Will Landscaping Fabric Kill Grass?

Trying to decide if landscaping fabric is the right choice for you? Most people are either heavily for or against using the fabric.

Landscaping fabric, also known as weed cloth, has many advantages to using it. Similar to most things though, there are some drawbacks.

One thing to consider is how or why you want to use it. Landscaping fabric is a budget-friendly and sustainable option for impeding growth of weeds or other unwanted plants.

Ready to start designing the landscape of your dreams? Give Evergreen Lawn and Landscape a call for landscaping services in North Texas.

Read on for more information that will help you decide if landscaping fabric is the right choice for you.

What is landscaping fabric?

Landscaping fabric is made from synthetic or recycled materials. It comes in a woven or non-woven form.

Woven fabrics are used around trees, shrubs, and in nurseries or vegetable gardens between the rows. Non-woven fabrics work best underneath rock or gravel.

The fabric has perforated holes that allows water to soak in and also allows moisture to get through. The fabric comes in rolls, the thicker the roll, the better the quality.

People most commonly use landscaping fabric to inhibit weed growth. Weeds will still start growing underneath the fabric, but due to lack of sunlight and oxygen, they will quickly die.

Advantages of using landscaping fabric

• Rocks, gravel, and other inorganic mulches will stay in place.
• Weed growth is prevented.
• Works well in areas that struggle with erosion. The fabric acts as a barrier when it rains.
• Controls soil temperature. Soil will stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Reduces and sometimes eliminates the use of chemical herbicides.
• Retains soil moisture by limiting evaporation.

Disadvantages of using landscaping fabric

• Soil can become compacted.
• Earthworms that need to get to the surface to survive will not be able to.
• Plants that spread naturally won’t spread because the seeds will not be able to get underneath the fabric to spout.
• Removing and replacing landscaping fabric is a tedious process.
• Some weeds will still germinate on top of the fabric and will need to be pulled or treated with herbicides.
• Low-quality fabric will easily rip or tear.
• Organic mulches or soil amendments cannot reach the soil.

Using landscaping fabric to kill grass

When used correctly, landscaping fabric can kill grass. If someone has a large area of grass that needs to be removed, putting down landscaping fabric is a good solution.

In order to effectively remove grass, mow grass very short before laying down fabric. It might be necessary to apply more than one layer of landscaping fabric to stop all water, sunlight, and oxygen from reaching grass roots.

Applying an herbicide over the grass beforehand will accelerate the removal process. When laying the fabric down, secure it tightly so that it crushes the grass blades.

This will also help to expedite the smothering of the grass. If it’s not possible to put down multiple layers of fabric, put gravel or soil on top of the weed cloth to prohibit any sunlight from getting through.

Once the grass is gone, call Evergreen Lawn and Landscape to schedule your sod installation.

Tips for installing landscape fabric

• Completely clear out the area of plants and flowers.
• Add soil amendments or organic matter.
• Rake and level the soil.
• Pin down the fabric with landscaping fabric pins.
• Use a utility knife to make holes where the plants will go.
• Put plants in holes.
• Cover fabric with mulch or rocks.

Evergreen Lawn and Landscape will be happy to take care of all your seasonal planting needs.

Wrapping up

Landscaping fabric works great when placed under gravel or rocks. It is most commonly used in flower beds, walkways, and places with permanent plants.

Putting down landscaping fabric is also a practical way to kill areas of grass that need to be removed. If you decide to use landscaping fabric, choose a thick, durable, high-quality brand.