Grass creeping through the gaps between fence boards is a common nuisance. It makes the fence look unkempt, can trap moisture and cause wood rot, and creates extra trimming work. This guide shows you how to permanently stop grass from growing between fence pickets using simple, affordable materials. You’ll need a few basic tools and a couple of hours of time. The key is to create a physical barrier that blocks sunlight and physically prevents grass from pushing through.
What You’ll Need
- Landscape fabric (weed barrier cloth)
- Scissors or a utility knife
- Staple gun with staples (or small nails and a hammer)
- Garden trowel or small spade
- Gloves
- Optional: Edging material (metal or plastic), mulch or gravel
Step-by-Step
- Clear the area. Pull out any grass and weeds growing between the fence boards and along the base of the fence. Use a trowel to dig out roots if needed. Remove any debris, rocks, or old mulch.
- Cut landscape fabric strips. Measure the height of the fence gap (from the ground to the bottom of the board). Cut strips of landscape fabric that are a few inches taller than the gap, so you can fold the top over. Cut as many strips as you have gaps.
- Insert the fabric. Starting at the bottom, push the fabric strip into the gap between the boards. Use a trowel or your fingers to work it down so it sits snugly against the soil. Leave about an inch of fabric sticking out at the top.
- Staple the fabric in place. Fold the top inch of fabric over the top edge of the fence board and staple it to the wood. If the gap is wide, you may need to staple along the sides as well. This keeps the fabric from slipping down.
- Repeat for every gap. Work your way along the fence, filling each gap with a fabric strip. For corners or uneven spots, cut the fabric to fit.
- Add a barrier at the base (optional). To prevent grass from creeping under the fence, install a metal or plastic edging strip along the bottom of the fence. Bury it a couple of inches deep, with the top edge flush against the fence. This creates a physical block that grass roots can’t cross.
- Cover the base with mulch or gravel. Spread a layer of mulch or gravel along the fence line, about two to three inches deep. This smothers any remaining grass seeds and makes future maintenance easier. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the fence boards to avoid moisture buildup.
Common Mistakes
- Using fabric that’s too thin. Cheap landscape fabric tears easily and won’t last. Choose a heavy-duty, woven fabric that blocks sunlight effectively.
- Not overlapping fabric edges. If you have to join two pieces, overlap them by at least a few inches, or grass will find the seam.
- Leaving gaps at the bottom. If the fabric doesn’t reach the soil, grass will push through underneath. Make sure the fabric touches the ground and is tucked in.
- Skipping the base edging. If you only fill the gaps, grass can still grow under the fence and then up between the boards. The base barrier is essential for a long-term solution.
- Using chemical weed killers. These can harm the soil, nearby plants, and pets, and they wash away in rain. A physical barrier is safer and more effective.
Tips
- Do this in early spring before grass starts actively growing, so you can tackle it before it becomes a problem.
- If your fence boards are very close together, you can use a putty knife to help push the fabric into the gap.
- For a cleaner look, use black landscape fabric that blends with the shadows.
- Check the fabric every few months and re-staple any loose sections.
- If you have a concrete or stone base, you can skip the fabric and just use a bead of outdoor caulk to seal the gaps.
- Consider planting a low-growing, shade-tolerant ground cover along the fence line instead of grass. This will outcompete the grass and look intentional.
Troubleshooting
- Grass still appears after a few weeks. This is likely from seeds that were already in the soil. Pull them out and add a thicker layer of mulch. The fabric should block new growth from below.
- Fabric keeps slipping down. Use more staples, or use a staple gun with longer staples. You can also use small roofing nails with washers for extra hold.
- Grass is growing under the fence. Install the base edging as described in step six. If the fence is set in concrete, you may need to seal the gap between the concrete and the fence with caulk.
- Fabric is visible and looks ugly. Tuck the top edge behind the fence board if possible, or paint the fabric to match the fence. Alternatively, use a thin strip of wood trim to cover the top edge.
- Moisture is causing mold on the fence. Ensure the fabric doesn’t hold water against the wood. Use a breathable fabric and keep mulch away from the boards. Improve airflow by trimming back any plants that block the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will grass eventually grow through the fabric?
Heavy-duty landscape fabric is designed to block grass and weeds. As long as it’s intact and properly installed, grass should not grow through it. Over time, it may degrade, so check it periodically.
Can I use cardboard or newspaper instead of fabric?
Cardboard and newspaper break down over time and are not a permanent solution. They can work as a temporary fix, but they will need to be replaced. Landscape fabric is more durable.
How long will this solution last?
With quality fabric and proper installation, this can last for several years. The base edging and mulch will also help extend the life of the barrier.
Do I need to remove the grass before installing the fabric?
Yes, it’s important to remove existing grass and weeds first. If you leave them, they may rot and attract pests, and they can also push through the fabric as they decompose.
Can I use this method on a chain-link fence?
Yes, but the process is slightly different. You can attach the fabric directly to the chain-link with zip ties or wire, and then add a base barrier. The fabric will block grass from growing through the mesh.
Is it better to use concrete instead of fabric?
Concrete is a permanent solution, but it’s more expensive and labor-intensive. Fabric is easier to install and can be removed if needed. For most homeowners, fabric is the better choice.