Performing hydraulic fracturing treatments in hydrocarbon bearing formations with no stress barriers

A method for increasing a fracture width of a hydraulic fracture formed in a target formation lacking natural stress barriers, the method comprising:

• introducing a solids mixture into the target formation via a well to form an impermeable barrier by applying a first hydrostatic pressure, the solids mixture comprising sand or proppant having a first size;
• introducing a pad into the target formation via the well;
• forming a fracture in the target formation and distributing the solids mixture into the target formation with the injected pad, the solids mixture interacting with the target formation to change a localized permeability of the target formation at a peripheral edge of the fracture and limiting a height of the fracture;
• introducing a primary proppant into the fracture via the well;
• and
• enlarging a width of the fracture with the introduction of the primary proppant into the fracture by applying a second hydrostatic pressure greater than the first hydrostatic pressure, the primary proppant having a second size that is greater than the first size, the primary proppant maintaining the fracture in an open condition.