Rules for the selection of geotextiles for garden paths

Arrangement of garden paths is an important part of the landscaping of the site. Every year manufacturers offer more and more different types of coatings and materials for this purpose. The article will focus on the now popular material for garden paths - geotextile.

Geotextile (geotextile) is really similar in appearance to a fabric cloth. The material consists of many tightly compressed synthetic threads and hairs. Geofabric, depending on the basis on which it is made, is of three types.

• Polyester based. This type of canvas is quite sensitive to the effects of external natural factors, as well as alkalis and acids. Its composition is more environmentally friendly, but polyester geotextiles are less durable in operation.
• Based on polypropylene. Such a material is more resistant, it is very durable. In addition, it is not susceptible to mold and putrefactive bacteria, fungi, as it has the properties of filtering and removing excess moisture.
• Based on several components. The composition of this type of cloth includes various recyclable materials: waste viscose or woolen items, cotton materials. This version of geotextile is the cheapest, but in terms of durability and strength, it is inferior to the other two types of canvas. Due to the fact that the material contains natural substances, multicomponent (mixed) geotextile is easily destroyed.

According to the type of fabric production, the material is divided into several groups.

• Needle-punched. Such material is capable of passing water or moisture along and across the web. At the same time, soil clogging and extensive flooding are excluded.
• "Doronit". This fabric has good reinforcing properties and a high degree of elasticity. Such geotextile can be used as a reinforcing base. The material has filtering properties.
• Heat-set. This type of material has a very low filtration, since it is based on threads and fibers that are firmly fused with each other.
• Heat treated. At the heart of such a fabric are fused and at the same time highly compressed fibers. The geotextile is very durable, but has no filtration properties at all.
• Building. Able to pass water and moisture from the inside to the outside. Most often used for steam and waterproofing.
• Knitting with stitching. The fibers in the material are held together with synthetic threads. The material is able to pass moisture well, but at the same time it is relatively low-strength, weakly resistant to external influences.

Geotextiles are laid in prepared path trenches. It helps to strengthen the walkway and prevents tiles, gravel, stone and other materials from sinking.

Let's consider the order of work.

• At the first stage, the contours and dimensions of the future track are marked. A deepening of 30-40 cm is dug along the outlines.
• A small layer of sand is laid at the bottom of the dug trench, which should be well leveled. Then a geofabric sheet is applied to the surface of the sand layer. The material must be placed in the trench so that the edges of the canvas overlap the slopes of the recess by about 5-10 cm.
• At the joints, an overlap of at least 15 cm must be made. The material can be fastened using a construction stapler or by stitching.
• Further, fine crushed stone is poured onto the laid geofabric material. The crushed stone layer should be 12-15 cm, it is also carefully leveled.
• Then another layer of geotextile is laid. A layer of sand about 10 cm thick is poured over the canvas.
• On the last layer of sand, the track cover is laid directly: stones, tiles, gravel, pebbles, side trim.

The advantages of the material include the following characteristics.

• Garden paths and paths between the beds become more durable, resistant to erosion and destruction. They will be able to withstand much greater mechanical stress and stress.
• The bed prevents weeds from growing through the pavement.
• Geotextile helps to strengthen the soil in the slope areas.
• Depending on the properties of a particular type of canvas, with the help of geotextile, it is possible to achieve moisture filtration, waterproofing, drainage properties.
• Prevents subsidence of the track, as layers of sand and gravel are kept from sinking into the ground.
• The canvas is able to maintain an optimal level of heat transfer in the soil.
• Quite simple and easy installation. You can even install the track on your own, without the involvement of specialists.

Not without its drawbacks.

• Geotextiles do not tolerate direct sunlight. This must be taken into account when storing the material.
• High-strength types of fabric, such as polypropylene geotextiles, are relatively expensive. It can go up to 100-120 rubles / m2.

• The most durable type of geotextile is a canvas made on the basis of propylene fibers.
• Fabrics containing cotton, wool or other organic components wear out faster. In addition, such geotextile practically does not perform drainage functions.
• Geotextiles vary in density. Suitable for arranging paths in the country is a canvas with a density of at least 100 g / m2.
• If the site is located in an area with unstable soil, it is recommended to use geotextile with a density of 300 g / m3.

For information on which geotextile to choose, see the video below.