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There is nothing as satisfying as knowing that your plants are growing in the best conditions, which are access to nutrients, adequate supply of water and sunlight, free from pests and weeds, etc.
However, this satisfaction does not come easily, and one of the major issues a gardener will encounter is the issue of weeds. Weeds are plants that are unwanted in the garden. They compete with your crops for soil nutrients, water, and sunlight, and this usually affects the crops adversely.
That is why it is important to prevent their growth around your planted crops. To this effect, various methods are designed to eliminate weeds from the garden or farmland. Popular among these methods is the use of herbicides, weeding, usage of weed barrier such as landscape fabrics, plastics, etc. However, there are rising concerns about the impact herbicides can have on the environment and plants, and this has made some people avoid them.
Landscape fabrics, on the other hand, are fast rising in popularity and adoption because of their effectiveness and their longevity. These fabrics are made from synthetic material such as polyester and are woven together, and they are used to cover the areas where weeds are found. The fabric then prevents weeds from getting access to sunlight as well as other nutrients that are needed for them to thrive.
Apart from preventing the growth of weeds, Landscape fabrics also help to reduce soil erosion as well as evaporation, therefore conserving soil moisture. However, this does not mean that Landscape fabrics are without any fault.
They are not ideal for vegetable gardens and most flowering beds because of the nature of the plants and the design of the fabrics, which will likely affect the growth of such plants. The fabric does not allow for much aeration; therefore, the soil beneath them is likely to get compact, which is not ideal for plants.
Landscape fabrics do not only act as weed barriers, but they also prevent organic matter such as dead plants, animals, etc. from mixing with the soil, therefore depriving the soil and plants of nutrients. Also, it does not totally eliminate weeds as some resilient weeds may sprout out of the tiny holes that are found on the fabric.
Despite its shortcomings, knowing the type of crop you want to plant on your garden, as well as ensuring that you follow the necessary procedures that are needed when setting up landscape fabrics are important steps that will help you scale through some of the issues that do confront some users of this type of weed barrier.
Another important thing to do when it comes to weed barriers is to do your research well, especially if you want to try them out for the first time. Generally, there are some essential things to watch out for when you want to get landscape fabrics, and this is the main purpose of this article, which is to bring to your doorsteps the needed information on landscape fabrics and where to find some of the best ones on the market.
First, among the essential things to look out for is the quality of the fabric. Landscape fabrics of high-quality last longer, with some of them lasting over 20 years. This can help save money because you won’t be searching for a new landscape fabric anytime soon. Also, you should ensure that the fabric has tiny holes that can allow for certain amounts of aerations and allows water to pass through.
To solve the problem of the fabric preventing nutrients from entering the soil, you can add these nutrients such as organic matter, into the soil before covering it with the fabric.
Let us take a look at a list of quality fabric landscape and dive deeper into how these weed barriers work, and which one may be the best for you.
best landscape fabric for vegetable garden
The Nine Best Landscape Fabric Are Reviewed Below
Various brands make landscape fabrics, and most of them claim to have the best landscape fabric on the market. This can be misleading at times, and it makes the decision process longer for potential buyers, and sometimes, these buyers can settle for a product of lesser quality.
To prevent future occurrences, this list has been prepared. It features some of the best landscape fabrics on the market that were carefully selected and reviewed in order to make the decision-making process easier and help buyers know what to expect when it comes to these products.
1
ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
ECOgardener Premium Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape fabric is one of the best professional-grade landscape fabric on the market, and this claim is backed with an impressive show of results.
It is designed to block out weeds on a large scale. The fabric has a dimension of 3 ft x 50 ft and weighs five ounces per fabric. The manufacturer of the fabric also has other options with larger dimensions such as the 4 ft x 50 ft and the 4 ft x 250 ft landscape fabrics. This helps customers to settle for the one that suits them the most easily. However, their price varies.
One of the major advantages of this landscape fabric is in its set-up. The lightweight design of these weed barrier makes it very easy to install without the aid of a professional. That is, you don’t have to spend extra to install this weed barrier. You can cut it into various pieces to suit the areas you want to cover, and they heavy enough to prevent the growth of weeds in your garden.
It is needle punched to allow for water and air to pass through, therefore enabling the soil to retain moisture and allow your planted crops to thrive.
ECOgardener landscape fabric is designed to last for years, so you will have your garden protected for as long as possible. It also helps to reduce the need for herbicides. The weed barrier is durable and less prone to rip, and it also comes with a money-back guarantee which lasts for 30 days after purchase.
Key Features:
- 3 ft x 50 ft
- Light
- Easy to install
- Tiny holes designed for letting in air and water
Specification:
- Brand: ECOgardener
- Model: Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
Pros
- It is very easy to install
- Easy to move to different areas in your garden
- Eco-friendly
- Helps to control and prevent weed growth
- Has tiny pores that let in air and water
Cons
- Not ideal for very hot areas unless it is covered with mulch.
2
Dewitt 3-Foot by 100-Foot Non-Woven 12-Year Landscape Fabric
Dewitt is a popular manufacturer of landscaping and garden products, and they are one of the leading brands when it comes to landscape fabrics, and they have been in the game for a long time. During this period, the brand has garnered accolades, and they have a record for putting out quality products that help gardeners with their weed problems.
The Dewitt 3 ft x 100 ft non-woven landscape fabric is one of those high-quality products, and it is built to last for about 12 years. This is something that is only found on just a handful of landscape fabrics. Apart from longevity, it does an impressive job of preventing the growth of weeds by limiting the amount of light that reaches them.
Also, the Dewitt weed barrier does not degrade easily when exposed to UV light because it has been treated to withstand such radiation to a certain degree. Plants and the soil beneath are not deprived of water because the fabric is hydrophilic and allows air and water to pass through it into the soil.
It is easy to use, and you can cut it into different shapes and sizes. Also, this weed barrier does not adversely affect the environment, thanks to the design of its fabric.
Key Features:
- 3 ft x 100 ft
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Designed to last 12 years
- Non-woven
- Hydrophilic
Specification:
- Brand: Dewitt
- Model: 3-Foot by 100-Foot Non-Woven 12-Year Landscape Fabric
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Helps to control weeds
- It is treated and does not degrade easily
- It is made to last long
- It lets in air and water
Cons
- It drains water slowly.
3
Agfabric Landscape Ground Cover Weed Barrier
Agfabric is another leading maker of landscape fabric on the market. They have a list of quality landscape fabrics, and their size differentiates most of them while the quality is still the same.
The 6.5 ft x 330 ft Agfabric offers users, especially those that want to cover a large area of land, the adequate material that they need to do that with ease. The environmentally safe fabric prevents and controls the growth of weeds in areas that it covers and helps users avoid using chemicals in doing that.
The fabric also doubles its application by reducing the rate of soil erosion; this can prove useful, especially in areas that are more susceptible to erosion. The weed barrier has a durable design that ensures that it lasts long. It can withstand UV radiation for a long period before it degrades.
Agfabric landscape fabrics are reusable, all you have to do is to clean the surface with water, and you are good to go again. The fabric also features row lines that are designed to help you plant your crops in the rows with the right spacing, and this is suitable for seedbeds.
The fabric is also breathable and permeable; therefore, it allows air and water to permeate through it into the soil.
Key Features:
- 6.5 ft x 330 ft
- Environmentally-safe fabric
- Breathable and permeable
- Heavy duty
- Row lines
Specification:
- Brand: Agfabric
- Model: Landscape Ground Cover Weed Barrier (6.5 x 330 ft)
Pros
- It is easy to set up
- Air and water permeates through it
- It has a wide coverage
- Reduces soil erosion
- Helps to control weed
Cons
- It is too slow in draining water.
4
FLARMOR Pro Garden Landscape Fabric
Flarmor Pro Garden Landscape Fabric is a heavy-duty weed barrier that is made from polypropylene, and it is non-woven, which further strengthens the fabric. The fabric is optimally designed to prevent sunlight from reaching weeds, therefore eliminating the feeds as a result.
It also features an innovative Weedstop technology to ensure further that the weed problem in your garden becomes a thing of the past while it is still in use. This also helps users to save more when tackling weeds and general garden maintenance.
The fabric, like other landscape fabrics of good quality, lasts for quite some time and will ensure that your land is weed-free for at least a year. It also one of the best landscape fabrics for vegetable gardens, and it also works well as an underlayer for flower beds, artificial grass, etc.
You can also place this landscape fabric under gravel, stones, wood chippings, and other materials that can serve as mulch. It comes with a dimension of 6 ft x 300 ft and weighs 1.8z, which makes it easy to move from to different areas in your garden.
However, it is important to note that this fabric degrades faster when exposed to sunlight, meaning that you have to cover it mulch to ensure that its lifespan is not shortened.
Key Features:
- 6 ft x 300 ft
- Weedstop technology
- Polypropylene material
- Has three layers of laminated fabric
- Non-woven
Specification:
- Brand: FLARMOR
- Model: Pro Garden Landscape Fabric (6 x 300 ft)
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Easy to install
- Eliminates weeds
- Can be used under artificial grass, flower bed, etc.
Cons
- Degrades under direct sunlight
- It only lets in very few amounts of water.
5
HOOPLE Premium Pro Garden Weed Barrier
The HOOPLE premium pro garden weed barrier is one of the best landscape barriers for weed control, gravel, or rock. It is designed to keep weeds away from your garden and comes with a dimension of 2.7 ft x 180 ft. The fabric is thick enough to prevent sunlight from reaching the weeds, therefore, depriving them of the nutrients they need to grow.
The landscape fabric is relatively easy to install, and it does not degrade easily under sunlight because it is UV stabilized. The fabric is reusable, and the manufacturers guarantee that the fabric will last for about five years, saving you money in the long run.
You don’t have to worry much about your plants, not getting adequate water needed to survive as the HOOPLE weed barrier is permeable and lets in water and air. The heavy-duty fabric is environmentally safe and chemical-free.
Key Features:
- 2.7 ft X 180 ft
- UV stabilized
- Heavy duty
- Environmentally-safe
Specification:
- Brand: HOOPLE
- Model: Premium Pro Garden Weed Barrier
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It prevents the growth of weeds
- It does not degrade easily
- It is durable
Cons
- It is prone to tear
6
Dewitt SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier
The SBLT4300 Sunbelt ground cover weed barrier is another impressive landscape fabric from Dewitt, and it is one of the best weed barriers that are available on the market. This landscape fabric can be used in seedbeds, gardens, artificial grasses, etc. to control weed.
It is made from polypropylene material and has a dimension of 4 ft x 300 ft and is relatively easy to set up. Just like the Dewitt 3-Foot by 100-Foot Non-Woven 12-Year Landscape Fabric, the SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier is lightweight, therefore allowing you to move it to the areas that you want to cover, but it is still heavy enough to deal with weeds.
The landscape fabric has a sturdy and durable design, which helps to ensure that it lasts for a very long time. It can withstand pressures and resists tears, as well as the growth of stubborn weeds.
Also, the sunbelt weed barrier is UV-resistant; therefore, it does not degrade easily. The fabric material is breathable and allows air and water to pass through in varying quantities. This feature ensures that the soil gets adequate moisture needed for plants to thrive while weed growth is still kept under check.
Key Features:
- 4 ft x 300 ft
- UV stabilized
- Material lets in air and water
- Tear and puncture-resistant
- Lightweight
Specification:
- Brand: Dewitt
- Model: SBLT4300 Sunbelt Ground Cover Weed Barrier
Pros
- It controls weed growth
- It drains in water
- Helps to reduce soil erosion
- Made from sturdy and durable material
- Lasts long
Cons
- It drains water slowly.
7
GardenMate 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric
GardenMate Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric is a heavy-duty landscape fabric that is designed for controlling weed as well as providing aesthetic support for the under of driveways, pathways, flower beds, gardens, landscapes, decking, etc.
The fabric has a dimension of 6 ft x 33 ft, and it is made from a microfiber polypropylene material, which helps to give its durability and sturdiness. The fabric is not susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to sunlight because it is UV stabilized. This makes it ideal for usage in areas such as greenhouses and outdoor gardens.
It is also made of breathable material that allows water to permeate through it into the soil, and this also includes little amount of air and other nutrients. It is advised that you ensure that the soil beneath the material is not too compact, as this will prevent the water that passes through this landscape fabric from entering the soil.
Key Features:
- 6 ft x 33 ft
- Heavy-duty microfiber polypropylene material
- UV-resistant
- Breathable and water permeable
Specification:
- Brand: GardenMate
- Model: 6 x 33 feet Sheet Woven Weed Control Fabric
Pros
- It controls weed
- It is easy to install
- It is UV-resistant
- It is versatile
- The material is breathable and lets in water, air, and other nutrients
Cons
- It drains water slowly.
8
Happybuy Landscape Fabric
Happybuy Landscape Fabric is 6 ft x 300 ft is a heavy-duty geotextile fabric that is designed to act as a weed barrier. It can be used in gardens, seedbeds, greenhouses, etc. for weed control.
The non-woven landscape fabric is made to last long and resists tear, which can be the primary thing that destroys the fabric. It is durable and sturdy at the same time. The Happybuy landscape fabric is quite easy to set up as you don’t need any certification or training to install it. It is straightforward, and it can be cut into various shapes depending on the area you want to cover or your discretion.
It also allows water and air to filter through it into the soil. This is a feature that is quite popular among most landscape fabrics. It also helps to control soil erosion, especially in areas such as slopes that are more prone to experience erosion.
Key Features:
- 6 ft x 300 ft
- Heavy duty
- Non-woven
- Permeable material
Specification:
- Brand: Happybuy
- Model: Landscape Fabric 6 ft x 300 ft.
Pros
- It helps to control weeds
- It is easy to install
- It is durable and lasts long
- The material is permeable to water and air
Cons
- Water does not flow through it easily
9
Mutual WF200 Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric
Mutual WF200 is an impressive weed barrier from Mutual industries. The WF200 is designed specifically for holding soils in place, and it also usually doubles as a weed preventing and controlling fabric.
The fabric has a dimension of 6 ft x 300 ft, and it is made from heavy-duty polyethylene weaved geotextile material. It is designed to last long, although it is not as durable as some of the landscape fabrics reviewed above, it still delivers.
The WF200 landscape fabric is environmentally safe, UV-resistant, and does not degrade easily. The material has tiny pores that allow water and air into the soil, while the fabric helps to prevent soil erosion.
Key Features:
- 6 ft x 300 ft
- Woven polyethylene geotextile material
- UV-resistant
- Permeable
Specification:
- Brand: Mutual Industries
- Model: WF200 Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It helps to prevent weed
- It is UV-resistant
- It controls soil erosion
- Water and air can permeate through the material
Cons
- It is fairly durable.
Buying Guide Questions
Normally, questions will arise when you want to buy a product, and landscape fabrics are not excluded. Below are popular questions that buyers, as well as users of landscape fabrics, are asking as well as detailed answers to those questions. This should help potential buyers as well as people already using landscape fabrics to reach more informed decisions regarding these weed barriers.
What is the best landscape fabric to use?
There are many landscape fabrics on the market. Manufacturers such as Dewitt, Ecogardener, Scotts, Flamor, etc. are renowned for making quality landscape fabrics. However, there are some things that one can also try to observe before usage. Ensure that the fabric is well-aerated to allow air and water to enter the soil. A quality landscape will last the whole annual planting year without a dent. That is why it is no surprise to see that most of these products last up to five years, with some lasting well above ten.
What is the best landscape fabric to prevent weeds?
The primary purpose of these fabrics is to prevent weed. The best landscape fabric will naturally be the one that works well for you. There is no authority on the best landscape fabric, but the one that lasts longer or longest usually takes the spot of best.
There are quality landscape fabrics from different brands, and a good one should prevent weed from sprout for a year or two without fail; after this, the weeds may start returning, but it will be relatively easy to deal with them when a good landscape fabric is installed.
Which is better landscape fabric or plastic?
Both the landscape fabric and the plastic weed barrier have their own merits and demerit. However, relatively the landscape fabric is the better deal among the two because it performs other functions that a landscape plastic cannot do, and a very significant example is aeration.
The pores on landscape fabrics allow for the penetration of air into the soil, and this also includes water. Landscape plastics, on the other hand, do not perform these functions. It does not allow water or air to pass through it into the soil. Also, plastics can get ripped off easily when compared to landscape fabrics.
Although plastics can help to kill weeds and prevent their growth better than landscape fabrics because it does not have tiny holes that allow water and air to pass through, the soil suffers because of this, and it will affect your planted crops in no time.
So, it depends on what you want and how soon you want those results, but landscape fabrics are ideal for eliminating weeds as well as protecting the soil and plants.
What to put under pebbles to stop weeds?
You can put landscape fabrics or plastics under pebbles to stop weeds.
Should I use landscape fabric?
If you are thinking about using landscape fabric in your garden, then maybe you do need them. However, it may not be what you need exactly, depending on the condition of your garden and the method that you want to use to eliminate weeds from that area.
So, one of the questions you should ask yourself is, do you want your garden or farm to be weed-free for a year without applying herbicides? If the answer is yes, then a landscape fabric may be what you need to tackle the problem of weed on your farm.
Should landscape fabric go under gravel?
Yes, landscape fabric can go under gravel. The gravel can serve as mulch, but it also depends on the amount you add to the soil. The grave tends to mix with the soil if it is placed in relatively few quantities. This won’t last long in preventing weed. However, if it is placed in large quantities reaching close 6 inches above the soil, then you don’t have to worry much.
Therefore, placing a landscape fabric under gravel will reduce the amount of gravel you need and still prevent weeds from growing in that area.
Does landscaping fabric let water through?
Landscape fabrics are designed in such a way that leaves tiny pores or pierced holes on them. This allows for water to pass through them into the soil, therefore, providing the soil adequate water needed for plant survival. Soil aeration is not left out of the equation because these tiny pores allow for little aeration in the soil.
Although landscape fabrics let water through into the soil, they do not let it out as easy as they let it in. This is responsible for the high amount of soil moisture in areas covered by them as well as the reduction in the rate of soil erosion in that area.
What kills weeds permanently?
Weeds can be resilient, and controlling them can be hard. However, there are various methods one can use to kill weeds. However, it is important to note that you may be able to take care of weeds in your area for an extended period before you start seeing new shoots unless you keep up with your weed killing routine.
One of the methods which can be used to kill weeds permanently is the use of weed barriers such as landscape fabric and plastics. Other methods are the use of vinegar, baking soda, herbicides, compost manure, etc.
What can I substitute for landscape fabric?
You can pour mulch, such as wood chipping, compost, gravel, rocks, etc. directly on the soil; however, this will only prevent weed temporarily. A close substitute for landscape fabrics will be plastic weed barriers.
You can also use herbicides if tackling weeds is your main aim.
Can I use a tarp instead of landscape fabric?
Yes, you can use a tarp instead of a landscape fabric. It is cheaper and also effective in controlling weeds. It is recommended to use black tarps.
Should you put plastic under gravel?
You can put plastic under gravel the same as landscape fabrics. This is very effective in controlling weeds. However, it also has its downsides as it prevents air and water from entering the soil. This, in turn, affects soil organisms and soil nutrients negatively.
Conclusion
Tackling weed can be exhausting. However, there are lots of options available both on the market as well as homegrown solutions. Landscape fabrics are one of those options that help to tackle weeds effectively. They can be used as a base for other aesthetic arrangements such as artificial grass. That is why it is important to always go for the ones of high quality because they will get the job done, last longer, and save you extra cost.