How to Put in a Plastic Weed Barrier

Plastic weed barriers prevent weeds from growing by keeping sunlight, water and oxygen from penetrating the soil beneath. They are most suitable for preventing weeds in areas where no plants are desired, such as rock gardens or gravel paths. Plastic weed barriers differ from permeable landscape fabric in that fabric is designed to allow oxygen and water through, and is more suitable for controlling weed growth in gardens or flowerbeds. Since plastic weed barriers are impermeable and non-biodegradable, they offer more effective and longer-lasting weed control in areas without plants.

Hoe
Spade or shovel
Herbicide (optional)
Scissors or utility knife
Landscape pins

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all weeds from the area to be covered by hand, with a hoe or other weeding tool, or a broad-spectrum chemical weed killer. All of these methods provide the best results if they are performed once several days in advance and again just before installing the barrier.
- 2
  Level the area to be covered. Fill holes or low areas and smooth the surface using a hoe or the back of a shovel. Low areas collect water and form stagnant pools once the barrier is installed. Remove stones or sticks, as these puncture the barrier and give weeds an opening to grow through.
- 3
  Dig a narrow trench 6 inches deep around the perimeter of the area to be covered.
- 4
  Roll out the weed barrier and lay it over the area and smooth it out. The barrier should lay flat, with no bubbles or wrinkles.
- 5
  Tuck the edges of the barrier into the trench. Excess material may be trimmed with scissors or a utility knife. The barrier material should extend into the trench by 6 inches. Pin the edges of the barrier firmly to the ground using landscape pins or stakes.
- 6
  Refill the trenches, tamping down the dirt firmly over the barrier material.

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