The 10 Best Landscape Fabrics of 2024

It is challenging to remove unwanted plants in your garden once they start spreading. These plants choke the life of your garden since they compete for nutrients with your plants. While some homeowners prefer to apply weed killer products to control weed, applying chemicals around your plants especially during the summer season is not a healthy option, right?

Is there an environmentally friendly way to prevent the growth of weeds without the use of chemicals? Yes, there is, by the use of landscape fabrics. This takes us to your next question, what is a landscape fabric? A piece of landscape fabric is a material that provides a physical barrier between the soil and the sun.

Landscape fabrics cut off weeds from sunlight and hold them back if they manage to sprout. By using landscape fabrics in your garden your plants will grow without the need of competing for nutrients, water, air, or sunlight.

However, when before purchasing the best landscape fabric here are the two types of landscape fabrics:

Woven Fabric: these types of fabrics are made of polypropylene or linen. Woven fabrics have a swirling pattern that is tough to tear or puncture allowing air and water to reach the soil beneath uniformly. The pattern on woven fabrics allows water and nutrient exchange in the soil. In addition, they are ideal for shrubbery, trees, and garden beds. With that being said always remember to cut holes for existing plants

Non-Woven Fabrics: are also known as spun-bonded fabric. They are commonly made from polyester or polypropylene. Non-woven fabrics are a long-term solution for weed control. However, it is important to note that these fabrics are not suitable for flowerbed use.

On the other hand, these fabrics work well for gravel and rock landscapes. Also, they prevent unwanted plants from overrunning a gravel path. Furthermore, it helps in preventing the gravel from settling in the soil.

Well now that you know the two types of landscape fabrics. Here are the 10 best landscape fabrics of 2021.

Best Overall: GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric

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When it comes to getting value for your money, it doesn’t get much better than this. The GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric has all the features you expect since it is made of high-quality polypropylene fabric. This landscape fabric is only available in 6 by 33-foot sheets.

While it can be frustrating if you are looking to cover a large area, however, its performance can’t be doubted. This fabric works exactly as you need it to and keeps your plants as healthy and good-looking as you want them to. Furthermore, it’s very easy to use and cut. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re planning to work in unique spaces.

The GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric is made of breathable material. And the fabric is not susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to sunlight since it is UV stabilized. These features make it ideal for use in areas such as outdoor gardens and greenhouses.

Best Value: ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric

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This landscape fabric is one of the best professional-grade fabrics on the market. While this claim is backed with an impressive show of results, here is why you need it in your garden.

The ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric is designed to block out weeds on a large scale. It has a fabric dimension of 3 by 50 feet and weighs five ounces per fabric. It’s also available in larger dimensions. the availability of different sizes allows a consumer to settle for one that suits them the most.

This landscape fabric is easy to set up and its lightweight nature makes it easy to install with the aid of a manual only. It is water permeable and allows air to pass through thus allowing the soil to retain moisture and your plants to thrive. Designed to stand the test of time. It helps reduce the need for herbicides. In addition, this weed barrier is less prone to rip and also has a money-back guarantee which lapses after 30 days of purchase.

Best Pick: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier. Premium Pro Ultra Thick Landscape Fabric

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If the thickness is one feature that you’re looking for in a landscape barrier then the HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier. Premium Pro Ultra Thick Landscape Fabrics assure to give you peace of mind and get the job done. It comes with excellent UV protection and weed control. Additionally, this barrier can hold heavy loads such as large rocks.

Furthermore, it helps you to be environmentally friendly by avoiding the use of chemicals and allows your plants to nourish in a healthy environment. This landscape fabric is easy to use and is not difficult to cut, allowing you to install it in different shapes without any hiccups.

Its permeability rate allows plants to get as much water as they need to survive. And it breathability allows air to circulate in the soil freely. With a reasonable price tag, this quality landc=scaping fabric is ideal for all your landscaping needs.

Best Aeration Landscape Fabric: DeWitt SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier

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The DeWitt SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier is designed for gardens that experience high temperatures. Also, it works well in greenhouses. This fabric is made of polypropylene and it is UV stabilized, which means it won’t degrade in direct sunlight. In addition, the manufacturer is so confident in its products that they offer a five-year guarantee.it has a dimension of 4 by 300 feet and it is easy to install. Its lightweight nature allows you to move it to the areas that you want to cover but it is still heavy enough to control the growth of weeds.

The DeWitt SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier has a sturdy and durable design that will ensure it stands the test of time. Its ability to withstand pressure and resist tear makes it an ideal choice for landscaping. Furthermore, it is UV resistant, water permeable, and breathable. This ensures that your soil gets adequate moisture for plants to thrive while weed growth is minimalized.

Best Lightweight Landscape Fabric: SCOTTS Fabric

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If you’re looking for a fabric that goes well with projects like lining a pot or preventing soil erosion, you most certainly don’t need a heavy fabric. This is where the Scotts landscape fabric comes in. It is a medium-duty weed barrier that is thin and suitable for such projects. Also, it is tough enough to last. This landscape fabric has excellent water drainage and holds up well in the sun. The Scotts fabric prevents the growth of weed without chemicals and can be used in patios and walkways. This non-woven fabric is great for tasks that don’t require heavyweight fabrics.

Best Landscape Fabric: AHG Garden Weeds 3ft x 300ft / 20 YR Premium Series Landscape Fabric

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The AHG Garden Weeds 20 YR Premium Series Landscape Fabric is one of the top choices for contractors and homeowners. This fabric measures 3 by 300 feet thus giving you enough coverage for large gardens and veggie patches. This landscape is suitable for commercial and residential use. Also, it is ideal for agricultural operations. Made of premium polypropylene material. It allows optimal drainage and airflow to throw the fabric.

The AHG Garden Weeds 20 YR Premium Series Landscape Fabric has a blackout design that prevents the growth of weed. This fabric is UV resistant, easy to handle, and cuts cleanly with no rugged ages. Well if you’re looking for a high-quality landscaping fabric that comes with user-friendly features, this option is worth considering.

Best Strong Landscaping Fabric: Mutual WF200 Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric

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The Mutual WF200 Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric is uniquely designed for holding soils in place and it also doubles as weed preventing and controlling fabric. It has a dimension of 6 by 300 feet and it is made of heavy-duty polyethylene woven geotextile material. Despite being built to withstand the test of time, this fabric is not as durable as some of the landscaping fabrics on our list but still gets the job done.

Environmentally friendly, UV-resistant and does not degrade easily are a few features that make this fabric material a to-go option. It is water permeable and breathable thus ensuring your plant gets enough moisture and air for healthy germination. With that being said it is important to note that fabric prevents soil erosion.

Best Premium Landscape Fabric: Scotts 25-Year Pro Fabric

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A landscape fabric that boasts of 25-year longevity couldn’t miss our list!

The Scotts 25-Year Pro Fabric is puncture and tear-resistant. Additionally keeps out the hard weeds and it is highly durable. Furthermore, its lightweight structure helps in the high mobility of the product. It’s a hassle-free fabric to use since it is easy to install and cut. This barrier is specifically known for its outstanding flower bed results since it stops the growth of grass right from its surface giving your flower garden a beautiful view. While if you are that kind of person who doesn’t like changing landscape barriers now and then it’s best you settle for the Scotts 25-year.

Best Breathable Landscape Fabric: Amagabeli 5.8oz 4ft x 100ft Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric

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The Amagabeli 5.8oz 4ft x 100ft Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric is an ideal choice if you are looking to cover a large area. This fabric is offered in three different sizes, allowing you to choose the best fit for your garden. This fabric is made of a high-density woven needle punched dual-layer and polyester material that can withstand the test of time.

Its premium design makes it ideal for use in different applications. It allows water and air to pass through and nourishes your plants. Furthermore, it is UV resistant and does not degrade easily under extreme, wind, rain, snow, and sunlight.

Budget-Friendly Landscape Fabric: Petgrow ? Heavy Duty Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric

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Are you looking for a weed control method that is environmentally friendly and is pet-safe, then the Petgrow ? Heavy Duty Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric is an ideal choice. This fabric is made of heavy-duty professional grade polypropylene material known for its high strength and durability. This makes it an excellent choice for harsh weather conditions.

The Petgrow ? Heavy Duty Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric works by preventing the growth of weeds while keeping the soil healthy while keeping your soil healthy for plants to feed on nutrients required for healthy growth. Its ability to maintain an ecosystem of a yard makes it ideal for consumers who don’t like using chemicals on their soil.

Buying Guides

With the vast variety of options to choose from, buying the best landscape fabric can be an intimidating task. However, with these factors in mind, we guarantee that your shopping would be a hassle-free task.

Type of material

Landscape barriers come in two different designs, woven and non-woven. For woven fabrics, they are known for their ability to withstand the test of time but they are not the best when it comes to drainage. However, they ensure plants get the utmost nutrition they need while suffocating the weeds.

Non-woven fabrics are porous and they ensure water and air seep into the soil at all times. These fabrics are best known for not clogging since they have a high permeable rate.

Installation

While shopping for a landscape barrier may seem an intimidating task, installing can be a doubting one if you go for makes that are not easy to install. When purchasing a landscape fabric, always ensure to go for one that can unroll, measure, cut, and install easily.

Eco-Friendly quality

When shopping for landscape fabric, always go for one that is made of environmentally friendly material and requires no additional chemical to do the job. This in turn allows your plants to grow healthy without the risk posed by chemicals on plants.

Also, ensure that the fabric is made from top-quality professional-grade material and can withstand the test of time without the material degrading or deteriorating in quality.

Permeability: when shopping for a landscape barrier always go for a permeable product. This ensures that your plants get all the nutrients and water that they need to grow healthy. In addition, it prevents standing puddles of water after heavy or light rains. Fabrics that can let water in but keep weeds out are an ideal choice for gardens.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a landscape fabric depends on different factors. These factors include temperature, moisture, exposure, and the area where it has been installed. When it comes to choosing the best landscape for your land, always check the manufacturer’s years’ recommendations.

UV Protection

Landscape barriers are designed to withstand outdoor use and resist damage from direct sunlight exposure. However, resistance levels vary from one brand to another. With that being said always ensure the material is UV stabilized and can withstand the extreme sun. This is one way you get good value for your money.

FAQS

Q: What is the best landscape fabric to use?

A. when it comes to protecting your garden, there are many quality landscape fabric options to choose from. Ensuring the well-aeration of the fabric as the air and water enter the soil. A top-notch landscape fabric lasts the annual planting year without diminishing its qualities. It is with no surprise when most of these products last up to five years or even beyond the ten-year mark. With that being said, here are our top 4 picks:

Best Overall: GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric
Best Pick: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier. Premium Pro Ultra Thick Landscape Fabric
Best Value: ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
Best Premium Landscape Fabric: Scotts 25-Year Pro Fabric

Q: What is a Landscaping Fabric?
A: landscape fabric is a type of material made of either tightly woven or non-woven fibers that have perforated holes. It is normally sold as a solid sheet and it is used to eliminate weeds and promote the growth of plants without the use of chemicals

These fabrics are placed around flowering plants, trees and shrubs, and gardens. Landscaping fabrics help in killing unwanted plants by blocking out the sunlight that these plants need when it comes to their growth. Additionally, it is also used to control soil erosion while controlling water flow.

Landscaping fabrics come in different sizes and different grades. With that being said it is important to know that the best landscaping fabric depends on your preference.

Q: Does landscaping fabric let water through?
A: First thing first, according to the above buying guide water permeability is one factor that you should consider when buying a landscape fabric.

With that being said landscape fabrics are designed in a way that has a tiny or pierced hole on them that allows water and air to pass through the soil. A landscape fabric that allows water to pass through ensures that your plants are adequately water. In addition, these pores allow the soil to be properly aerated.

On the flip side as much as landscape fabric let water in the soil they don’t let it out as easily as it came in. This makes them responsible for the high amount of soil moisture in the soil as well as the reduction in the rate of soil erosion.

Q: How Do They Stop Weeds if They Let Through Water?
A: The holes in the landscape fabrics may be too small enough but they are still large enough to let water through. On the flip side, when it comes to weeds the holes on these fabrics are extra tiny to allow the growth of weeds. Furthermore, landscape fabrics also block out UV rays deny weeds the sunlight that they need to germinate

Q: How is a landscape Fabric installed?
A: The application of a landscape material is essential in gardens or flower beds as it helps in preventing the growth of unwanted plants. Well, if you are wondering how a landscape fabric is installed here are is a break down of installation points that are easy to follow

First things first ensure that you know the dimensions of the garden area of the piece of ground the fabric will be covering.Kill any existing weeds in the soil before installing the barrier Ensure you rake out the garden and get rid of unwanted plants

Now you can set the landscape fabric barrier down. Also, it is advisable to staple the barrier into the soil, especially if you are dealing with lightweight landscape barriers.

After you have placed the barrier into its right place, nice and tight, cut the fabric into the precise location where you want your plants to grow.

Last but not least it is advisable to staple the area around the cut to ensure the tightness of the landscape barrier.

Q: Which is better landscape fabric or plastic?
A: when efficiently looking for a weed protection option, both plastic and fabric do the job.

fabric; This material does a better job at preventing the growth of weeds. Since it has a thicker barrier for preventing sunlight. On the flip side, it has an easier time moisture through to the soil that allows your plants to grow healthy.

Plastic: These weed control barrier sheets are effective when it comes to preventing the growth of unwanted plants. However, these plastic sheets are too thin and they allow sunlight to penetrate through. Also, you must perforate the plastic sheets since they do not let the water pass through.

Well, the fabric is better than plastic. However, if you love an extra hustle, you will not mind perforating the plastic sheets.

Q: Will landscaping fabric affect the drainage of my lawn?
A: No, it will not waterlog your lawn. Since it is made of a porous material that allows water flow. Landscaping fabrics create a physical barrier that helps prevent soil erosion and weeds from resurfacing in your garden.

Q: Should landscape fabric go under gravel?
A: Yes, it can serve as mulch for the garden. This will depend on the amount of added soil. When put in fewer quantities the gravel will not last as expected to get the job done. Whereas with quantities past the six-inch mark above the soil, the landscape fabric reduces the amount of gravel required. This will still tackle your weed issue.

Q: Should I Use Landscape Fabric?
A: landscape fabric is highly recommended if you wish to keep your garden protected and looking great. They are chemical-free. While there are other ways of landscaping like the use of cardboard, old cloth, and newspaper. These cheap options are not healthy for your plants since they can block soil aeration. Furthermore, they are not environmentally friendly.

On the flip side, weed barrier fabrics allow the flow of air, water, and nutrients to pass through the soil. This means the weed-blocking fabrics will not damage the soil.

Q: What are the advantages of using landscape fabrics?
A: Landscape fabrics wouldn’t be an option if they didn’t have any advantages. Well here are some reasons why many gardeners prefer using these fabrics.

Temperature regulation: These fabrics trap heat during the winter season and keep the soil cool in the summer.

Easy to install: the majority of these fabrics come in an easy to unroll design. This ensures you get an easy time installing the fabric in your garden and also it is easier to replace when the fabric requires replacements.

Preventing soil erosion: Land fabrics are loved by many gardeners since they can protect the soil from water and wind erosion. These fabric materials always come in handy especially if you’re using pavers on a hill and you don’t want them to be washed away.

Prevents the growth and germination of weeds: These products always ensure that your garden is free of weeds without the use of chemical solutions. This helps in saving time and resources when keeping your plants healthy.

Convenient for garden-ready sizes: when it comes to shopping for landscape fabrics garden stores know what we want. That is why they ensure different fabrics come in different dimensions for different gardens. In addition, these fabrics can be resized to fit if need be.

Q: What are the disadvantages of using landscaping fabric?
A: While every good product on the market has its disadvantages, landscape fabrics are no exception. Be it you choose to use a landscape fabric or not, this decision depends on your gardening plans and personal taste. With that being said, here are some of its disadvantages.

Compacts the soil: The use of landscape fabric for a longer period reduces the earthworm population in the soil. This is because as much as earthworms live underground they also need to reach the surface to survive. Limited aeration and fewer worms pack down the soil.

Disrupts the nutrient cycle of the soil: These fabrics prevent organic matter from integrating down the soil. The constant use of this material means that the nutrients will be leached out by plants without being replaced.

Must be covered with mulch: as much as this product lessens work for most gardeners. Every gardener should ensure that they add a mulch-covering topping to ensure that it can not be damaged by the sun. Also, it doesn’t have a pretty view on its own.

Disruption of bulbs: Bulbs are normally pushed around by underground roots. And if they move away from their designated openings they won’t be able to grow.

Conclusion

By now you have a good idea of the different types of landscaping fabrics and which one is the best for your garden, lawn, or flowerbed needs. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a homeowner. The above products fit the needs of every shopper. On the other hand, if you’re torn between making a purchase decision, consider one of our top four picks.