What
is landscape fabric?
Landscape
fabric is a material placed around trees, flowers or shrubs
to stop weeds and promote plant growth, without chemicals.
It blocks sunlight so weeds can't grow, but it's also permeable
so air and moisture can nourish your plants. Professionals
have used it for years, and now it's growing in popularity
among home gardeners and landscapers.
Is
landscape fabric really better than plastic?
Yes!
While black plastic does stop weeds, it also keeps air and
water away from the soil, so plant-killing diseases develop.
Landscape fabric blocks weeds, but its permeability allows
the proper balance of air, water and nutrients into the soil.
As a result, plants can grow up to twice the size of plants
grown without fabric.
Are there different qualities in
the fabrics available?
Yes.
Our Pro Weed barrier is the only one with a 100% guarantee against no weeds. We carry two types of fabrics, non-woven and woven. The non-woven product is a consistent fabric that is fabricated by using a spun-bonded method, which sandwiches melt-blown material. The woven product is a tightly woven mesh that is strong and can handle even the toughest weeds. DeWitt Company Inc products are all U.V. treated to withstand the sun's decomposing effects. A rule of thumb: see the fabric's guarantee. The longer it is, the better it is.
What
makes DeWitt fabrics better?
DeWitt invented landscape fabric and our quality has made us #1 among
professional landscapers. We offer a range of fabrics, all
100% UV-treated and guaranteed for up to 10 years - longest
in the industry.
Will weeds grow on top of the fabric?
Weeds
will grow anywhere there is an organic environment present
that will allow germination. If wind blows soil and seeds
onto the surface of any fabric or mulch covering, there is
the possibility of weed growth. Mulch itself will eventually
break down and create a soil-like environment for weed seed
germination. Solution: Quick application of systemic herbicide
and later application of early spring or late fall pre-emergence
herbicide. Follow the directions on the label.
What if weeds grow under or through
the fabric?
The
primary causes are improper fabric application and sometimes
extremely stubborn perennial weeds or grasses. Be sure to
follow the recommended fabric application directions to fully
cover the entire area. In the rare case of particular weeds
actually growing under or through the fabric, a herbicide
application may be needed. Solution: Application of herbicides
may be necessary in particular installations. The use of a
plant fabric will prevent most weed growth and limit the need
for chemicals. DeWitt fabrics are the best available at any price.
Does it matter which side of Pro5
or Weed Barrier 20 yr. I put against the ground?
Pro5
and 20 yr. Weed Barrier should be installed with
the fuzzy side facing the ground. You can also lay the fabric both ways if you are on a slope and you are wanting things to stay in place.
I have put landscape fabric down
and water is not going through. Why?
The
manufacturers put a coating on the material to make it roll
better. After 24-48 hours, this will break down and the water
will go through normally.
If I use DeWitt landscape fabric
do I still install the same amount of organic mulch?
No.
You can reduce the amount of mulch you use by about 1/3. Example:
Normal use of 2.5" would only require 1" to 1.5" with DeWitt
landscape fabric. This is a cost savings to you.
How
far apart should I space my anchoring pins?
Generally,
every 3 to 5 feet apart is sufficient.
If you have questions that have not been addressed here, please contact DeWitt for answers or
additional information. DeWitt Company welcomes your interest in its landscaping fabric and horticultural
products.
How do I know which fabric to use?
If interested in how DeWitt products could help you, please call or email us.
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