Updated March 26,
I’ve been using landscape fabric for nearly a decade on my 1-acre flower farm and in my home gardens to keep weeds under control. There are various types of landscape fabrics available on the market and I am going to discuss the single best landscape fabric you should be buying for every reason and application. Not all landscape fabric is made equally, and I will discuss the differences between the options available and why the kind of fabric that I use is superior to others.
After reading this post, you’ll want to read Pros & Cons of Using Landscape Fabric to learn from all of the mistakes I’ve made.
First, let’s briefly discuss what landscape fabric actually is. Landscape fabric, sometimes referred to as “weed barrier,” is a material that is laid on top of the ground like a blanket and secured with landscape pins to keep it on the ground. It is usually sold in rolls and comes in different kinds of material (more on that below). Landscape fabric is used for a lot of reasons but it is mainly used to prevent weeds from growing in garden beds. It does a fantastic job of smothering any weeds, grass, or any plant material that is growing underneath it.
The biggest thing to understand about landscape fabric is that it does NOT all work the same. There actually is good and bad landscape fabric.
Related: Methods for Organic Weed Suppression
Yes, landscape fabric is entirely water permeable. Landscape fabric is made up of thin strands of plastic that are woven together and allow water and air through it. In heavy rain events, landscape fabric will drain water slower than usual, but it does not entirely stop water from draining.
If there are puddles of water on top of your landscape fabric, it is not because of the landscape fabric — it is because your soil is not draining properly. There is a common misconception that puddling water on top of landscape fabric means the fabric is holding all the water. This simply is not true, because landscape fabric is made of woven plastic threads and is designed to allow water to totally drain through to the soil below.
The water on top of your landscape fabric could be standing there for many reasons. Perhaps you have a high water table in early Spring or during a flooding event, or your soil is compacted clay and drains very slowly. Puddling water on top of landscape fabric is a helpful indicator of slow draining soils and that area may require interventions such as adding drain tile, digging drainage ditches or permanent raised beds, or simply broadforking the area and adding compost for a few years to help activate soil microbiology. This is a great post to help you on your way to improving soil structure easily and effectively.
Related: The Reasons Why Miracle-Gro Is So Bad for Your Garden
When you lay landscape fabric, it’s incredibly important that you secure it into the ground using 6-inch landscape pins. I prefer these Sandbaggy landscape pins and pounding them into the ground works best using a rubber mallet. You’ll want to pin the fabric down every 2-4 feet depending on how exposed and windy your area is (closer pinning for windier sites).
Beware that landscape fabric, when left overwinter or exposed to windy conditions, will come right up out of the ground. You need to hold it down with heavy concrete blocks. Read our post on the Pros & Cons of Landscape Fabric to learn how to keep it in place.
Landscape fabric, ideally, should be removed at the end of every growing season if you are using it in your annual garden. It can be rolled up and stored in a shed or garage (up away from mice — they will eat holes in it all winter). If you are using landscape fabric in a permanent landscape, it can be left permanently, but make sure it is secured down using heavy rocks or mulch on top so it doesn’t blow away in winter windstorms.
You should only use mulch on top of landscape fabric if you are using it in a permanent planting bed. It’s important to understand that any soil or mulch that contains seeds that is placed on top of the landscape fabric will risk growing weeds on top of it. Also, squirrels and birds will bury and poop seeds on the mulch, which could then root on top of your landscape fabric. This is just something to be aware of before deciding to put mulch on top of the fabric. The landscape fabric will do a fantastic job of suffocating all the weeds underneath it, but not any that are on top of it.
Landscape fabric does not function to prevent plants from freezing. You’ll want to use frost cloth for that.
It’s important to understand the parts of the plants you need to protect from freezing. The top parts of annual plants — leaves, stems, flowers and fruits — are what you would want to protect in an overnight freeze. Landscape fabric is laid on the ground and does nothing to prevent any of those plant parts from freezing. It may protect the top layer of soil from freezing, but not during a deep freeze event — and honestly, if the top parts of the plants are frozen, protecting the roots doesn’t matter at that point. Perennial plants will always be okay in a freeze because their roots can withstand freezing temperatures.
To protect plants from a freeze, set up metal hoops using galvanized steel wire around your plants with frost cloth over them. The frost cloth will need to be secured to the ground with landscape pins, or heavy rocks, to prevent any cold air from creeping in overnight. You can also just throw an old bed sheet or blanket over your bigger plants in an effort to save them in a freeze.
Related: Our Favorite Resources for Vegetable Gardening: Books, Tools, etc
Yes, if you place landscape fabric on top of a lawn it will kill whatever is underneath. To kill grass using landscape fabric, simply pin the fabric down on the grass you intend to kill and leave it for a few months. Sunny, hot months will take less time than cold, wet months.
Silage Tarps are actually quicker and more effective for killing grass than landscape fabric, though. You can read all about what silage tarps are, and how they work, here.
Why would you want to kill grass with landscape fabric? Well, this is a wonderful way to start a wildflower or meadow garden, or a new native planting area, or a new veggie garden, without tilling! I have a great tutorial post on Sheet Mulch Gardening that can help you with this fun endeavor.
Dual-layer fabric is very permeable
Highly effective at preventing weed growth
Available in several different roll lengths and widths
Green stripes make it easier to cut neatly or space plants
Not treated for UV resistance
The best landscape fabric we tested is the ECOgardener Garden Weed Barrier. Versatile, lightweight, and effective, this sturdy fabric was tested on a weed-covered side yard. During six months of use, not a single weed sprouted underneath the fabric, although plenty reappeared along the uncovered edges of the yard.
Installing this fabric is very simple. After pulling the many existing weeds, we laid down the fabric and used separately purchased stakes to anchor it securely. We then covered it with a layer of mulch; because this landscape fabric is not specifically treated for UV resistance, it’s a good idea to cover it after installation to lengthen its lifespan.
Thanks to the green lines running the length of the fabric, it was very easy to cut it to size as needed. If using the fabric in a vegetable garden, the lines allow you to keep planted crops in tidy rows without breaking out the measuring stick.
I love how versatile this fabric is. I'm going to use it in other places, including along my back fence, to try and block out the mint that is growing wild. —Jenica Currie
This is a polypropylene fabric with two layers: One is woven, and the other is needle-punched nonwoven, so you get superior permeability with excellent weed-suppressing capabilities.
At 5 ounces, this is heavy enough to last for many seasons yet not heavy enough overall to be difficult to handle or install (we found it very lightweight and had no trouble maneuvering it around our property).
While we used the 3 x 50-foot roll in our tests, it’s also available in several other roll sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your garden area.
Dimensions: 3 x 50 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: 5 ounces | UV Resistance: No | Permeability Rate: High
What We LikeVery sturdy even in rough weather
Excellent permeability
Might improve plant growth
Not marked with green lines for laying out crop rows
Not treated for UV-resistance
The Flarmor Non-Woven Landscape Fabric produced great results for our tomato plants, which is why we think it's an excellent choice for vegetable gardens.
We tested in a vegetable garden with multiple tomato plants. Not only did the fabric prevent all weed growth, but we also noted that our tomato plants did better than in previous years, likely due to the increased soil warmth.
We purchased stakes separately to pin down the fabric. While it’s somewhat lightweight, at 1.8 ounces of fabric weight per square yard, it is made of a nonwoven, needle-punched polypropylene that does a great job of letting moisture through the fabric while preventing weed seeds from being able to sprout underneath.
In fact, despite nearly 8 inches of rainfall during our testing period, there were no puddles atop the landscaping fabric after the storms passed. We did not lay mulch atop the fabric but didn’t observe any fraying or damage to the material.
This extremely sturdy landscape fabric also experienced a nearby tornado during testing, along with other episodes of high winds, and came through unscathed, other than a couple of small tears.
While ideal for use in vegetable gardens—although we wish the landscape fabric had green stripes for easier layout of crop rows—this would also be a great choice for other garden areas, including on slopes to help prevent soil erosion.
However, if using the fabric on slopes or in other areas where you’d like a more permanent weed-suppression solution, it would be best to cover the fabric with a layer of mulch for extra protection against UV radiation.
Dimensions: 3 x 300 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: 1.8 ounces | UV Resistance: No | Permeability Rate: High
What We LikeTreated for UV resistance and improved water permeability
Cuts easily without fraying or tearing
Sturdy fabric lasts for years
Only one roll size available
Not marked for crop row spacing
While many landscape fabrics only last a season or two, this hardy fabric from Dewitt claims it will last for up to 12 years, making it a great choice for any garden area where you’d like to cut down on weeding (semi) permanently.
While we haven't tested it for 12 years, it has held up well over six months (and counting). We found zero weed growth underneath or through the fabric, and we saw no signs of any fraying, fading, or damage despite a great deal of rain, wind, and foot traffic.
We were also impressed with how easy it was to cut the fabric to our desired size; even though it has a 3-ounce fabric weight per square yard and feels heavy and thick to our touch, we found it cuts very cleanly without any ragged edges or loose threads.
We used this fabric to cut down weed growth in a vegetable bed planted with cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash. We made small slits in the fabric for each plant and used stakes—purchased separately—to secure the edges of the landscape fabric to the ground.
I really loved the construction, the ease of install, and the durability. I don't think I would really change anything about this fabric and would repurchase it again. —Mia Ingui
Despite periods of rain and regular watering during the testing period, we saw no signs of puddles or retained water atop the fabric, and all of the vegetables grew very well. (Note that there are no green lines for easy marking of crop rows or for cut lines.)
This is a non-woven polypropylene fabric that’s been treated for UV resistance and for improved water permeability. At the same time, it greatly reduces the amount of light that reaches the soil, thus preventing weed seeds from germinating.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Glory Tang New Material.
While it performed like a champ in our vegetable garden, this would also be a great choice for other outdoor spots, such as under gravel or stone walkways, beneath artificial turf, or along fences or other areas where you’d like to remain weed-free.
Dimensions: 3 x 100 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: 3.0 ounces | UV Resistance: Yes | Permeability Rate: High
What We LikeUV resistant
Marked with lines for easy plant spacing
Cuts easily without fraying or ripping
Water didn’t soak through as quickly as expected
This polypropylene landscape fabric has no additional chemical treatments, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than many other similar products. It is UV-resistant, though. It does a great job of preventing weed seeds from sprouting, which we proved during our testing; no weeds grew up or through the fabric.
We laid the fabric over a previously weedy garden area before planting a vegetable bed in the spring. Installation was a breeze; we found it very easy to cut through the fabric without any fraying or tearing. The fabric is also marked with lines that helped with spacing our plants.
This 3-ounce woven fabric needs to be anchored to the ground with landscape stakes, which are not included. To reduce the exposure to UV radiation, you should cover the fabric with mulch, gravel, rock, or shredded bark for the longest lifespan.
We saw no signs of weather-induced damage during our testing despite heavy rain and high winds and our plants did well all season. While water soaked through the fabric a bit more slowly than we had expected, it didn’t become waterlogged, and there were no puddles on top.
Along with preventing weed growth in flower beds or vegetable gardens, this is also a good choice for keeping ugly weeds from growing up through gravel or bark walkways, for underlying artificial turf, or for reducing soil erosion on sloped areas of your property.
Dimensions: 6.5 x 300 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: 3.0 ounces | UV Resistance: Yes | Permeability Rate: Medium
What We LikeDual layers provide excellent moisture permeability and air breathability
Heavy-duty construction makes the fabric very durable
Requires extremely sharp scissors to cut without fraying
The Amagabeli Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric consists of two heavy-duty 5.8-ounce fabric layers that provide excellent water permeability and breathability while blocking out sunlight to suppress the germination of weed seeds.
In fact, not only did we see zero weeds underneath the landscape fabric while testing, there weren’t even any weeds growing up through the slits we cut for our plants. However, our hostas and other plants remained very healthy during our tests and beyond, growing vigorously.
One layer of this fabric is a woven needle-punched polyester, while the other is polypropylene. We initially found it a bit tricky to install this sturdy fabric in our garden since we used it around small bedding plants that were already established. We had to make multiple cuts to fit the fabric around the plants, but once we had it in place and covered with mulch, we were very pleased with its performance.
We had a fair amount of rain during our testing, but there was no apparent puddling on the landscaping fabric. Over six months of testing, the fabric was impressively durable. While we did cover most of the fabric, there were sections that our dog ran over that became uncovered, and that fabric remained the same as well, not fading in sunlight (just keep in mind that it is not treated for UV-resistance.
We did find that when cutting it with scissors that weren’t too sharp, there was some fraying, but once we switched to extremely sharp shears, it cut easily and cleanly. While we tested the 3 x 100-foot roll, it is also available in other sizes.
Dimensions: 3 x 300 feet | Material: Polypropylene/polyester | Weight per Square Yard: 5.8 ounces | UV Resistance: No | Permeability Rate: High
What We LikeIdeal for use under hard surfaces like gravel, brick, or concrete
Treated for UV resistance
Only large-size rolls are available
Not ideal for garden areas
While you could certainly use this heavy-duty polypropylene fabric from ArmorLay to prevent the growth of weeds, its best use is for underlying driveways, walkways, or other surfaces where you’d like to ward off potholes, erosion, ruts, and similar damage while increasing ground stability. Of course, it effectively keeps annoying weeds from popping up through your gravel, paver, brick, or concrete pavement as well.
We used it to underlie brick edging, which always sprouted weeds between the bricks. This was admittedly a big job, as we first had to lift all of the bricks, smooth the ground underneath, lay out the landscaping fabric, and then replace the bricks.
However, since installing the fabric, we’ve been thrilled to see no new weeds between the bricks, while nearby areas without the fabric are growing as many weeds as ever. The fabric was easy to cut to size, although we did note some fraying along the edges.
We didn’t need to stake it down, as the weight of the bricks was more than enough to keep it in place. We wish the fabric came in smaller rolls, as it was far too much for our purposes—but if you are tackling a large project like a driveway, you’ll appreciate the large rolls.
While the manufacturer does not specify the fabric weight, this is a heavy-duty woven landscape material that is UV-resistant and water-permeable to prevent the buildup of puddles.
Dimensions: 6 x 300 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: Not specified | UV Resistance: Yes | Permeability Rate: Medium
What We LikeResistant to tears or corrosion, holds up well to weather
Very effectively blocked weed growth
Somewhat slow water permeability
We tested this heavy-duty woven polypropylene landscape fabric along a fence line and in a garden bed planted with various trees and shrubs. The fabric blocks 98 percent of sunlight from reaching the soil surface, effectively stopping weeds from sprouting. We didn’t have any weed growth underneath the fabric, although plenty of weeds grew along the uncovered edges near the fence.
Although it is generally much easier to lay down the landscape fabric before planting, it was easy to cut to fit around existing plants. We did need very sharp scissors to cut the fabric, but we didn’t experience any fraying or ragged edges along our cut lines. The green lines along the fabric made it easier to keep our cuts straight. Once in place, we covered the fabric with pine straw.
The 3.2-ounce high-density fabric is not treated specifically for UV resistance, but it is designed to be highly resistant to corrosion or tears. The fabric held up very well to sun exposure and weather over six months; we only saw a little fraying at one edge that was accidentally hit by a riding lawn mower.
On the downside, we noted that while water did eventually soak through, it did so slowly, so we occasionally found small puddles atop the fabric. However, we didn’t observe any damage or signs of ill health in the plants growing through the fabric.
Dimensions: 3 x 100 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Weight per Square Yard: 3.2 ounces | UV Resistance: No | Permeability Rate: Low
After six months of testing in our yards across the country, our best landscape fabric pick is the ECOgardener Premium Garden Weed Barrier. This dual-layer fabric does a great job of preventing weed growth while allowing desirable plants to thrive. But if you need a landscape fabric for underlying gravel or other hard materials rather than covering soil, then we recommend ArmorLay Driveway Fabric, which is a very strong woven fabric.
Before choosing products to test, we researched top-rated landscape fabrics and looked for products in different sizes and price ranges. We then tested 10 options in our yards across the country for six months (and counting) and evaluated them on performance, ease of use, durability, and value.
Ease of Use: Once we received the landscape fabrics, we installed them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involved spreading the fabric over the ground, staking down the edges with landscape pins (if needed), and then covering the fabric with mulch, shredded bark, or a similar material.
Performance: We installed the fabrics over various garden areas, including vegetable gardens, along walkways, near fences, and underneath trees and shrubs. In each case, we intentionally left a nearby area uncovered so we could compare the landscape fabric’s performance with that of a similar area that was not covered.
Durability: Over the next six months, we monitored the covered areas regularly, looking for signs of damage to the landscape fabric, water puddling, or lifting of the fabric. We also checked for weeds growing up through the fabric or along its edges. Additionally, we noted if desirable plants near or growing through the landscape fabric were struggling or showing any signs of slowed growth or damage.
We lifted the landscape fabric at the end of the testing period to see if any weeds were sprouting underneath and to check for damage to the fabric.
The permeability of the landscape fabric, meaning its ability to let water seep through, is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing one of these products for use in a vegetable bed or other planted garden area. After all, your desirable plants won’t survive for long if they can’t get any water to their roots. Our best for vegetable gardens pick, the Flarmor Landscape Fabric Weed Barrier, has excellent permeability to keep your plants thriving.
The breathability of the landscape fabric is also important when using the material in garden beds. Ideally, the fabric should allow air exchange through the material for healthy plant growth.
On the flip side, a good landscape fabric prevents sunlight from passing through the material, which prevents the weed seeds underneath from sprouting. One that’s exceptionally strong in this capability is the Amagabeli Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric, our best for aeration pick.
You’ll find a wide range of landscape fabric sizes. Most come in rolls that are 3 or 4 feet wide and up to several hundred feet in length, but there are also smaller lengths and fabrics that come in square or rectangular shapes, such as the Agtek Landscape Fabric, our best budget pick, which is 4 x 12 feet. Choose the option that best suits your landscape area, but remember that you can typically cut the fabric to a smaller size or shape if necessary.
Other features to look for include reinforced edges, which generally hold up better and are less likely to shred when cut by scissors. Many fabrics also have green lines marked down their lengths, giving you a guide to follow when planting in rows or making cuts in the fabric. The Vevor Woven Weed Barrier, our best heavy-duty pick, has both of those desirable features.
A landscape fabric that rips or shreds too easily is of little use, as it will soon lose all effectiveness. James notes that most fabrics are designed to withstand the elements, but like anything, some do it better than others. In his experience, “Woven fabrics, with their tight-knit construction, are generally more durable and UV-resistant, making them the marathon runners of landscape fabrics.” These fabrics often hold up better in harsh sunlight or heavy rain.
On the other hand, James says, “Non-woven fabrics, while still durable, might not hold up as well under constant direct sunlight.” They tend to be better for short-term use. With either type of fabric, he recommends looking for a UV-resistant treatment. We especially like the Dewitt 12-Year Landscape Fabric, our best long-lasting pick.
There are also landscape fabrics, including our best overall pick, the ECOgardener Pro Garden Weed Barrier, that give you the best of both worlds by combining two layers: One woven and one non-woven.
Since most landscape fabrics are made of plastic, they take a very long time to decompose. This extends their effectiveness, but plastic is not the most eco-friendly material overall. Still, James notes that these fabrics “reduce the need for chemical weed killers, which is a big win for Mother Earth. By keeping weeds at bay naturally, they help maintain a healthier garden ecosystem.” While it is made of polypropylene plastic, Agfabric Landscape Fabric Weed Barrier is one option without any other chemical treatments, making it a more durable yet eco-friendly choice.
If you aren’t concerned with the lifespan of your landscape fabric—maybe you are only looking to prevent grass or weeds from an area that will be later paved or landscaped—then more eco-friendly options, such as burlap, cardboard, or paper, are a good option. These materials will block out sunlight long enough to prevent weed seeds from germinating, but they decompose much faster than plastic landscape fabrics, leaving your garden greener in the long run.
Michelle Ullman has been writing for The Spruce since , specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s also an avid gardener, and loves to spend time caring for her garden and many potted plants, both indoors and out.
When compiling this list of the best landscape fabrics, Ullman incorporated her own experience, analyzed our testing results, and sought further insights from another landscape expert.
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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Weed Control Mat.