How to Install Weed Guard Fabric

Measure the area designated for weed guard fabric. Record the measurement of the length and width of the proposed area.

Purchase the needed rolls of weed guard fabric. If available, purchase a roll to match the width of the area to avoid having to cut the fabric. If two pieces of fabric are needed to cover an area, overlap the pieces a minimum of six inches. Purchase the weed guard fabric at any local home improvement store or landscape center.

Buy enough fabric pins to hold down the weed guard. Assume a pin is needed every three feet in each direction. The landscape center or home improvement store will also carry the pins for the weed guard fabric.

Prepare the area proposed for weed guard fabric. Remove any unwanted plants, weeds and vegetation using a rake or a small garden tiller. Use the back side of the rake to smooth the grading of the area. Remove any holes and level out abrupt elevation changes in the grade to provide consistent support under the fabric. If the landscape area is located next to a structure, grade the slope away from the structure to promote drainage away from the foundation.

Roll the fabric out over the landscape area. If a single roll of fabric does not cover the entire area, overlap the fabric a minimum of 6 inches. Cut out holes for trees and other plantings to remain. Trim any excess fabric using scissors.

Insert fabric pins every three feet on center. Push the pins through the fabric into the underlying soil so the top of the pin is flush with the grade. Use extra pins on fabric overlap areas to avoid separation.

Place the lanscape material of choice over top of the weed guard fabric. Gravel, lava rock, and mulch all provide good coverage over the fabric. Make sure the material completely covers the weed guard fabric.