Geotextiles in Landscaping

Geotextiles are fabrics that are used underneath roads and landscaping work such as patios, walkways and driveways. Their purpose is soil separation, weed control, erosion control and drainage improvement. Some are woven, similar to a heavy-duty canvas material and some are non-woven, more like felt.

Precursors to modern geotextiles were made of natural fibers like jute. Now they're mostly made from synthetic materials except in cases where biodegrading is desirable or acceptable, for example for temporary slope stabilization before plants take hold to naturally stabilize the slope.

In the landscaping business, you'll hear geotextiles being called "landscaping fabric".

In landscaping and hardscaping, geotextiles are typically used for four core functions. These correspond to the ways they are used in civil engineering as well.

Separation

Geotextile is used to keep different soil layers from mixing.

In building a patio we start by leveling the area and excavating 6 to 8 inches of soil beneath the location of the patio. Before filling that void with crushed rock, we install a layer of geotextile. This prevents the clay subsoil from mixing with the patio base stone, extending the life of the patio. Winnipeg's clay soils tend to expand and contract dramatically with changes in moisture content, and the separated layer of compacted, crushed stone isolates the patio from that seasonal movement.

In a very different scenario, we may use landscape fabric to cover a garden bed before installing a layer of decorative rock. In this case, the role of the fabric is not structural, but it prevents weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching the fertile soil surface. The fabric also provides a physical barrier to weed growth. Any weeds that do grow will settle in from the top, rather than growing from the existing soil.

Drainage and Filtration

Geotextiles allow water to pass through while holding back particles of soil and debris.

This is one of the primary functions of the geotextile under our patios. Any water that penetrates the patio surface must be able to move through into the subsoil. Geotextiles are also used in drainage systems and behind retaining walls to allow water movement while preventing sediment from clogging the system.

Reinforcement

Adds tensile strength to soil structures.

Example: Used in retaining wall systems, slopes, or soft ground to help distribute loads and stabilize the soil.

We've been a Winnipeg landscaping company for 28 years working with geotextiles, understanding their strengths and limitations. We'd love to put that expertise to work for you by installing a patio, driveway or walkway in your yard.