edge of the fabric using scissors or a utility knife, and following the border of the bed. For example, if the border contains curves cut the curves into the fabric.

Secure the fabric to the ground using landscape staples inserted every five to six inches along the entire perimeter. Install additional staples along all of the free edges in between the bushes as well.

Rake the old mulch back into place, or spread new mulch on top of the weed barrier fabric until it reaches 2 inches thick.