{"id":14796,"date":"2019-05-09T12:06:05","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T15:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=14796"},"modified":"2024-12-06T22:40:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-07T01:40:58","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ask a group of landscapers or gardeners how they feel about using landscape fabric, and you\u2019ll likely hear a few strong opinions. Is it really worth all the hype, or does it sink under the weight of its weed-free gardening expectations? We\u2019ll discuss the pros and cons of landscape fabric to help you decide what works best for your landscape.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-34b84c79-0112-4c2b-9815-b43156f67107\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#0-what-is-landscape-fabric\" style=\"\">What is Landscape Fabric?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#1-types-of-landscape-fabric\" style=\"\">Types of Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#2-pros-of-landscape-fabric-\" style=\"\">Pros of Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#3-cons-of-landscape-fabric-\" style=\"\">Cons of Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#4-alternatives-to-landscape-fabric\" style=\"\">Alternatives to Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#5-is-landscape-fabric-the-right-choice-for-your-project-\" style=\"\">Is Landscape Fabric the Right Choice for Your Project?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening\/pros-and-cons-of-using-landscape-fabric\/#6-faq-about-landscape-fabric\" style=\"\">FAQ About Landscape Fabric<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-landscape-fabric\">What is Landscape Fabric?<\/h2>    <p>Landscape fabric goes by many names:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Plastic mulch<br><\/li>    <li>Poly mulch<br><\/li>    <li>Synthetic mulch<br><\/li>    <li>Weed barrier fabric<br><\/li>    <li>Weed block fabric<br><\/li>    <li>Weed control fabric<br><\/li>    <li>Woven ground cover<br><\/li>    <li>Woven weed barrier<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>No matter what you call it, landscape fabric is often promoted as the solution to the bane of every gardener\u2019s existence \u2014 weeds. Not only does it supposedly block unwanted weed growth, but best of all, you don\u2019t have to worry about weeding for what seems like years.<\/p>    <p>Unfortunately, and like with many advertised products, this isn\u2019t exactly true.<\/p>    <p>Landscaping fabric definitely has its pros and cons when it comes to its use.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-types-of-landscape-fabric\">Types of Landscape Fabric<\/h3>    <p>Landscape fabric usually comes in one of three materials:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Polyester<br><\/li>    <li>Polyethylene, aka plastic, clear or black.&nbsp; Note: Clear plastic won\u2019t control weeds.<br><\/li>    <li>Polypropylenes (spun or woven fabric)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Woven fabrics, spun or bonded fabrics, and solid sheets of plastic are all common. Want to save time? Some have holes pre-made for planting. The permeability of each will vary depending on the thickness and method of construction, so check the label before you buy.<\/p>    <p>If you\u2019d like to read more in-depth on this topic, check out our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscape-fabric-guide-types-uses\/\">Landscape Fabric Types and How to Use Them<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-pros-of-landscape-fabric-\"><strong>Pros of Landscape Fabric<\/strong><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1.jpg\" alt=\"landscape fabric\" class=\"wp-image-73552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/photos\/MAE_rTpYKTY-landscaper-installing-weed-control-fabric-in-a-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">welcomia<\/a> \/ Cannva Pro \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/policies\/content-license-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Some of the benefits of using landscaping fabric include:<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Keeps inorganic mulches like rocks from sinking into the soil. Landscape fabric helps to stabilize the soil, in other words.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Prevents weed seeds covered by fabric from sprouting.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Reduces the need for herbicides.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Works well on slopes where erosion control is a problem. (This is another application for its soil stabilizing properties.)<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Helps the soil retain moisture and slows evaporation.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 You can choose from many different materials and thicknesses, which makes it customizable for different projects. Also, the variety of choices means you can control your costs, buying the right type of material for each project or area of your lawn.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 Warms the soil in winter. Clear plastic increases soil temps by up to <a href=\"https:\/\/barron.extension.wisc.edu\/files\/2021\/09\/Mulches-for-Home-Gardening-A3383.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9 degrees<\/a> Fahrenheit, black plastic by about 5 degrees, and polypropylenes by about 2 degrees.<\/p>    <p>\u2713 A popular product that can be found at most any garden center, superstore, or online retailer.<\/p>    <p>If landscape fabric is the right choice for your garden or other yard project, you\u2019re ready to learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-landscape-fabric\/\">How to Install Landscape Fabric (in Nine Easy Steps)<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-cons-of-landscape-fabric-\"><strong>Cons of Landscape Fabric<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>Some of the cons of using landscaping fabric include:<\/p>    <p>\u2717 Over time, decomposing particles of mulch and soil clog the perforations in the cloth. As the fabric becomes clogged, adequate amounts of water and air are unable to to reach the plant roots, leading to the plant\u2019s decline.<\/p>    <p>\u2717 Earthworms, which aerate the soil, don\u2019t develop, leading to compacted and unhealthy soil.<\/p>    <p>\u2717 The fabric acts as a barrier to organic materials biodegrading in the soil, which leads to an unhealthier soil structure.<\/p>    <p>\u2717 Weeds can still grow in the mulch on top of the fabric.<\/p>    <p>\u2717 Landscape fabric is time-consuming to install, especially around existing plantings.<\/p>    <p>\u2717 Depending on the size of the area and the thickness of the material, it can be an expensive project. Organic mulches, such as grass clippings and mulched leaves are free and contribute to soil health as they break down.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-alternatives-to-landscape-fabric\">Alternatives to Landscape Fabric<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1.jpg\" alt=\"newspaper mulch\" class=\"wp-image-73624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/34730071352_ac0d2fa84c_k-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/oakleyoriginals\/34730071352\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OakleyOriginals<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>If these downsides to landscape fabric have you rethinking your options, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscape-fabric-alternatives\/\">landscape fabric alternatives<\/a> to consider:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Cardboard (a great option for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/sheet-mulching-lasagna-garden\/#:~:text=What%20does%20sheet%20mulching%20do,and%20improving%20the%20soil's%20condition.\">sheet mulching<\/a> to remove part of your lawn)<br><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-ground-cover-plants\/\">Ground cover plants<\/a> <br><\/li>    <li>Ground cover plants that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-flowering-ground-cover-plants\/\">flower<\/a> <br><\/li>    <li>Ground cover plants that work well in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-ground-covers-for-shade\/\">shade<\/a><br><\/li>    <li>Newspaper<br><\/li>    <li>Organic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/mulch-types-tips-guide\/\">mulch<\/a>, such as wood chips, straw, burlap, pine needles, grass clippings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-tips\/how-to-improve-lawn-mulch\/#3-how-to-mulch-leaves\">shredded leaves<\/a>, and compost. Organic mulches decompose, adding valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>In general, organic mulches are more cost effective (or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/where-to-get-free-mulch\/\">free<\/a>) and already available in one\u2019s own lawn.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-is-landscape-fabric-the-right-choice-for-your-project-\"><strong>Is Landscape Fabric the Right Choice for Your Project?<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>If used properly and in the best situations, landscaping fabric does have its benefits, but it also has its drawbacks.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>The good:<\/strong> Landscape fabric works for a time in reducing weeds in an area. It generally works as a weed barrier for a year or less before its usefulness starts declining.<\/p>    <p><strong>The bad: <\/strong>The unwanted growth eventually rears its ugly head despite the weed barrier. Over time, you also end up with soil that isn\u2019t as healthy, which can affect your plants and their health.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>In fact, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ifas.ufl.edu\/escambiaco\/2016\/08\/17\/consider-landscape-fabric-carefully\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Florida<\/a>, the long-term use of landscape fabric can negatively affect soil and plant health and is best used where ornamental plants aren\u2019t growing like pathways or around mailboxes.<\/p>    <p><strong>The bottom line:<\/strong> Landscape fabric is an effective, short-term weed control solution but has deleterious long-term effects on soil health.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-faq-about-landscape-fabric\">FAQ About Landscape Fabric<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1670258353804\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the Best Alternatives to Landscape Fabric?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best alternatives to landscape fabric are:<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Cardboard<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Free mulch from your city<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Grass Clippings<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Ground cover plants<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Newspaper<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1670258380978\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the Best Mulch for Flower Beds?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best mulch for flower beds is something that is attractive and will help reduce moisture loss. Most types of wood mulch (bark, shredded, wood chips) are attractive and also help maintain moisture around the roots of your plants.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1670258390649\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the Best Mulch for Vegetable Garden Beds?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Anything that\u2019s free that you already have around the house works well. Cardboard, newspaper, and shredded leaves (in the fall) help prevent weeds so your annual veggies can thrive.<br\/><br\/>In commercial production, black plastic mulch is a popular option for certain crops. For homeowners looking to save a few bucks, readily available options such as newspaper or cardboard are more commonly used.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-when-to-call-a-landscaping-professional-\"><strong>When to Call a Landscaping Professional<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>If you are unsure about landscape fabric or just a little antsy about the size and work involved in your garden or yard project, call a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">landscaping service near you<\/a>. The pros will be able to answer your questions, help plan your project, and take all the work off your hands.<\/p>    <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/photos\/MADE_aWe3Ns-plants-growing-through-landscape-fabric\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Irina274<\/a> \/ Cannva Pro \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/policies\/content-license-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ask a group of landscapers or gardeners how they feel about using landscape fabric, and you\u2019ll likely hear a few [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":73550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,28,212,21],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-14796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardening","category-lawn-care-2","category-home-garden","category-landscaping","tag-gardening"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Untitled-design-22-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Joyce Starr","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/joyce-starr\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Will landscape fabric help or hurt your gardening efforts? 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