Which Side Up? Installing Landscape Fabric Correctly

You bought discounted landscape fabric—no instructions, one side fuzzy, one side mesh. Here's the simple rule.

Orientation: Fuzzy Side Down

• Fuzzy (non-woven) side → soil. Allows water infiltration while blocking light.
• Mesh (woven) side → up. Provides structural strength; mulch grips it.

Why? The roll unwinds with the "up" side facing you. Flipping it doubles labor for no benefit.

Installation Best Practices

1. Overlap seams 6–12"; secure with staples every 3–4 ft.
2. Cut planting holes as "X" flaps—fold back, plant, fold down.
3. Cover with 3–4" mulch (bark, wood chips, stone). UV degrades exposed fabric in months.
4. On slopes: staple heavily; consider erosion control blanket instead.

Cheap Staples

Wire coat hangers (cut & bent to U-shape) = free, rust in 5–10 yrs (by then plants hold soil). Ask dry cleaners for discards.

Visual Guide

LandscapeFabric.com installation diagrams show two correct methods.

Fabric down, mulch up, weeds down. Done.