Cultivate a Luxurious Garden with Soft Woven Ground Cover
A beautiful garden is the pride and joy of many homeowners. But keeping the garden looking lush while preventing unwanted weeds can be a constant battle. Using woven ground cover is an easy solution that can transform your garden into a luxurious oasis while controlling those persistent weeds.
We'll also provide tips on choosing, installing, and caring for the covers to help you cultivate the garden of your dreams.
An Introduction to Woven Ground Covers
Woven ground cover is a durable landscape fabric made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or nylon. The tight weave allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the soil below while blocking sunlight to suppress weed growth.
The covers come in varying widths, usually from 1 to 5 meters, and can be purchased by the meter up to 100 meters in length. The material is soft yet strong and designed to withstand weathering, foot traffic, and regular use in the garden.
Why Use Ground Cover in Your Garden?
Using woven ground cover offers a variety of benefits that can completely transform your garden.
Weed Prevention
The thick weave blocks sunlight, preventing photosynthesis and halting weed seed germination. This provides long-term weed prevention, saving you time and effort trying to keep them at bay.
Moisture Retention
The fabric allows water to seep through to the soil below while preventing evaporation. This keeps plant roots hydrated and reduces watering frequency.
Preventing Erosion
On slopes and hills, ground cover keeps soil firmly in place during heavy rain. This prevents runoff and damage from erosion.
Improved Drainage
Rain can freely drain through the fabric's pores to the soil below. This drainage promotes healthier plants and prevents soggy soil.
Decorative Appeal
With a range of color options, the covers can beautify your garden. Lining pathways or accenting flower beds adds visual interest.
Durability
With proper anchoring, the woven material holds up well to weather, foot traffic, animals, and regular use. It lasts for years with minimal care required.
Eco-Friendly Weed Control
The covers provide an environmentally-friendly alternative for controlling weeds without chemicals. And many options are made from recycled plastics.
Perfect Uses for Woven Ground Cover
This versatile product can serve many functions beyond just weed control. Here are some of the top uses in garden landscaping:
Under Gravel Paths and Driveways
Layers of gravel or pavers are stabilized over ground cover, allowing rain to drain through while keeping weeds from sprouting.
Between Garden Beds
Line the areas between planting beds or flower gardens for a weed-free, decorative element and moisture retention.
Under Artificial Grass and Decking
Install the cover first before laying decking or artificial turf on top for added stability and to block weed growth.
On Hillsides and Slopes
Prevent erosion on inclined ground by securely anchoring the cover prior to planting or seeding.
Edging Tree Rings and Planting Beds
Define the boundaries of planting areas and prevent grass or weeds from encroaching with a trim edging.
In Vegetable Gardens
Keep your veggies healthy and weed-free by using ground cover strips between rows or under the entire garden.
Under Patio Stones and Pavers
A base layer of cover prevents weeds from sprouting up between cracks in paving materials.
Choosing the Right Woven Ground Cover
With many options available, keep these tips in mind when selecting a cover for your garden:
Assess Your Needs
Consider factors like drainage, moisture retention, weed control, and durability for the intended application.
Measure the Area
Cover dimensions should be slightly larger than the space to allow for overlap seams of 30 cm.
Choose Color and Pattern for Visual Interest
Select colors like green, brown, tan, and black that blend with the garden. Or make a statement with vibrant hues. Patterns can also add decorative flair.
Look for UV Stabilization
Seeking covers treated for UV resistance will maximize longevity in sunlight.
Consider Weight and Thickness
Heavier, thicker covers typically provide better durability and last longer. Lighter options work for temporary applications.
Installing Woven Ground Cover
Proper installation ensures your ground cover lasts for years while keeping weeds away. Follow these key steps:
Clear and Prepare the Area
Remove all plants, rocks, roots, and debris. Level any bumps or depressions in the soil for a flat surface.
Roll Out and Cut to Size
Unroll the cover and cut with a utility knife to fit the shape of the area. Allow an overlap of about 30 cm.
Secure in Place with Staples
Use landscaping staples or metal pegs every 20-30 cm around the entire perimeter and throughout the middle. On slopes, work bottom to top.
Seal Edges with Adhesive Seam Tape
For extra holding power, cover overlapping seams with wide seam sealing tape.
Cover with Materials
Place any pavers, gravel, or sod over the top, securing further with additional staples if needed.
Caring for Your Ground Cover
Take steps to keep your ground cover intact and properly maintained:
Inspect for Damage
Check for loose edges, tears, or holes and re-anchor or patch as needed.
Reapply Weed Killer Underneath Annually
Spray herbicide under the cover yearly to prevent weed roots from growing through.
Remove Nearby Weed Growth
Pull, cut back, or use a torch on any weeds along the perimeter.
Replace Every 3 to 5 Years
Depending on the quality, expect to replace the fabric completely after 3-5 years of use.
Creative Uses of Ground Cover for Beauty
In addition to practical applications, ground cover can be used decoratively in garden landscaping. Get creative with these ideas:
Define Walkways
Line gravel or paver walkways between planting beds with cover trim for clean edges.
Hide Eyesores
Use ground cover to conceal unsightly utility areas like water meters or electrical boxes.
Provide Texture
Use a neutral color cover as an organic-looking backdrop to accent colorful flower beds.
Protect Newly Seeded Lawns
Cover newly seeded grass areas to retain moisture and prevent birds from feasting on seeds.
Prevent Weeds in Ornamental Gravel
A base layer of cover blocks weed growth in decorative rocks and pebbles.
Line Driveway Edges
Run cover along the sides of driveways and parking areas to keep gravel contained and weeds at bay.
Upgrading your garden with soft woven ground cover provides an easy yet transformative solution for weed problems. The covers also liven up your outdoor space with decorative flair. Properly installed and cared for, they offer long-lasting weed prevention and moisture retention.
Free your garden from labor-intensive maintenance and cultivate a lush oasis. With the right woven ground cover, you can achieve the landscape you've always dreamed of having.