Landscape fabric can be a helpful tool in the fight against weeds, but over time it can become compacted, torn, or buried under layers of soil and mulch. When it’s time to replace or remove it, many gardeners run into a major concern: How do you remove old landscape fabric without damaging the roots of established plants? The process can be tricky, especially if the fabric has been in place for years. But with a bit of care and the right technique, it’s absolutely doable.

This guide walks you through how to safely and effectively remove old landscape fabric while protecting your plants and preserving the health of your soil.

Why Remove Old Landscape Fabric?

Before we jump into the how-to, here’s why many people decide to take out old fabric:

• Weeds are breaking through. Fabric degrades over time, allowing weeds to take hold anyway.
• Soil health is suffering. The fabric can compact the soil underneath and prevent organic matter from enriching it.
• It’s an eyesore. Torn or exposed fabric ruins the look of your landscape.
• You’re reworking the space. Whether you’re redesigning beds or installing new features, removing the old fabric is often necessary.

What You’ll Need

• Gardening gloves
• Pruning shears or scissors
• Hand trowel or hori-hori knife
• Garden fork or shovel (for loosening soil)
• Rake
• Trash bags or a container for old fabric
• Wheelbarrow (optional, for moving mulch or debris)

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Old Landscape Fabric Without Harming Roots

1. Assess the Area

Take a walk around the garden bed and evaluate what’s growing. Identify:

• Where plant root systems are located.
• Which areas are safe to dig into.
• How deeply the fabric is buried.

2. Remove Mulch or Rock Covering

Carefully rake away any mulch, gravel, or stones that are covering the landscape fabric. Be gentle around plants to avoid disturbing their base or roots. Pile mulch to the side for reuse later if it’s still in good condition.

Pro Tip: A flat shovel can help gently lift and scrape mulch off the fabric surface without cutting into the material.

3. Cut Around Plants First

Use scissors or garden shears to carefully cut the fabric around the base of plants. Don’t tug or pull — the fabric may be tangled with the roots. Your goal is to isolate each plant area so you can remove the rest of the fabric more freely.

4. Loosen the Fabric in Sections

Start at the edge of the bed and gently lift the fabric using a trowel or hori-hori knife. Move slowly and work in small sections to avoid tearing up roots underneath. If the fabric is deeply embedded, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around it rather than forcefully pulling.

5. Trim and Slide

In root-dense areas, trim the fabric into smaller pieces and slide it out gently under the roots. Never yank or lift it abruptly—this can tear fine feeder roots and stress the plant.

Root-Saving Tip: If roots are growing directly into or through the fabric, you may need to leave small pieces in place. It’s better to sacrifice a scrap of fabric than harm your plants.

6. Remove Fabric from Open Areas

Once plants are cleared, you can remove the rest of the fabric more quickly from open areas. Pull it out in long strips and fold it up as you go. Be sure to pick up any scraps or torn pieces.

7. Recondition the Soil

With the fabric removed, this is a great time to:

• Loosen compacted soil
• Add compost or organic matter
• Regrade or reshape the bed if needed

This improves soil health and creates a better environment for your plants going forward.

What to Do After Fabric Removal

Depending on your future plans, you have a few options:

• Replace with mulch only: Organic mulch like bark or straw suppresses weeds and nourishes the soil without the downsides of fabric.
• Install new ECOgardener landscape fabric properly: If you’re installing new fabric, consider adding a layer of cardboard or compost underneath for extra protection and root health.
• Go natural: Many gardeners now skip fabric altogether in favor of deep mulching, cover crops, or ground covers.

What are the Best Ways to Dispose of Old Landscape Fabric?

The best ways to dispose of old landscape fabric depend on your local waste management options:

1. Check local recycling guidelines:Some facilities accept certain types of fabric or plastic for recycling. Contact your local waste management or recycling center to see if they accept landscape fabric.
2. Dispose with yard waste:If recycling isn’t an option, fold or roll the fabric and dispose of it with yard waste or green waste collection, if permitted.
3. Reuse or repurpose:If the fabric is still in good condition, consider reusing it for other gardening projects or as mulch weed barrier elsewhere.
4. Bulk trash pickup:Some areas allow bulky waste pickup. Wrap the fabric securely and schedule a pickup if this service is available.

Avoid just throwing it in regular trash if it contains plastic or synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, and always follow local regulations for disposal or recycling.

Removing Old Landscape Fabric

Removing old landscape fabric without damaging roots takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with healthier plants, better soil, and a more adaptable garden space. By working carefully and methodically, you can remove the old material with minimal impact and set your garden up for long-term success.