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

Keeps different soil layers from mixing.

Example: When we build a patio, we excavate 6-8 inches of soil beneath the location of the patio. We then fill that void with crushed rock. After that, we do not want the remaining soil to mix in with our crushed rocks. This would plug it up and stop water from flowing through. It would also mix in clay material that can absorb water, which will expand and contract depending on moisture levels and whether it is frozen or liquid. We do not want this directly underneath the patio. So we put a layer of landscaping fabric down before loading in the rocks.

Keeping soil from mixing with the material on top also helps reduce the chance of weed growth. Weed seeds settle in from the top. If there's soil to settle into, they might grow.

Filtration

Allows water to pass through while holding back soil particles.

Example: Used around drainage systems, French drains and behind retaining walls to keep soil from clogging the drainage gravel.

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.

Drainage

Helps move water through a system.

Example: Used with drainage composites or wrapped around drain tile to help water move away while preventing sediment from entering the system.

We've been a Winnipeg landscaping contractor 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.