When it comes to getting rid of weeds, you can pull them out by hand or you can try different tools. The problem with pulling weeds by hand is that it takes a lot of work to eliminate weeds in a large space. Most of us just don’t have the time!
A quick and easy solution to eliminating weeds in large outdoor spaces without using herbicides is installing weed barrier landscape fabric. Landscape fabric works by blocking the sun, stifling weeds, so they don’t grow back.
But just like anything in life, landscape fabrics are not created equally; some are made differently to suit specific applications. In terms of weed control, you need durable yet highly permeable landscape fabric.
Durability is an essential factor to keep in mind when shopping for landscape fabric because these tools aren’t cheap. You need to get the most out of this product to get more value for your money. The durability of the landscape fabric depends on several factors, such as the materials, the bonding technique applied to create the landscape fabric, and the treatment used to block UV rays.
Most landscape fabrics are made with polyester or polypropylene fibers. These fibers are quite resilient, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear for years. But some landscape fabrics are made with thin bonded plastic while others are thicker.
Between the two, thinner landscape fabrics aren’t as strong compared to thick, heavy-duty landscape fabric. However, thick landscape fabrics aren’t ideal to use near crops as the material isn’t porous. The material blocks nutrients and water, so plants and earthworms cannot thrive.
Since landscape fabrics are often installed in places that get a lot of sun, these have to be treated with UV-blocking chemicals. Otherwise, the intense heat and light could weaken the landscape fabric. When this happens, the material gets easily damaged.
In the market for weed barrier landscape fabric? Here are the top 7 landscape fabric products that we highly recommend:
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7 of the Best Landscape Fabric for Weed Control
ECO Gardener Premium Landscaping Fabric
We don’t mean to brag, but there is a reason why our premium landscape fabric gets a lot of love from growers and gardeners around the world. It’s a unique product that boasts a combination of woven and nonwoven fabric. It has the permeability of lightweight landscape fabric thanks to the needle-punched layers and the durability of thick, heavy-duty landscape fabric because of the bonded material. Essentially, you are getting the best of both worlds and if you’re a weary grower who’s tired of dealing with weeds, this is a welcome solution, for sure.
Pros
Permeable: allows water and nutrients to absorb into the soil
Durable: does not tear easily, perfect underneath mulch
Ease of use: No need for professional installation. Simply cut straight lines and lay on the ground
Cons
Not ideal to use in places that get a lot of sun
GardenMate Woven Weed Control Fabric
A heavy-duty weed barrier landscape fabric that blocks sunlight effectively. It's very thick and boasts UV protection, so it's made to last. However, water is slow to permeate, so it's not the best to use in areas where you grow plants. This product is best used under rocks or gravel as well as places with heavy foot traffic. Also, there is noticeable fraying at the edges when the landscape fabric is cut.
Pros
Durable: Thick and heavy material that’s made to last
Effective weed control: Blocks out the sun, keeping weeds from growing and multiplying
Resilient: Ideal for places that get a lot of foot traffic
Cons
Edges frays easily
Not as permeable as thinner landscape fabrics
Agfabric Landscape Ground Cover Weed Barrier
Features layered polypropylene with a plastic finish. Durable and ideal for heavy-duty use. It also features straight lines for easy installation. Cutting the material is easy, although stapling it in place is challenging at times. It’s hard to keep the landscape fabric in place, and there is noticeable fraying at the edges. This product is best used in places that get a lot of foot traffic although it’s not suitable near growing plants.
Pros
Permeable: allows water and nutrients to absorb into the soil
Durable: does not tear easily, perfect underneath mulch
Resilient: Ideal for places that get a lot of foot traffic
Cons
Edges frays easily
Hard to keep in place even with metal staples
Easy Gardener 15-Year Weedshield Landscape Weed Barrier
Boasts a 15-year lifespan, it keeps weeds away for a long time. This doesn't mean that you won't get weeds forever; it just means that the material wouldn’t degrade under direct light for years. Excellent permeability because it's lightweight yet resilient. But if you're covering a large expanse of space, the landscape fabric is quite pricey. The maximum roll length is 100 feet, so it's best used in small gardens.
Pros
15-year lifespan: The material won’t degrade for 15 years, so maintaining your garden will be easy for years to come.
Permeable: allows water and nutrients to absorb into the soil
Easy to install: Resilient yet lightweight, so it’s easy to install on your own
Cons
Ideal for small gardens
Expensive
Happybuy Landscape Fabric
A thick, heavy-duty weed barrier landscape fabric that's tear-resistant and resistant to V. It's ideal to use for high traffic areas of the garden such as walkways and riverbeds. It's chemical-free and available in big rolls, so it is suitable for large projects. However, the material frays easily and is quite expensive.
Pros
Durable: does not tear easily, perfect underneath mulch
Resilient: Ideal for places that get a lot of foot traffic
Versatile: Ideal for big and small outdoor spaces
Cons
It’s expensive
Edges frays easily
Dewitt 12-Year Weed Barrier Fabric
Another landscape fabric that boasts a lifespan, the Dewitt 12-Year Weed Barrier Fabric is a durable, thick landscape fabric that promises to work for 12 years. This landscape fabric is designed to eliminate weed with its opaque, spun-bond material. The landscape fabric comprises three layers of bonded material that create a durable finish with zero gaps. This means, it's not permeable. This somehow limits what the landscape fabric does to your outdoor space but for weed control; it’s effective.
Pros
Durable: does not tear easily, perfect underneath mulch
Resilient: Ideal for places that get a lot of foot traffic
Effective weed control: 3 layers of bonded material creates a thick and opaque barrier against weeds
Cons
It’s expensive
It’s not permeable
Originline Weed Control Barrier Fabric Planting Holes
The perfect landscape fabric for your vegetable patch or flower beds. The Originline Weed Control Barrier Fabric Planting Holes is a lightweight polypropylene-based landscape fabric that features pre-cut planting holes. It's light but durable. It's UV resistant too. The precut holes can be a good thing or a bad thing. It’s an excellent choice if you're planting in a straight row because you’re simply planting in every hole. But if you’re following a different pattern, the precut holes will be problematic.
Pros
Durable: does not tear easily
Permeable: allows water and nutrients to absorb into the soil
Easy to install: Resilient yet lightweight, so it’s easy to install on your own
Cons
Ideal only for small gardens
Designed only for straight planting
Conclusion
And there you have it, the top 7 of the best weed barrier landscape fabric money can buy. It's essential to make the right choice, so you're assured that your outdoor space will be free from weeds without using herbicides, and you'll have more time enjoying your garden.
