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Landscape fabric acts as a barrier between plants and the soil to prevent weed growth, stabilize saplings, improve irrigation methods, and mitigate unwanted sun exposure
To help you find the best landscape fabric for your specific needs, we researched and compared the highest-rated options on Amazon
Explore our top recommendations, tips on what to look for when shopping, and answers to common landscape fabric questions below
Compare Top Landscape FabricsProductDimensionsDesignUV BlockingECOgardener Weed Barrier50 x 3 feetWovenNot listedDewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric250 x 6 feetWoven70%Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric300 x 6 feetWoven90%HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier180 x 3 feetNonwovenNot listedWAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier250 x 4 feetWoven987%ProductDimensionsDesignUV Blocking
Top 5 Landscape Fabrics
Best For Small Gardens: ECOgardener Weed Barrier
Best For Small Gardens: ECOgardener Weed Barrier
Courtesy AmazonECOgardener Weed Barrier$3195Prices taken at time of publishingThis easy-to-install landscape fabric is lighter than most, allowing for more water and air circulation
This landscape fabric is versatile for use with in-ground gardens and raised beds
Though it’s available in multiple siee-foot widths, this particular size is suitable for smaller gardens$3195 at Amazon
✔ Features double-layered weatherproof fabric✔ Safe for use in vegetable gardens✔ Is easy to cut and install
Those who are happy with this product said that it was sturdy and easy to use
Unsatisfied customers said that the fabric was flimsy
Several reviews also said that weeds were still able to penetrate it
Best Lifespan: Dewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric
Best Lifespan: Dewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric
Courtesy AmazonDewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric$17999Prices taken at time of publishingDewitt labels this product as a 20-year landscape fabric, so it’ll last for years before it needs to be replaced
Its woven, needle-punched fabric features reinforced fiber for extra moisture control and better positioning in sloped spaces
✔ Features 12-inch guiding lines to assist with plant alignment✔ Woven is UV resistant✔ Available in multi-roll packs for large projects
Customers said that the Dewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric was hefty and long-lasting
Many also said that it was easy to install and better than other name-brand options
However, some customers said they didn’t see much improvement in weed prevention, moisture retention, and other metrics
Best For Large Gardens: Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric
Best For Large Gardens: Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric
Courtesy AmazonMutual Industries Geotextile Fabric$21999Prices taken at time of publishingThis landscape fabric is 300 feet long and 6 feet wide, making it best for large yards
Made of high-quality woven polyethylene, this product resists ultraviolet and biological deterioration and rotting for long-lasting protection from invasive weeds$21999 at Amazon
✔ Offers a more affordable alternative to sand or aggregate ground cover✔ Design blocks 90% of UV rays✔ Ideal for priming flower beds as well as concrete, gravel, and stone pathways
Customers used the Mutual Industries Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric for landscaping, fire pits, playgrounds, walkways, driveways, and more
They said that it was easy to install and performed well
Best Nonwoven Fabric: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Best Nonwoven Fabric: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Courtesy AmazonHOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier$7299Prices taken at time of publishingThis heavy-duty landscape fabric features nonwoven, chemical-free material that improves irrigation by blocking harmful rays
It’s easy to cut and ideal for use with gardens, artificial turf, gravel paths, and more
HOOPLE also offers this fabric in several sizes$7299 at Amazon
✔ Features chemical-free fabric that won’t harm the environment✔ Thick design stands up to tough loads, including bricks and stones✔ Heavy-duty material lasts 5 years
Customers were pleased with the durability of the HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier, noting that it was much thicker and tougher than options from big-box retailers
On the other hand, Dissatisfied customers said they were frustrated with how quickly the fabric degraded
Best UV Resistance: WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier
Best UV Resistance: WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier
Courtesy AmazonWAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier$12971Prices taken at time of publishingThis heavy-duty woven landscape fabric and weed barrier from WAENLIR improves irrigation by blocking harmful rays and doubles as an effective soil stabilizer
It’s also available in several lengths to accommodate small, medium, or large areas$12971 at Amazon
✔ Lightweight at 58 ounces✔ Comes with an after-sales service to help you with installation and questions✔ Available in multiple sizes
✘ Doesn’t include the recommended galvanized landscape staples✘ Some customers said that the length of their fabric was shorter than advertised
Satisfied customers said that this landscape fabric was sturdy and durable
Others said that the fabric was easy to cut and fit around plants, fences, and other obstacles
Those who didn’t like this landscape fabric said that it didn’t stop weeds from sprouting
However, other reviewers used staples to pull the fabric taut and helped prevent weed growth
Read our buying guide on landscape fabrics below to learn about important factors such as applications, thickness, size, and UV protection
The main types of landscape fabric are nonwoven, perforated, and the most common—woven
Nonwoven: Nonwoven landscape fabric is sturdier than the other two options, but its sturdiness comes at a price
It doesn’t allow for much water movement, which makes it a poor material for flower beds or vegetable gardens, but ideal for gravel gardens and pathways
Most woven weed barriers are made of a loose-knit polypropylene or natural fiber fabric with small holes to allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the plant soil
Thicker landscaping fabric is more durable, but it’s more expensive and damaging to vegetables, herbs, and annual plants because it can crush the plant roots that are close to the surface
We recommend choosing a thin fabric for these plants and sticking to a thick fabric for gravelly areas where the rocks might wear down thinner fabric
Landscape fabric can break down if it’s exposed to too much UV light, which is why some products have UV-resistant or UV-stabilized properties
UV-resistant fabric rolls have innate qualities that make them less susceptible to damage from sunlight, while UV-stabilized fabric has been chemically treated to get that resistance
Most landscape fabric rolls have widths around three feet and lengths between 50 and 300 feet
Choose a larger roll if you’re applying fabric to a large area in your yard
High-quality landscape fabric typically costs around $1-3 per square foot, while lower-quality fabric often costs less than $1
Determine how much ground cover you need and what type of material you prefer before setting a budget and looking at the different fabric options
Some of the most popular brands for landscape fabric are:
Easy Gardener
Will my landscape fabric last forever?
No Landscape fabric eventually breaks down, but it can last around 10 years if it’s not exposed to too much sunlight or extreme temperatures
What are some of the drawbacks of using landscape fabric?
Some people prefer not to use landscape fabric because:
it prevents natural mulch, such as fallen leaves and pine needles, from reaching and replenishing the soil
weeds are still able to sprout in soil placed on top of the landscape fabric
What can I use instead of landscape fabric?
If you don’t want to use landscape fabric in your yard, you can use the following materials:
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home
The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon
For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors
After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards
Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase
FLARMOR Landscape Fabric Should I Use Landscape Fabric?AdvantagesDisadvantagesHow To Install Weed Control FabricPicking The Right FabricPutting It In Place
Weeds are the arch-enemy of gardeners so we’ll do anything to keep them at bay
Luckily, there’s an easy solution that’s simple, easy to install, and long-term
The best landscape fabric will save you!
This material provides a physical barrier between the soil and the sun
It cuts off weeds from the sunlight and literally holds them back if they manage to sprout
Landscape fabric can be a bit of an investment, so you definitely need to do your research first
In this article, we’ll recommend our favorite landscape fabrics for every use
We’ll also go over the many ways to use landscape fabric and how to install it
ProductFeaturesBest AerationECOgardener Professional Grade Landscape FabricBest AerationCombo FabricMultiple SizesDurableCheck Amazon Price
Best ValueGardenMate Woven Weed Control FabricBest ValueWoven Fabric6′ x 33′ rollExcellent DrainageCheck Amazon Price
Best DurabilityHappybuy Landscape FabricBest DurabilityWoven FabricMultiple SizesVariable ThicknessCheck Amazon Price
Strongest FabricMutual WF200 Geotextile FabricStrongest FabricWoven Fabric6′ x 300′ rollGood Under PaversCheck Amazon Price
For Small ProjectsAGTEK Garden Weed BarrierFor Small ProjectsWoven FabricMultiple SizesHeavy DutyCheck Amazon Price
UV ResistantHOOPLE Premium Pro Landscape FabricUV ResistantPerforated Fabric32′ x 180′ roll5 Year LifespanCheck Amazon Price
Best Weed BarrierBecko Garden Weed BarrierBest Weed BarrierPerforated Fabric4′ x 100′ roll2-3 Year LifespanCheck Amazon Price
LightweightSCOTTS Pro Landscaping FabricLightweightPerforated Fabric4′ x 220′ roll15 Year WarrantyCheck Amazon Price
Best Basic FabricFLARMOR Landscape FabricBest Basic FabricPerforated Fabric3′ x 300′ rollSturdy FabricCheck Amazon Price
Best Landscape Fabric Reviews
Best Landscape Fabric Reviews
1 ECOgardener Professional Grade Landscape Fabric
1 ECOgardener Professional Grade Landscape Fabric
ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Durable & Heavy-Duty Weed Block
Discover The Professional Gardening Solution –Super-Easy To Install and Set-Up – You don’tYour Soil Has Value And We Know It – Our
ECOgardener focuses on creating products to help the environment while also keeping the weeds away
This landscape fabric is eco-friendly in that it won’t release chemicals into the soil and works in place of pesticides
The roll of fabric weighs about 5 pounds, so it’s light enough to carry but heavy enough to protect the garden
Cut edges won’t fray as long as they’re fully covered with mulch
The fabric is a two-layered combination of woven and non-woven material
It’s also needle punched for optimal aeration and water flow
The fabric works great in the cold and heat, is easy to cut, and long-lasting
Unfortunately, some gardeners have reported weeds sprouting despite the fabric
Also, if it’s not covered immediately after laying down, the fabric is easily damaged by the sun
Aside from its weak points, this is popular, highly-rated landscape fabric
2 GardenMate Woven Weed Control Fabric
2 GardenMate Woven Weed Control Fabric
GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric – Stabilized Black Heavy Duty 3 oz/yd²
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WEED BARRIER: Our weedDURABLE AND UV STABILISED: Our 3 oz/yd² weedVERSATILE APPLICATIONS: Our geo-fleece can be used
Heavy duty is the name of the game with this weed barrier
In fact, multiple customers have recommended using it in ditches since it holds up well under rocks
The fabric is woven and made with UV protection so it can be in the sun without damage
Like most landscape fabrics, the edges fray a little when cut
With its reasonable price, we recommend this fabric as a high quality yet affordable solution
3 Happybuy Landscape Fabric
3 Happybuy Landscape Fabric
Happybuy Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Heavy Duty, 4FTx250FT Geotextile Fabric, 5Oz Woven Weed Block
Pro-environment & Durable Fabric: The landscapeWeed & Soil Erosion Control: Due to itsGood Permeability: The garden cloth weed barrier
This landscape fabric is by far one of the most durable
It’s thick, tear-resistant, and tough
The woven fabric is made of polypropylene, which is chemically safe and won’t break down quickly
Due to its excellent drainage, this fabric will help prevent root rot when used as a grow bag
The downsides to this weed barrier are that it may unravel when cut and is a bit expensive
Mutual WF200 Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric, 300′ Length x 6′ Width
Grab Tensile Strength: 205 lbs; Grab Elongation:Woven geotextiles are used to hold soil in place,Woven geotextiles area time and money saving
This is the product you’ll want for the roughest and toughest jobs
The Mutual WF200 landscaping fabric is so strong that it can handle the weight of heavy machinery without ripping
This is a stabilizing fabric that’s designed to act as a barrier between the ground and a top layer such as gravel
The fabric itself is woven polyethylene which will fray when cut, but only minimally
5 AGTEK Garden Weed Barrier
5 AGTEK Garden Weed Barrier
AGTEK Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric 38oz 4×10 FT Heavy-Duty Ground Cover Eco-Friendly Weed
Chemical-free Ground Cover-Heavy duty PP wovenConserving Soil Moisture-Water will penetrate theEnhance The Growth Of Plants-Since the barriers
If so, you’ll want to take a look at this landscape fabric
Agtek sells it in a variety of small sizes at a cheap price just for your space-conscious landscaping
This woven fabric is very durable and tear-resistant
It also has excellent water drainage and weed prevention
6 HOOPLE Premium Pro Landscape Fabric
6 HOOPLE Premium Pro Landscape Fabric
HOOPLE 3FT*180FT Premium Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Durable & Heavy-Duty Weed Block, Easy
Premium Weed Barrier Fabric: Measures 3 Feet x 180Easy to install a roll of extra thick sunlightEnvironmentally friendly, chemical- free, weed
If you want a landscape fabric that can handle any job, this is the one for you
HOOPLE’s weed barrier is 2-3 times thicker than regular fabric and is superior at handling heavy loads including walkways
In fact, the company guarantees at least 5 years of use without damage
The fabric itself is non-woven and very water permeable
It’s UV stabilized and even advertised for use without mulch
With a reasonable price, this is a quality fabric for your landscaping needs
7 Becko Garden Weed Barrier
7 Becko Garden Weed Barrier
Becko Black New Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric, 80g Heavy Duty Foldable Horticultural Pad for
Premium Material – Becko Weed Barrier LandscapeUv Resistant Technology – Processed with specialEasy To Use – Clean up the weeds and flatten the
The fabric is non-woven and perforated so it won’t unravel when cut
It’s easy to trim, install, clean, and reuse
This landscape fabric is UV resistant, but will eventually get damaged if left in the sun permanently
It’s light-weight but still provides heavy-duty capabilities
And, best of all, gardeners rave about its superior weed-blocking ability
8 SCOTTS Pro Landscaping Fabric
8 SCOTTS Pro Landscaping Fabric
Controls weeds without chemicalsWalkways, patios and retaining wall jobsLong term durability
For some projects, like lining a pot or preventing erosion, you don’t need a heavy fabric
That’s where SCOTTS Landscape Fabric comes in
This medium-duty weed barrier is thin for such projects, but still tough enough to last
It has excellent water drainage and holds up well in the sun
Unfortunately, because it’s light, this fabric is more likely to let the weeds through than heavy barriers
It’s also not ideal for tough jobs like walkways or sharp rocks
As such, this non-woven fabric is great for your specific tasks but isn’t a fix-all solution
9 FLARMOR Landscape Fabric
FLARMOR Non-Woven Landscape Fabric–3Ftx300Ft, 18oz Weed Barrier Cloth, Heavy Duty Garden Weed
PREMIUM LANDSCAPE WEED BARRIER FABRIC: PremiumENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE FABRIC: You wantEASY TO INSTALL: Make gardening a little easier
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This landscaping fabric gets the job done without any frills
It lets the water and air through, blocks weeds, and controls erosion
It’s also a good price for the amount of fabric you’re getting
The fabric is three layers of non-woven, needle-punched polypropylene
It’s flexible and easy to cut
We recommend this for easy jobs where you want a lot of fabric for cheap
It won’t hold up to heavy projects or very stubborn weeds
This product is advertised as heavy-duty, but gardeners have reported it to feel thinner than other landscape fabrics
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Should I Use Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric is often used under pavers or bricks for pathways
Source: Sam Huckins
For the barrier itself, many gardeners choose to use cardboard, plastic, or newspaper
While inexpensive, these options can be damaging to the soil because they block airflow, water, and nutrients
If you really want to take care of your plants and keep your landscape nice, weed barriers are a much better option
Weed barrier fabric is unique in that it will allow water, air, and nutrients to pass through
They’re usually woven like typical textile fabric, but can also be manufactured solid with perforated holes
Heavy-duty weed control fabric also lasts a lot longer than cardboard or newspaper
The best weed barriers can stay intact for 12 years or more
Unfortunately, landscaping fabric isn’t a cure-all solution
It only works at its best in certain types of landscaping
As a membrane for weeds until the plants are large enough to take care of themselvesKeeping animals, like dogs, from digging in the soilProviding a solid foundation under pavers, river rocks, etcDiminishing the need for frequent maintenance in permanent landscapesMaking grow bags for small trees or other heavy plants
This material should not be used with annuals or vegetable gardens since the plants often need to be removed and replaced
This is also the wrong choice if you want your plants to reseed since it won’t let the seeds reach the soil
Weed fabric reduces weed spread and helps soil moisture to remain consistent
Source: Yersinia
Weed barrier fabric wouldn’t be an option if it didn’t have its advantages
Easy installation – the initial process is simple and only has to be repeated when the fabric needs replacingConvenient garden-ready sizes – garden stores know what we want
Barrier fabric comes in helpful dimensions and is easy to resize if neededPrevents weed germination and development – we wouldn’t use it if it didn’t!Limits use of herbicides – save time and resources while also keeping your plants healthyKeeps the soil moist – weed barrier fabric limits evaporation, keeping the water in the groundPrevents erosion – the material protects the soil from wind and water run-off
This is especially useful if you’re using pavers on a hill and don’t want them washed awayLong-term weed control – many fabrics will last 10+ yearsHelps regulate temperature – the barrier will trap heat in the winter and keep the soil cool in the summer
Some gardeners argue that using this material requires more maintenance due to its disadvantages
Whether or not you choose to use fabric should ultimately depend on your gardening plans and personal taste
Reduces earthworm populations – even though they live underground, worms need to reach the surface to surviveCompacts the soil – over time, the limited aeration and lack of worms can pack down the soilDisrupts the nutrient cycle – garden membrane prevents organic matter from integrating into the soil
Over time, the soil’s nutrients will be leached out by plants without being replacedWeeds are stubborn – it’s still possible for weeds to appear, especially if you use an organic mulch they can take root in
If you like to move things around, weed barrier fabric isn’t for youMust be covered with mulch – without it, the fabric can be damaged by the sun
If they move away from their fabric opening, they won’t be able to sprout
How To Install Weed Control Fabric
A weed barrier fabric can be used under shallow raised beds to prevent weed spread
Source: Wally Hartshorn
The thicker and heavier, the more durable the product is likely to be
Very light, paper-thin fabrics are most likely going to tear and break down easily
Thick and heavy fabrics can withstand years of use and are a must for use under rocks
Lightweight fabrics do have their place though in gardens that only need temporary cover
Most landscape fabrics are 3-6 feet wide and 10 to 400 feet long
If you do have leftovers, most fabrics come in rolls that are easy to store
The process for laying landscape fabric is simple
Landscape fabric of your choiceLandscape fabric pins (at least one per square foot of fabric)A hammer or malletMulchSharp scissorsA sharp utility knifeA torch or lighter (optional)
Remove weeds and debris
You can also do it yourself with an at-home soil testing kit
For pathways, you may want to lower the soil surface a few inches below the surrounding area so there’s room for the pathway material
Leave about 2” of extra material around the edges to be tucked under the border or buried in the soil
Using a sharp utility knife, cut circles where you want the plants to go
Make them large enough that you can plant easily and there’s room to grow
If the fabric is fraying on the edges, you can use a torch or lighter to seal them
While planting, be careful not to disturb the material
Place a landscaping pin every 8-12” around the outside and every 12-18” in the center
Cover the entire fabric with 2-3 inches of your choice of mulch
Mulch allows water through, helps the soil retain moisture, holds down the fabric and protects it from the sun
Pull weed seedlings that sprout from the mulch
If left to grow, their roots can damage the material
If you used organic mulch like wood chips, you’ll need to replenish them as the original stuff breaks down
This prevents a soil-like layer from developing