Creating a beautiful and low-maintenance garden starts from the ground up—literally. One of the most overlooked yet essential tools in landscaping is landscape fabric. It acts as a barrier that helps control weeds, retain soil moisture, and improve the overall health and appearance of your outdoor space. But with so many options available, particularly between woven and non-woven landscape fabrics, how do you know which is best for your needs?

This guide breaks down the types of landscape fabric, compares woven vs. non-woven options, and helps you choose the right one for your specific gardening or landscaping project.

What Is Landscape Fabric?

Landscape fabric is a permeable textile material laid on top of the soil to block weed growth while still allowing air and water to reach plant roots. It’s often used in:

• Flower beds
• Vegetable gardens
• Pathways
• Around trees and shrubs
• Under gravel or mulch

Its effectiveness and longevity depend heavily on the type of material used.

Main Types of Landscape Fabric

1. Woven Landscape Fabric

Material: Typically made from tightly woven polypropylene or polyester fibers.

Best for: Long-term weed control in landscaped areas with mulch or gravel.

Pros:

• Excellent weed barrier
• Durable and UV-resistant
• Allows for good water and air penetration
• Long-lasting (5-10 years or more)

Cons:

• Can be harder to cut and install
• Less flexible for garden beds with lots of curves or changes in elevation
• May eventually become clogged with dirt, reducing permeability

Common Uses:

• Permanent landscapes
• Gravel pathways
• Around trees and shrubs
• Under rock gardens

2. Non-Woven Landscape Fabric

Material: Made from bonded synthetic fibers (like polyester) through heat or chemicals rather than weaving.

Best for: Drainage-focused applications or under hardscaping like pavers.

Pros:

• Strong and tear-resistant
• Great for drainage and erosion control
• Blocks both weed growth and soil movement

Cons:

• Less breathable than woven fabric
• Poor water permeability in some types
• Not ideal for areas where plants need water and air exchange

Common Uses:

• Under patios, pavers, and retaining walls
• For erosion control on slopes
• In French drains or drainage ditches

3. Spun Landscape Fabric (Sub-type of Non-Woven)

This type is often used in gardening and is more breathable than traditional non-woven fabrics, making it suitable for planting beds.

Best for: Garden beds, flower borders, and erosion-prone areas.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Purpose of the Project

• Weed Control in Beds: Woven fabric is often the better choice due to durability and permeability.
• Drainage or Erosion Control: Opt for non-woven or spun-bonded fabric that allows better water flow.
• Hardscaping: Use heavy-duty non-woven fabric under pavers or gravel.

2. Soil and Plant Type

• Some plants require more oxygen and moisture—make sure your fabric is permeable enough for healthy root growth.

3. Longevity

• Choose higher-grade fabrics (UV-resistant, heavy-duty) for long-term projects to avoid premature breakdown.

4. Installation Area

• In curved or tight spaces, you may want a more flexible fabric (some spun-bonded options work well here).
• For large, flat areas, durable woven fabric is often more practical.

Tips for Installation

• Clear the area of weeds and debris before laying fabric.
• Overlap edges by at least 6 inches to prevent weed gaps.
• Secure with landscape staples every 12–18 inches.
• Cover with mulch or gravel to protect from UV rays and enhance aesthetics.
• Cut holes only where you’re planting to minimize weed growth.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose woven fabric if you want a durable, all-around weed barrier for planting beds and landscaped areas.
• Choose non-woven fabric for drainage applications, erosion control, or under hardscapes where permeability is less of a concern.

Ultimately, the best landscape fabric for your project depends on the specific needs of your garden or landscaping plan. Whether you’re curbing weeds or installing a new patio, understanding the differences between woven and non-woven options ensures you get long-lasting results and a healthier garden.