Landscaping fabric is also referred to as plastic mulch, weed barrier fabric, woven ground cover, and woven weed barrier. It is a solid sheet made of recyclable materials, which is used as ground cover to control weeds.
All you need to do is remove the vegetation in the area and the rocks and flatten out the soil. Then, by using scissors or a knife, trim the excess fabric and place landscape fabric between rows of plants.
Also Read: 10 Landscape Design Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Dream Garden
Pros and Cons of Landscaping Fabric You Should Consider
You will find landscape fabric in linen, polypropylene, and burlap, but its utilization depends on your needs. This is why it is essential to know the various pros and cons of landscape fabric.
Here are the pros and cons of landscape fabric you must know before using it.
| Pros of Landscaping Fabric | Cons of Landscaping Fabric |
| Effective weed control blocks sunlight and prevents weed seeds from germinating. | Stops organic matter from enriching the soil naturally. |
| Keeps soil hydrated by reducing evaporation. | It can hinder root growth under the fabric. |
| Useful on slopes, prevents soil from washing away in rain | Degraded or buried fabric is hard to clear out. |
| Keeps gravel or mulch in place and reduces weed growth. | Invasive grasses and dandelions may push through or around edges. |
| Keeps mulch above soil, helping it last longer and stay neat. | Can trap heat in hot climates, stressing plants. |
| Creates a clean and organized appearance in flower beds and walkways. | Worms and insects that aerate soil may find it harder to thrive. |
| Stops mulch from mixing with soil, keeping a neat layer. | Overwatering or heavy rain can lead to fungus under the fabric. |
| Limits weed regrowth, saving time during seasonal maintenance. | Prolonged sunlight can damage fabric, making it brittle. |
Advantages of Landscaping Fabric in Gardening
Landscape fabric reduces the time and effort of weeding. But understanding the pros and cons of landscaping fabric will help you decide if it is helpful to install fabrics in gardens.
The following are the advantages of landscaping fabric:
1. Effective Weed Control
Landscaping fabric can block sunlight from reaching the soil and prevent weed seeds from germinating. It also reduces the time spent pulling out weeds. This is one of the most significant advantages of landscaping fabric since it keeps your garden beds clean.
2. Soil Moisture Retention
While discussing the pros and cons of landscape fabric, it is essential to note that it has the advantage of allowing water and air to pass through. This way, the soil retains moisture longer, so plants need less frequent watering. In the summertime, the fabric keeps the soil cool, and in the wintertime, it keeps the soil warm.
3. Reduces Erosion
If we use landscaping fabric on slopes, hill areas, or other uneven areas, it prevents soil from washing away during heavy rain. It acts as a barrier during heavy rainfall by limiting washouts.
4. Low Maintenance for Pathways
Landscape fabric makes maintenance easier. If you want to create pathways with gravel or mulch, landscape fabric helps keep the material in place. It prevents weeds from growing through.
5. Long-Lasting Mulch Beds
If you do not use a landscape fabric, mulch will easily mix with the soil and decompose quickly. This is why you must use a fabric barrier to keep the mulch on top, making it last longer.
Also Read: How to Fix Brown Spots in Grass on Your Lawn
Limitations of Landscaping Fabric for Gardens
Landscaping fabric is not the best choice for vegetable gardens or flower beds, as it can affect soil health. However, you can use it in pathways, slopes, and low-maintenance garden areas. The pros and cons of landscaping fabric mentioned in this blog depend on how and where it is used.
The following are the disadvantages of landscaping fabric:
1. Restriction of Soil Health Over Time
While discussing the advantages of landscaping fabric, we talked about the blocking of weeds. Similarly, the fabric also prevents organic matter such as mulch or leaves from breaking down into the soil. This hindrance limits the natural enrichment of soil nutrients, affecting plant growth in the long run.
2. Can Hinder Root Growth
Mentioning the pros and cons of landscaping fabric, we are done discussing the advantages. Its disadvantage includes the struggle of the spreading roots to grow freely under the landscaping fabric. This leads to making the plants weaker over time. In most cases, vegetable and flower gardens become weak.
3. Difficult to Remove Once Installed
No matter if the fabric is of high quality, after a few years, it will surely tear or degrade. Therefore, if the mulch or gravel has accumulated on top, removing the landscaping fabric becomes a labor-intensive task.
4. Weeds can Still Grow Around Edges
Although landscaping fabric reduces weed growth, a few, such as dandelions or invasive grasses, can sometimes push through the fabric or grow around the edges.
5. Affects Soil Temperature
A lot of sunlight and heat stress certain plants. Thus, in hot climates, landscaping fabric traps heat, raising the soil temperature.
Also Read: 10 Stunning Water Feature Design Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
Alternatives for Landscape Fabric
Now that we are done discussing the landscape fabric pros and cons, we must go through the natural options as well.
The following are the alternatives for landscaping fabric to consider:
- Lay a cardboard or newspaper under your mulch
- A thick layer of organic mulch
- Inorganic mulch
- Using a pre-emergent herbicide
- Ground covers
The best part is you do not need to worry about cleanup since the paper dissolves into the soil.
Also Read: 7 Luxury Swimming Pool Designs to Enrich your Outdoor Space
The Last Take on Pros and Cons of Landscaping Fabric
The landscape fabric pros and cons clearly mention that the landscaping fabric blocks sunlight from reaching the soil and makes maintenance easier. But it is also difficult to remove once installed.
So, if you are tired of battling weeds in your garden, you must consult professionals like KLG to guide you and offer solutions for it. KLG is a landscaping company in Dubai providing you with the latest designs and trends that fit your needs. We will work with you every step of the way, keeping your outdoor space looking great.
FAQs
What is landscaping fabric?
It is made from woven or non-woven synthetic materials. It acts as a physical barrier to inhibit weed growth by blocking sunlight while allowing water and air to pass through to the soil.
What is landscaping fabric used for?
Landscape fabric is most often used as a barrier material under a layer of rock or mulch. Sometimes it is laid underneath paving stones. It is supposed to prevent weeds from growing through the fabric.
Does landscape fabric drain water?
Yes, landscape fabric is designed to allow water and air to penetrate the soil below through its many tiny holes, which is crucial for proper drainage and plant health. However, its effectiveness can be reduced over time if it becomes clogged with soil or sediment.
What is the best fabric for landscaping?
Non-woven geotextile fabric is the best choice for drainage applications where water flow through (permeability) is the primary concern. Non-woven landscape fabric is commonly used in French drains, drain fields, and erosion control.
What is the lifespan of landscape fabric?
Thin landscape fabric with perforated holes will last for several months to a few years if properly managed. Heavy-duty landscape fabrics are known to last for several years, or even a decade or more.
