The garden geotextile is designed specifically for carrying out various works in allotment gardens. Its use makes it possible to restore the layer of fertile soil or decorative filling less often, reduces the frequency of repairs of garden paths, rock gardens and lawns, and inhibits the growth of weeds.
But it is not enough to buy the material and lay tiles on it. In order for a path to last longer, you need to carefully follow the instructions. There are several stages in the technology of laying the non-woven fabric. And they differ depending on what the material is laid on.
If the material is put on a layer of crushed stone, pebbles or gravel, one layer of geotextile is used. But when laying the non-woven Agrotex’Geo directly on the ground, at least two layers of the material are required.
NB! If you want pebbles or gravel to be the upper surface of your path, put one layer of the geotextile. This will be enough, since the fine fraction of stones is not heavy, which means that they will not make the soil under the path subside.
Let’s take a closer look at the option of using two layers of Agrotex’ Geo:
1. Marking
Before starting the work, it is necessary to mark the dimensions of the path and outline its contour. It is best to lay out the tiles or stones that will be laid at the last stage of making the path, – so you will see a visual picture of the future result, and even before all the work is done, you’ll be able to figure out where and what to move and how to adjust it.
Then mark out for yourself the contours of the future path in any way convenient for you. You can even draw the contours on the ground with something so as to leave indentations.
2. Preparation
Dig a ditch with a depth of 30-40 cm according to the marking. Make sure that the bottom is flat and clean it of debris, roots and stones.
Visually, the ditch should resemble a trough with slightly inclined walls.
It is necessary to pour a small even layer of sand on the bottom to finally level the ditch.
3. Laying the material
Agrotex’Гео is laid on top of the sand on either side, but in such a way that the edges of the fabric lie on the slopes and protrude 5-10 cm above the ground surface. Make sure that there are no creases and “wrinkles” on the material.
If necessary, you can fasten the canvases not only by stitching them, but also with an ordinary construction stapler. If there is no need to save money, the material is laid with overlap (at least 15 cm).
Now you should pour a layer of finely crushed stone. The layer should be at least 12-15 cm. The gravel needs to be leveled. To do this, take a long plank and pull it along the future path. Passing the entire distance, it will gradually even the surface and correctly distribute all the protruding stones.
The geotextile is laid again on the leveled rubble. Again, it is necessary to make sure that everything is as even as possible. Put on top 10 cm of raw sand.
4. The final stage
The pavement of the path (tiles or stone) is laid on top of the sand. Before you take cement or concrete and start laying the pavement, put all the elements into place, according to the pattern you want to get in the end. Carefully tamp down each piece. Press it into the sand. This can be done carefully with a small rubber hammer (mallet).
Cut off the edges of the fabric protruding to the surface. Then rub off the seams between the tiles or fill them with dry sand. As a grout, use concrete or sand-cement mix.
There will probably be gaps along the contour of the path. It will be necessary to cover them with earth and to level off the surface.
That’s all! Your path is ready. Now it will last for many years, and if there is a need for mending, it can be done only in the area where it is required, without disarranging the rest of the landscape item.
