Landscape fabric, also known as geotextile, is a manufactured material used to create a barrier between different layers of ground material. Its two main functions are acting as a physical weed block and serving as a separation layer. This separation prevents aggregate materials, such as gravel or stone, from sinking and mixing into the underlying soil, which is useful in hardscaping projects. Selecting the most effective fabric type requires choosing the material composition that aligns with the project’s specific requirements.
Understanding the Core Fabric Types
The market primarily offers three distinct types of geotextile: woven, non-woven, and solid plastic sheeting.
Woven Fabric
Woven landscape fabric is typically made from interwoven strands of polypropylene, providing high tensile strength and durability. This grid-like pattern allows for substantial load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for areas enduring heavy use or requiring stabilization. However, the tighter weave can restrict water flow, and cut edges are prone to fraying if not properly secured.
Non-Woven Fabric
Non-woven fabrics are manufactured by bonding synthetic fibers, often polyester or polypropylene, through heat or chemical processes, resulting in a felt-like material. This construction allows for greater permeability, meaning water and air pass through more easily, which is better for plant health. While offering good filtration and drainage, non-woven materials possess less overall strength and are more susceptible to tearing under heavy pressure or foot traffic.
Solid Plastic Sheeting
The third option, perforated film or solid plastic sheeting, is the least expensive but the least desirable for permanent landscaping. These materials block light effectively, but they severely restrict the exchange of water and air between the soil and the atmosphere. This lack of permeability can create overly wet or deprived soil conditions, potentially suffocating plant roots and inhibiting beneficial soil life. Therefore, film is rarely recommended for areas where desirable plants are expected to thrive.
Selecting Fabric Based on Project Application
The intended use of the area dictates whether a durable separation layer or a permeable weed barrier is the priority. For hardscaping projects like patios, gravel walkways, or driveways, heavy-duty woven fabric is the most appropriate selection. Its superior strength and resistance to puncture prevent the aggregate from being pressed into the subgrade by weight and movement. This stabilization maintains the integrity and depth of the stone or gravel layer, reducing the need for continuous replenishment.
In contrast, flower beds and areas containing perennial plants require a non-woven, spunbond fabric to prioritize soil health and moisture. This material allows for a better exchange of water and nutrients to reach established root systems. While woven fabric can be used, its lower permeability risks water runoff and reduced nutrient delivery as its pores accumulate fine soil particles.
For vegetable gardens or annual planting beds, most horticulturalists recommend avoiding landscape fabric entirely due to the necessity of yearly tilling and soil amendment. If a barrier is required for temporary weed suppression in row crops, a lightweight, non-woven fabric is the only viable option. The material must be thin and flexible enough to be easily cut and managed without interfering with the plant’s short-term growth cycle or making annual soil preparation difficult.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Installation
Effective installation begins with meticulous site preparation, which involves removing all existing vegetation, including weeds and grass. The soil surface must then be raked smooth and level, removing any large rocks or sharp debris that could puncture the fabric. Amending the soil with compost or fertilizer should be completed during this stage, as the fabric will inhibit access later.
Once the ground is prepared, the fabric should be rolled out across the area, ensuring it lies flat without wrinkles or folds. If the area requires multiple pieces, sheets must be overlapped by a minimum of six to twelve inches to prevent weeds from exploiting the seams. This generous overlap is necessary to create a continuous barrier.
The material must be secured immediately using U-shaped landscape staples or pins, driven through the fabric and into the ground every three to five feet along the edges. Staple placement should be concentrated along all overlapped seams to hold the layers firmly against wind or shifting soil. For installations around existing plants, the fabric should be carefully cut to fit around the base, keeping the cuts minimal.
To accommodate new plants, a small “X” or cross-shaped cut should be made in the fabric, just large enough to dig the hole for the root ball. After planting, the four triangular flaps should be folded back around the stem, fitting snugly to prevent weed germination in the exposed soil. Circular cuts are also effective, but they must be kept small to avoid creating gaps that would compromise the barrier’s function.
Limitations and Long-Term Considerations
While landscape fabric offers effective initial weed control, users should be aware of its long-term drawbacks, particularly when used in planting beds. One common issue is that weeds eventually grow directly on top of the fabric, rooting into the organic material that accumulates over time. This top layer of decomposing mulch, dust, and airborne soil provides an ideal medium for weed seeds to germinate, rendering the underlying barrier ineffective.
The fabric also presents a challenge to soil health by acting as a restrictive layer that impedes the natural nutrient cycle. It prevents organic matter from the overlying mulch or decaying leaves from breaking down and incorporating into the soil below. This restriction can lead to compacted soil with diminished microbial activity and a lack of aeration, negatively affecting the vigor of established plants.
Finally, the non-biodegradable nature of most landscape fabric types creates a significant maintenance burden years after installation. As the material ages, it often begins to shred, fray, and decompose into smaller pieces, becoming entangled with plant roots and soil. This slow disintegration makes removal a difficult and messy process, often requiring the fabric to be pulled out in small, deteriorated fragments.