Installing landscape fabric is one of the most effective ways to control weeds, improve soil moisture retention, and keep garden beds looking clean. However, many homeowners discover that their fabric starts lifting, shifting, or tearing within weeks.
In most cases, the problem isn't the fabric — it's how the fabric is secured. This guide will show you exactly how to secure landscape fabric properly, and why U-shaped landscape staples consistently outperform regular garden stakes.
Why Landscape Fabric Fails Over Time
Landscape fabric is constantly exposed to wind, rain, foot traffic, and soil movement. When it isn't anchored correctly, small issues quickly turn into major failures.
- Fabric edges curl or lift in strong wind
- Single-point stakes pull out of soft soil
- Plastic or thin metal stakes bend or snap
- Gaps allow weeds to grow through seams
Many gardeners use standard straight garden stakes, assuming they will hold the fabric in place. Unfortunately, this design concentrates pressure at a single point, making pull-out much more likely.
How to Secure Landscape Fabric Properly (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Ground
Remove sharp rocks, roots, and debris. Smooth the soil surface so the fabric lies flat without tension or air pockets.
2. Lay the Landscape Fabric Flat
Roll out the fabric tightly and overlap seams by at least 6–12 inches. Overlapping prevents weeds from pushing through gaps.
3. Anchor the Fabric with the Right Staples
This is the most important step. Instead of using straight stakes, professionals rely on U-shaped landscape staples.
U-shaped staples secure fabric at two points, distributing pressure evenly across the surface. This dramatically improves holding power in both soft and compacted soil.
4. Proper Spacing Matters
- Edges: every 6–8 inches
- Seams: every 8–12 inches
- Flat areas: every 12–18 inches
In windy areas or on slopes, closer spacing is recommended.
U-Shaped Landscape Staples vs Regular Garden Stakes
Understanding the difference between these two anchoring methods explains why fabric failures are so common.
| Feature | U-Shaped Landscape Staples | Regular Garden Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| Holding Power | High (dual-point anchoring) | Low (single-point anchoring) |
| Wind Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Fabric Lift Prevention | Very effective | Often lifts |
| Durability | Metal, heavy-duty options available | Often bends or loosens |
This is why professional landscapers almost exclusively use metal U-shaped landscape staples for weed barrier and ground cover installations.
What Size Landscape Staples Should You Use?
Choosing the correct size is just as important as choosing the right design.
- 6-inch staples: Light-duty use, soft soil, temporary installations
- 8-inch staples: Most home gardens and weed barrier applications
- 10–12 inch staples: Windy areas, slopes, hard or clay soil
Thicker gauge metal staples offer greater resistance to bending and pull-out, especially in compacted ground.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too few staples
- Placing staples only at corners
- Using plastic or thin wire stakes
- Ignoring seam reinforcement
Spending a little extra time and using the correct staples upfront prevents constant maintenance and fabric replacement later.
Final Thoughts
If your landscape fabric keeps lifting, tearing, or failing early, the solution is simple: upgrade how it's anchored.
U-shaped metal landscape staples provide superior holding power, better wind resistance, and long-term durability — making them the most reliable choice for securing landscape fabric properly.