Being a house-proud person, you would maintain your garden and yard. Spring is a rush period for farmers. Now, you are to plant seeds of various vegetables. Fruit trees should also look neat and stay healthy. They require regular trimming. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t disregard your yard and flower beds. How long does landscape fabric last? Streamline your hard work. Use top-quality materials to prevent the growth of weeds. This way, their seeds won’t sprout. They don’t creep into your flower beds and garden areas. So, let me give you a piece of advice on the matter. Keep reading the article. Find out which materials to buy and how to use them to the best advantage.
What is Landscape Fabric?
If you still have to stay at home now, it’s a pity. You may be sick and tired of your remote work. Seeking outdoor activities is natural in spring. Fortunately, in Michigan, the government eases restrictions soon. Starting from the 15th of May 2021, you can play golf or go boating.
Visiting your neighbors would be also possible. So, you’ll be proud to show them your beautiful berry bushes or raised flower beds. Secure them, using your best landscape edging. It prevents soil erosion. So does top-quality textile material. Weed barrier or landscape fabric is beneficial.
You can use organic or woven cloth material to:
- prevent sunlight from reaching the soil;
- stabilize its temperature;
- retain moisture;
- discourage weed growth;
- keep insects and earthworms away.
Areas along sidewalks are not too demanding. You can use your best commercial stick edger to cut the grass in tight spaces. Soil around trees and bushes requires special maintenance, and it includes core aeration and regular watering. Most importantly, flower beds should be free of weeds and herbicides.
When Should You Not Use Landscape Fabric?
All stone sidewalk and yard maintaining job is perfect to do in spring. What is the weather like in your region now? In Michigan, spring is commonly a dry season. In March heavy rains and snowfalls are still common. The first signs of warmth are inspiring in April. It brings greenery to your garden and landscape.
How often should I water my lawn with sprinkler system? May is commonly a rainy month in Midland County. The risk of violent storms and flooding is high. Thus, your smart, automatic watering system is necessary a bit later. The last frost can happen in the middle of May.
So, you would plant most seeds indoors. It concerns vegetables like cucumbers and onions. Besides, use best wall mount hose reel for watering the soil during outdoor planting. Seeds of tomatoes and carrots withstand May soil temperatures. But you can start maintaining your yard right now. When the weather is cloudy, but not rainy, clean your garden and sidewalks. Soil aeration would be also opportune.
Does Landscape Fabric Let Water Through?
There are different types of weed control fabrics. Some of them are organic, the others are synthetic. Consisting of recycled materials, these textiles are commonly eco-friendly. They make application of harmful chemicals unnecessary. Landscape fabrics provide efficient weed control naturally.
Black, laminated material goes under rocks and stones. It’s durable, withstanding years of use. Lighter fabrics let air and water through. They suit areas with plants. Your best time to water grass in hot weather is early in the morning. In summer, moisture shouldn’t evaporate too fast.
Breathable landscape fabric keeps soil moist longer. On the other hand, it may:
- deteriorate in a couple of years or seasons;
- don’t let nutrients access the plant roots;
- make soil hard and compacted;
- prevent plant re-seeding;
- affect useful earthworm’s population.
Materials that consist of recycled plastics are disadvantageous. They may contain chemicals, being less water permeable. Additionally, affordable, low-quality fabrics contaminate soil in your garden. Keep them away from edible plants and fruit trees.
What Can I Use Instead of Landscape Fabric?
If you still like this weed control method, choose the materials properly. I would prefer organic, biodegradable textile. It might be thin and lightweight but durable and heavy-duty. Can you put new landscape fabric over old landscape fabric? When it deteriorates, you don’t have to remove it to replace.
Just add a new, thin and breathable layer of perforated textile. Before laying it, you should:
- choose the area;
- level and aerate the soil;
- fertilize it;
- water your plants, if necessary.
Pank the soil before covering it. If it’s dry, water your flower bed area. Later, it’s possible, as weed barrier allows moisture. Water seeps through the fabric. Can landscape fabric go over old mulch? It’s highly desirable. Later, you would not be able to add organic materials. Fertilize the area properly, as you won’t be able to do it every year.
Thus, cut the fabric and lay it, covering your flower bed. Fold the sides along your decorative best landscape edging. Apply pins to hold the material.
Bottom Line
Do you consider landscape fabric harmful? You can use thin cardboard or newspaper instead. Sawdust or mulch itself does the job. Meanwhile, top-quality, organic fabrics are beneficial. They make your flower beds and garden area look neat. Erosion and weed control is essential. Heavy-duty, breathable textile lasts for years. It lets you forget about couching and soil aeration. Your green plants, bushes and trees grow healthily. They would require less frequent watering in summer. So, simplify your hard work. Make sure all your vegetables are chemical-free and relax. Enjoying perfect look of your beautiful yard and keep well.
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