Black Polypropylene for Landscaping

Black Polypropylene

• Black polypropylene landscape fabric is produced by bonding or weaving fibers together. This geotextile prevents weed seed germination, aids in retaining soil moisture and allows fertilizer to move in between the fibers to plants. One drawback to using black polypropylene is its ability to degrade when exposed to sunlight. To prolong the life of the fabric, gardeners spread mulch on the top. Even with the mulch spread on top, polypropylene will need replacement in several years.

Preparing the Installation

• Improper black polypropylene installation leads to weeds growing from underneath the fabric. In order to use the material in landscaping, gardeners must prepare their flowerbeds by removing all weeds. Dig up weeds around flowers or spray a herbicide that contains glyphosate if starting a flowerbed. If using glyphosate, wait five to 14 days for weeds to die off. Smooth the surface of the soil with the back of a rake. Remove any debris in the soil.

Installation

• Cut your black polypropylene to fit the size of your garden bed. If using around trees or shrubs, cut the fabric to leave at least 4 inches around the base. The base of trees and shrubs should not have any mulch touching the trunk to allow the soil to dry out. Dried out soil reduces the risk of disease. Create X-shapes cuts into the fabric for pulling over flowers. Lay the fabric down and press landscaping pins around the perimeter.

After Care

• Spread a 3- to 4-in. layer of mulch over the top of the black polypropylene. When using mulch, choose one type of mulch to use on your garden bed to achieve a uniform looking landscape. Avoid using a mulch type that contributes acidic properties to the soil such as pine needles to prevent burning alkaline soil loving plants like oaks. Monitor the black polypropylene for tears. Repair any tears by sewing a patch on the fabric.