GROUNDTEX landscaping fabric from Growtivation’s Product That Works range of professional landscaping products provides a single solution to a multitude of common landscaping challenges – weed control, base layer stabilisation and separation, drainage and filtration, for both soft and hard landscaping applications.
Here we take a look at this multi-purpose geotextile fabric’s credentials:
To control the growth of weeds
A tough, woven geo fabric, GROUNDTEX can be used above ground as a heavy duty weed barrier in garden borders, planted areas and beds, rockeries and scree gardens. Laying GROUNDTEX in these areas suppresses the regrowth of old weeds by denying them the light they need to grow, while still allowing nutrients, water and air into the soil to maintain its goodness and enable plants to grow.
GROUNDTEX can also act as an effective weed control solution when laid under different surfacing materials. These include under artificial grass, decking, bark or mulch, decorative stones and aggregates, as well as areas subject to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
However, while GROUNDTEX is designed to suppress weeds that are already in the ground, it cannot prevent weeds that grow on the surface as a result of seeds dropped by birds or blown in on the wind. Equally, while GROUNDTEX will suppress most weeds, very invasive weeds and grasses, such as Mare’s Tail, Bindweed, Crocosmia, Ground Elder, Couch Grass, nettles, brambles and some bulbs, may still prevail. To tackle these stubborn weeds, a weedkiller should be applied first, followed by a double layer of GROUNDTEX or a double layer of the surface covering (e.g. min 100mm of bark), or both for areas with severe weed problems of this type.
For ground stabilisation and soil separation
Unlike fabrics that are only made for weed control applications, the high tensile strength of GROUNDTEX makes it suitable for use in a number of hard landscaping and some civil engineering applications, from patios and paths to driveways and parking areas.
The fabric’s strength and tear-resistance comes from weaving polypropylene tapes together in a criss-cross pattern, which means it can be used beneath MOT Type 1 or 3 aggregate, sharp or angular stone and gravel, including areas subject to pedestrian or vehicular traffic and some roads.
Installing a geotextile fabric as a ground stabilisation membrane in these applications creates a stable foundation or sub-base for the final surface finish. GROUNDTEX separates aggregate from the soil and spreads the imposed load. Taking this simple step prevents sinking and rutting caused by settlement of aggregates into the soil beneath.
For soil drainage and filtration
Although not specifically suited to applications where drainage and filtration are the primary issue, such as wrapping soakaway crates, GROUNDTEX, like other landscaping fabrics, does possess drainage and filtration properties.
When used in the soft and hard landscaping applications outlined above, GROUNDTEX will continue to allow water and nutrients to permeate through to the soil below and allow water to drain away from plants.
But for the busy landscaping professional who could face several challenges on one project, the multi-purpose GROUNDTEX landscape membrane offers a versatile solution. Its availability in wide-width contractor packs, folded for easy transport, and folded and unfolded contractor rolls make it doubly appealing. Larger rolls are an economical choice for the contractor as the roll can be kept on the van and used across several projects, by just cutting the amount required off the roll.
Growtivation’s wide range of geotextile fabrics mean we have the right solution for all the common and unusual applications. Simply use our handy Geo Fabric Product Selector to select the right one for your job.
Find out more about the Growtivation Product That Works range by downloading our Product Guide and your free copy of our Landscaping That Works guide to weed control and geotextile fabrics.
To find out where you can buy Growtivation products visit our online Where to Buy facility or contact the friendly team at Growtivation for advice on 0800 197 8885 or email sales@growtivation.com.
