Shade Cloth, Weed Barrier and Mesh Netting

Weight, weave and what each fabric is for

Weed barrier is woven polypropylene sold by weight per square yard: around 2.4 ounces is light duty under mulch, 3.2 is a sturdy middle grade, and 4.1 and up suits paths and gravel. Woven fabric lets water through while blocking light. Shade cloth is rated by the share of sunlight it blocks, and insect or mosquito netting is judged by mesh size, which must be fine enough to stop insects yet still pass air.

Sizing the roll and laying it flat

Rolls are described by width and length in feet, such as 3 by 30 or 6 by 250, so work out area as width times length and choose the next size up. Lay fabric on cleared, level soil with seams overlapped by 6 to 12 inches, pin it every foot or two along edges, cut crosses where plants go and cover it with mulch to protect it from sun. Hang shade cloth above plants, not touching, so air can move.

Questions about Shade Cloth, Weed Barrier and Mesh Netting

What does the ounce weight of weed barrier mean?

It is the fabric's weight per square yard. Lighter grades, around 2 to 3 ounces, suit beds under mulch. Heavier grades, around 3.5 to 4 ounces and up, resist tearing and suit paths and areas under gravel. Weight is a guide to durability.

How much shade cloth percentage do I need?

The percentage is the share of sunlight blocked. Lower figures, around 30 to 50, suit vegetables and most flowers, while 60 to 80 protects shade-loving plants such as ferns in strong sun. Hang it above the plants so air keeps moving.

How should I lay landscape fabric?

Clear and level the ground, lay the fabric with 6 to 12 inches of overlap at seams, pin it every foot or two along edges, cut crosses where plants go, and cover it with mulch or gravel so sun does not degrade it.