If you’re using landscape fabric, you want it to do what it’s supposed to do—block weeds, conserve moisture, and keep your garden beds looking clean.
But like any tool, how you install it determines how well it performs. DeWitt’s woven and non-woven fabrics are engineered for durability and weed control. To get the most out of them, proper installation is key.
Here’s how to make sure your fabric lasts, functions as intended, and actually stops weeds instead of letting them creep through.
- Pick the Right Fabric for the Job
Not all landscape fabrics are the same. The first mistake people make? Using the wrong type for their project.
- Non-Woven Fabric: Flexible, easy to install, have a variety of weights for each budget and ideal for residential gardens, flower beds, and paths. It allows water to pass through while keeping weeds down. Best for projects where you might want to rework the landscape in a few years.
- Woven Fabric: Stronger, denser, and designed for commercial or high-traffic areas. DeWitt’s Pro 5 woven fabric is the industry standard for long-term weed suppression, built to withstand foot traffic and large-scale installations.
The takeaway? If you’re working in a residential setting where flexibility matters, go with lighter weight non-woven. If you need serious durability, stick with professional grade non-woven and woven.
- Prep the Site Like a Pro
You wouldn’t lay flooring without prepping the subfloor—landscape fabric is the same. The biggest installation failures happen when people skip this step.
- Clear out weeds, roots, and debris before laying fabric. Anything left behind will decompose and create a seedbed for weeds on top of the fabric.
- Level the soil to prevent low spots where water can pool, which leads to fabric shifting or weeds pushing through.
- Check soil moisture before installation—if the ground is too wet, let it dry slightly before laying fabric.
Spending an extra hour on site prep will save you years of dealing with weeds that manage to poke through gaps caused by poor prep.
- Overlap Like You Mean It
One of the biggest weak points in a landscape fabric installation is the seams. If they’re not overlapped properly, weeds will find a way through.
- Overlap fabric edges by 6–12 inches to eliminate gaps. A small overlap may seem fine at first, but soil movement and root pressure will widen those gaps over time.
- Anchor the fabric with steel staples, not just rocks. Staples hold the material in place so it doesn’t shift over time. If using mulch or gravel, stapling first will prevent movement when the cover material settles.
Overlap and secure it—two of the biggest mistakes people make when installing landscape fabric.
- Maintenance Matters: Protecting Your Fabric from the Elements
Even the best landscape fabric needs basic maintenance to keep working long-term.
- UV rays break down exposed fabric. If you leave it uncovered, it won’t last. Cover it with at least 2–3 inches of mulch, rock, or gravel to extend its life.
- Organic matter builds up over time. Dust, leaves, and decomposed mulch can form a new soil layer on top of the fabric. If weeds take root in that, they’ll punch through. Periodically rake or refresh the surface to keep buildup under control.
- If you see fraying or wear, cover it immediately. Even high-quality woven fabrics degrade when exposed for too long. Prevent UV exposure, and your fabric will last much longer.
- Watch the Edges: The No. 1 Spot Where Weeds Win
Most weeds don’t break through the middle of your fabric—they sneak in from the edges where the fabric meets soil.
- Check edges regularly and remove any weeds before they establish a stronghold.
- If weeds appear, don’t pull—cut. Pulling can create gaps or dislodge fabric. Instead, trim weeds at the base to avoid disturbing the barrier.
- Reinforce vulnerable spots. In high-traffic areas, consider doubling up fabric layers or adding extra staples along seams to prevent shifting over time.
Final Thoughts: Why the Right Installation Pays Off
DeWitt’s landscape fabric is designed to make weed prevention easy and long-lasting. But even the best fabric won’t work if it’s installed poorly. Take the time to overlap correctly, secure edges, protect against UV damage, and keep organic matter from accumulating.
The payoff? A cleaner, healthier, weed-free landscape that lasts for years—without constant rework.
If you’re tackling a landscape project this season, set it up right the first time. Install it like a pro, and your fabric will do its job for the long haul.