Landscape fabric acts as a weed barrier by suppressing unwanted growth and blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. To function correctly, the material must remain completely flat and fully anchored to the ground. If the fabric shifts, lifts, or bunches up, it creates gaps that allow weeds to germinate and compromises the barrier’s integrity. Consistent securing across the entire area is necessary.
Securing the Field with Mechanical Fasteners
The primary method for securing the main body of the fabric involves specialized mechanical fasteners, commonly known as landscape staples or garden pins. The U-shaped staple is the most common choice because its two-legged design anchors the fabric at two points, providing superior resistance to wind and soil movement. These staples typically measure six inches long and are made from heavy-duty, 11-gauge galvanized steel for strength and rust resistance. Plastic or barbed stakes are alternatives that work well in sandy or loose soil, but metal staples are preferred for heavier clay soils.
Proper spacing of these fasteners prevents bubbling and shifting under wind or foot traffic. Along the edges and seams, staples should be inserted every 12 to 18 inches, reducing the spacing to every 6 to 12 inches in areas prone to high winds or on slopes. Across the main field, a spacing of every 2 to 3 feet is generally sufficient to maintain a tight, flat surface. Additional pins should be placed around corners or any cuts made for plants. The technique for insertion involves pushing the staple flush with the soil, ensuring it passes through the fabric without creating a tear.
Edge Anchoring and Trenching Methods
Securing the perimeter requires techniques that create a more permanent, sealed edge, distinguishing it from the fasteners used in the field. The trenching method is effective for long-term edge security, especially where the fabric meets a lawn or pathway. This involves digging a shallow trench, typically 2 to 4 inches deep, along the perimeter where the fabric ends.
The fabric edge is folded into the trench, pinned securely to the soil, and the trench is backfilled with excavated soil or an edging material like gravel or mulch. This process creates a wind-resistant seal that prevents the fabric from lifting and stops light penetration at the border. Alternatively, the fabric can be secured directly underneath hard borders, such as paver stones, bricks, or metal edging. The weight of the border material provides continuous, heavy-duty anchoring.
Managing Seams and Overlaps
When the area is wider than a single roll of fabric, multiple pieces must be overlapped to maintain a continuous barrier. The recommended overlap distance is between 6 and 12 inches, ensuring no gap remains where sunlight can reach the soil and trigger weed germination. A generous overlap prevents the seam from separating if the soil shifts or the fabric stretches slightly over time.
Seam management requires securing both layers of the fabric simultaneously with landscape staples placed along the overlapping edge. These fasteners must pass through both the top and bottom layers to lock the seam down, preventing the two pieces from sliding apart. Staples should be placed approximately every 12 inches along the entire length of the seam to ensure a tight bond. While specialized adhesive seam tape exists as an alternative, properly overlapping and stapling the fabric is a more economical and widely used method.