May. 26, 2025
It’s no secret that landscaping fabrics, also known as weed control fabric, can be an extremely effective tool to block weed and other invasive plants from growing in your flower beds. But of course, not all types of landscape fabric are created equal.
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In fact, there are many heavy-duty fabric options that can be used for a variety of different construction projects both in your garden and beyond. And once you know how to pick the best landscape fabrics for your needs, you’ll be able to lay a stable foundation for almost any outdoor D.I.Y. project.
Here’s what you need to know…
Typically, landscape fabric is used to create a physical barrier between the soil and whatever surface you’re attempting to create. That’s why these materials are made using polypropylene fabric, which is commonly used for industrial purposes. This type of fabric is highly durable, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their long-term maintenance needs.
With that being said, there are two main types of landscape fabric that you will come across when shopping for materials.
One of the most common landscaping fabrics is non-woven geotextile fabric. This type of polypropylene fabric is designed to act as a solid ground cover, meaning it doesn’t include perforated holes. This feature makes it a good choice for soil stabilization but limits the permeability of the area you’ll be using it in.
The next most commonly used landscaping fabric is woven geotextile fabric. As you might have guessed, woven fabrics are made using finely laced threads of polypropylene fabric. This allows water and other soil nutrients to easily permeate its surface, which is why this option is often used around trees and shrubs.
You probably already know that landscaping fabrics can be used to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn. But preventing weeds from growing is far from being their only benefit. You may want to install landscape fabric for…
Whether you’re building a D.I.Y. parking pad or installing a gravel driveway, landscape fabric can be used to help you create a stable foundation for your project. And since these fabrics are considered heavy-duty, they can easily withstand the weight of vehicles ranging from family cars to RVs.
Another great use for landscaping fabric is around barns and horse arenas. When you’re working with live animals, sinking into the soil can pose a serious health and safety risk. These fabrics can help you maintain your property and care for your livestock with minimal maintenance.
If you’ve ever considered installing a french drain on your property, then you probably know that these drainage systems require a permeable covering. Perforated landscape fabrics offer a great way to protect your drain, while still allowing water to flow freely.
When preparing to build a small structure like a shed or storage unit in your yard, it’s crucial to ensure that the ground is as stable as possible. Landscaping fabrics can be used under these structures to create a reliable base that stands the test of time, even if harsh weather conditions.
Besides acting as a weed control fabric, different types of landscape fabrics can give you the support you need to build a D.I.Y project that actually lasts. That’s because geotextile fabrics act as a base beneath the ground’s surface, preventing the elements from damaging your project over time. The main benefits of using landscaping fabric are…
One of the biggest benefits of using landscaping fabric is that it holds the soil, and any surrounding features, securely in place. This type of soil stabilization can be used around garden areas, as well as under gravel and other infill materials. In the long term, it can help you reduce your maintenance needs and cut back on any repair costs.
If you’re looking to enhance the health of your plants, using a landscape fabric is a great way to increase moisture in the soil without excessive watering. For example, woven fabrics can be used to slow down evaporation. This allows your trees and shrubs to absorb more water, even in dry months.
On the other hand, areas that experience heavy rains and other harsh weather conditions may deal with extreme soil erosion. In this case, landscaping fabric is a highly effective erosion control tool that prevents the ground from deteriorating. With this physical barrier in place, you can stop your soil from washing away and potentially damaging your property.
If you’ve ever shopped for landscaping materials, you’ve probably noticed that plastic coverings are often sold alongside geotextile landscape fabrics. And while these materials can serve similar purposes, there are some distinct differences that you should know about.
In general, geotextile fabrics have been specially treated to withstand extreme weather conditions and support lasting soil stabilization. In contrast, traditional plastic has not been designed with these features in mind, meaning that it will require more regular maintenance and may need to be replaced periodically.
Here’s a side-by-side look at geotextile vs. plastic landscape fabrics…
While plastic sheets may seem like a more affordable option, the truth is that geotextile landscaping fabric is almost guaranteed to save you time and money in the long term.
Since landscaping fabric is considered a versatile material, it can easily be used in construction projects. This includes being used under gravel and other popular infill materials. That means you can rely on geotextile landscaping fabrics for a wide range of D.I.Y. projects, such as driveways, parking pads, storage areas, and more.
Another common question that buyers have is whether landscape fabric and filter fabric are the same things. This can be a tricky topic since certain types of landscape fabrics are typically used in french drains and other filtration systems.
However, it’s important to remember that not all landscape fabrics will work in these scenarios. That’s why only fabrics with perforated holes should be used as filter fabric, allowing water to adequately drain out of the system.
Picking the best landscape fabrics can seriously impact the success of your next D.I.Y project.
At Performance Footing, we specialize in both woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics, and our team is here to help you determine which types of landscape fabrics are best suited to your needs.
Landscape fabric acts as a barrier between plants and the soil to prevent weed growth, stabilize saplings, improve irrigation methods, guard against soil erosion, and mitigate unwanted sun exposure. To help you find the best landscape fabric for your specific needs, we researched and compared the highest-rated options on the market.
Explore our top recommendations, tips on what to look for when shopping, and answers to common landscape fabric questions below.
The ECOgardener Weed Barrier is our team’s pick for the best landscape fabric in . However, our experts recommend a range of different landscape fabrics for a variety of needs:
The table below highlights key features of our top-rated landscape fabrics. Read on to learn more about the best landscape fabrics on the market.
We like that this easy-to-install landscape fabric is lighter than most, allowing for more water and air circulation. The ECOgardener landscape fabric is versatile for use with in-ground gardens and raised beds. Though it’s available in multiple widths, this particular size is suitable for smaller gardens.
Courtesy Amazon $31.95 At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.Our research showed those who are happy with the ECOgardener Premium Landscape Fabric said that it was sturdy and easy to use. Unsatisfied customers we found said that the fabric was flimsy. Several reviews also said that weeds were still able to penetrate it.
Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.Dewitt labels this product as a 20-year landscape fabric, so it’ll last for years before it needs to be replaced. Its woven, needle-punched fabric features reinforced fiber for extra moisture control and better positioning in sloped spaces. We were also impressed that the fabric also has lines every 12 inches.
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Courtesy Amazon $321.02 $149.99 At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.Customers we found said that the Dewitt Bulk Woven Landscape Fabric was hefty and long-lasting. Many also said that it was easy to install and better than other name-brand options. However, we also noted some customers who said they didn’t see much improvement in weed prevention, moisture retention, and other metrics.
Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.This landscape fabric from Mutual Industries is 300 feet long and 6 feet wide, making it great for large yards. Made of high-quality woven polyethylene, we like that this product resists ultraviolet and biological deterioration and rotting for long-lasting protection from invasive weeds.
Courtesy Amazon $178 At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.Customers used the Mutual Industries Polyethylene Woven Geotextile Fabric for landscaping, fire pits, playgrounds, walkways, driveways, and more. Many said that it was easy to install and performed well. Several dissatisfied customers we found said the landscape fabric they received didn’t match the measurements advertised in the product listing.
Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.This heavy-duty landscape fabric from HOOPLE features nonwoven, chemical-free material that improves irrigation by blocking harmful rays. It’s easy to cut and ideal for use with gardens, artificial turf, gravel paths, and more. We also were happy to see that HOOPLE also offers this fabric in several sizes.
Courtesy Amazon $59.99 $51.99 At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.Customers were pleased with the durability of the HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier, noting that it was much thicker and tougher than options from big-box retailers. On the other hand, we noticed that some dissatisfied customers said they were frustrated with how quickly the fabric degraded.
Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.This heavy-duty woven landscape fabric and weed barrier from WAENLIR improves irrigation by blocking harmful rays and doubles as an effective soil stabilizer. We also like that it’s also available in several lengths to accommodate small, medium, or large areas.
Courtesy Amazon $129.71 At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.Our team found that satisfied customers said that this landscape fabric from WAENLIR was sturdy and durable. Others said that the fabric was easy to cut and fit around plants, fences, and other obstacles. Those who didn’t like this landscape fabric said that it didn’t stop weeds from sprouting. However, other reviewers used staples to pull the fabric taut and helped prevent weed growth.
Read our buying guide on landscape fabrics below to learn about important factors such as applications, thickness, size, and UV protection.
High-quality landscape fabric typically costs around $1–3 per square foot, while lower-quality fabric often costs less than $1.
Determine how much ground cover you need and what type of material you prefer before setting a budget and looking at the different fabric options.
There are a few different types of landscape fabric to suit a variety of lawn, garden, and landscaping projects. The main categories are non-woven, perforated, and the most common—woven.
Thicker landscaping fabric is more durable, but it’s more expensive and damaging to vegetables, herbs, and annual plants because it can crush the plant roots that are close to the surface. We recommend choosing a thin fabric for these plants and sticking to a thick fabric for gravelly areas where the rocks might wear down thinner fabric.
Landscape fabric can break down if it’s exposed to too much UV light, which is why some fabrics have UV-resistant or UV-stabilized properties. UV-resistant fabric rolls have innate qualities that make them less susceptible to damage from sunlight, while UV-stabilized fabric has been chemically treated to get that resistance.
Some of the most popular brands for landscape fabric are:
Landscape fabric comes with several benefits to your garden. Here are some of the most beneficial elements of using landscape fabric on your plants.
Using landscape fabric helps to suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight, preventing weeds from germinating and penetrating the soil surface. Landscape fabric can reduce the amount of time and effort spent on weeding, particularly in garden beds or areas with gravel or mulch.
Landscape fabric can help retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. This can be beneficial in arid or dry climates or areas prone to drought, as it helps to conserve water and maintain soil moisture levels.
Geotextile fabric can aid in erosion control by stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion caused by water runoff. It helps to maintain soil structure and prevents particles from being washed away during heavy rain or irrigation.
Landscape fabric provides a barrier between the soil and other materials, such as gravel or mulch, preventing them from mixing together over time. This can help preserve the integrity and quality of the soil.
The best-rated landscape fabrics all serve a unique purpose, whether that’s for moisture retention or protecting your plants from frost. Ultimately, the best landscape fabric for you depends on what you need out of your landscape fabric.
Below are some frequently asked questions about landscape fabrics:
No. Landscape fabric eventually breaks down, but our research shows it can last around 10 years if it’s not exposed to too much sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Some people prefer not to use landscape fabric because:
If you don’t want to use landscape fabric in your yard, you can use the following materials:
To provide our readers with the best landscape fabric recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of fabric barriers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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