We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Landscaping Fabric?

By Anna B. Smith
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,658
Share

The best landscaping fabric should prevent weed growth and allow water, nutrients, and air to pass through its surface. This type of material may be biodegradable or designed to withstand many years of weathering. Consumers should avoid using plastic fabrics as they can suffocate plants and promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the soil.

Landscaping fabric is a breathable material that is used in gardens to prevent the growth of weeds and unwanted grass. The material chosen should allow water and air to pass through its surface and soak into the soil beneath, while preventing sunlight from reaching errant weed seeds. Gardeners may prefer that their fabrics are biodegradable and decay into the soil over time. Other users prefer that the fabric maintain its integrity for several years before requiring replacing. Products are available to meet both needs and suit virtually any type of product.

Common household newspaper is an excellent source for a cheap, biodegradable landscaping fabric. This material holds moisture and warmth into the soil while allowing water, nutrients, and air to circulate around plants in the garden. Sheets may be laid down between four and six layers thick to prevent the germination of weeds and smother existing plants. This material does decay over a relatively short amount of time, and gardeners may wish to use it only in projects where it can be replaced annually, such as flower beds which require seasonal mulching.

Gardeners and landscapers who want a fabric that does not require frequent maintenance should purchase a product that is durable and stiff. These fabrics are commonly used beneath rock and gravel mulching, which do not need to be replaced over time and can be burdensome to move if the fabric fails. Purchasers can test the product in the store by attempting to tear a small corner with their bare hands. If the fabric can be pulled apart manually, then it will not create a long lasting barrier against weeds which will similarly break through to reach sunlight.

Gardeners should avoid using any type of plastic material as a landscaping fabric. This type of product, while durable and long lasting, is too tightly woven to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate through to the soil beneath. Plants are easily starved when surrounded by plastic sheets used to prevent weed growth. It can also hold ground water and heat in, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi which feed on plant life.

Homeowners who are experiencing aggressive weed germination and growth in their gardening projects beyond the capabilities of other fabrics may benefit from contacting a local landscaping contractor. Depending on local product stocking, some high quality brands are not available to consumers commercially. Professional contractors are occasionally willing to sell some of their own contractor grade landscaping fabric to consumers who cannot purchase it otherwise. They have typically experimented with many types of fabric and have, after many years of experience in the industry, found a fabric that does not tear easily and can withstand many years of weathering.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-landscaping-fabric.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.