Landscape fabric helps block weeds, conserve moisture, and protect soil from erosion and sun exposure. To find the best option for your yard, we researched and compared the top-rated landscape fabrics available.
Key Takeaways
- We choose ECOgardener Premium Weed Barrier as our top pick, due to its lightweight, breathable construction and versatility in both raised beds and in-ground gardens.
- On average, landscape fabric costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, with product prices typically ranging from $25 to over $150, depending on size, material, and durability.
- When shopping for landscape fabric, look for key features like material type, durability, permeability, and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. These factors influence how effectively the fabric controls weeds, allows water to flow, and withstands various conditions.
Top 5 Landscape Fabrics
- ECOgardener Weed Barrier: Best Overall
- Dewitt Landscape Fabric: Best Landscape Fabric for Slopes
- Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric: Best Woven Landscape Fabric
- HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier: Best Value
- WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier: Best Landscape Fabric for UV Protection
Compare Top Landscape Fabrics
The table below highlights our top picks for the best landscape fabric options.
| Product | Image | Dimensions | Design | UV Blocking | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECOgardener Weed BarrierCheck Price |  | 50 x 3 feet | Woven | Not listed | Polypropylene (PP) |
Dewitt Landscape FabricCheck Price | | 250 x 6 feet | Woven | 70% | Polypropylene (PP) |
Mutual Industries Geotextile FabricCheck Price | | 300 x 6 feet | Woven | 90% | Polyethylene (PE) |
HOOPLE Garden Weed BarrierCheck Price |  | 180 x 3 feet | Nonwoven | Not listed | Polypropylene (PP) |
WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed BarrierCheck Price |  | 250 x 4 feet | Woven | 98.7% | Polypropylene (PP) |
Our Reviews of the Best Landscape Fabrics
Below are our top recommendations for landscape fabrics. Each one is available on Amazon and suited to various gardening and landscaping needs.
Best Overall
ECOgardener Weed Barrier
Good for: Small garden spaces, whether you’re working with raised beds or in-ground plots
The ECOgardener Premium Weed Barrier offers heavy-duty yet breathable fabric that blocks weeds while supporting healthy soil. Ideal for raised beds and small in-ground gardens, it cuts, positions, and installs easily. This makes it a solid choice for gardeners who want long-lasting, hassle-free weed protection with minimal upkeep.
Pros and Cons of ECOgardener Weed Barrier
- Features simple installation and cuts easily to fit any space
- Uses durable double-layered, weather-resistant fabric
- Works well in raised beds and small garden plots
- Not ideal for large or irregularly shaped areas due to its compact size
- May not completely prevent all weed growth
Key Features
- Dimensions: 50-by-3 feet
- UV Blocking: Not listed
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
What People Are Saying About The ECOgardener Weed Barrier
Customers on Amazon generally find the ECOgardener Premium Weed Barrier durable, easy to install, and effective at blocking most weeds. Many appreciate its thick material and clear guidelines for cutting, calling it a good value. However, a few note that some weeds may still push through over time, depending on use and conditions.
Best Landscape Fabric for Slopes
Dewitt Landscape Fabric
Good for: Heavy-duty weed control in large gardens, busy walkways, and sloped landscapes
The DeWitt Pro-5 Weed Barrier delivers professional-grade durability and long-term weed control. With a 20-year lifespan, reinforced woven construction, and built-in 12-inch planting guides, it suits larger gardens, pathways, and commercial landscaping. This fabric’s strong yet breathable design performs well on sloped terrain.
Pros and Cons of Dewitt Landscape Fabric
- Includes 12-inch planting lines for easy spacing and cutting
- Offers long-lasting performance with a 20-year lifespan
- Stays in place on slopes and high-traffic areas
- May seem harder to cut than lighter fabrics
- Costs more than other fabrics made for home use
Key Features
- Dimensions: 250-by-6 feet
- UV Blocking: 70%
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
What People Are Saying About The Dewitt Landscape Fabric
Customers say the DeWitt Pro-5 Weed Barrier is durable, easy to install, and more effective than many name-brand alternatives. They appreciate its thick, heavy-duty material and find it easy to cut and plant through. While most Amazon customers report strong weed control, a few note mixed results with moisture retention.
Best Woven Landscape Fabric
Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric
Good for: Creating a stable, long-lasting base under pavers, gravel paths, or large garden beds
The Mutual Industries Woven Landscape Fabric provides a tough, long-lasting solution for keeping soil in place and preventing shifting under pavers, stones, or gravel. Ideal for large areas, like driveways, walkways, or garden beds, it helps create a stable and lasting base. Made from UV-resistant material, the fabric withstands outdoor exposure and resists rotting, making it a reliable choice for big landscaping projects.
Pros and Cons of Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric
- Resists UV damage, rot, and weather-related wear for long-term use
- Stabilizes soil and prevents shifting under pavers, gravel, and stone
- Covers large areas with a 300-foot roll, reducing seams and overlaps
- Harder to use with delicate or shallow-rooted plants
- Offers limited size options for smaller projects
Key Features
- Dimensions: 300-by-6 feet
- UV Blocking: 90%
- Material: Polyethylene (PE)
What People Are Saying About The Mutual Industries Geotextile Fabric
Customer reviews on Amazon mention that the Mutual Industries Woven Geotextile Fabric is a reliable choice for projects like driveways, fire pits, playgrounds, and retaining walls. Many users praise its durability, ease of installation, and performance under heavy use. Some reviewers, however, mention discrepancies in the fabric’s advertised length and offer mixed feedback on its water permeability.
Best Value
HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Good for: Various landscaping needs, from gardens to gravel paths and driveways
The HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier features durable, nonwoven fabric that blocks weeds while allowing water and nutrients to reach the soil. Easy to cut and install, it works well in gardens, pathways, and driveways. Its thick, chemical-free design delivers reliable performance and solid value for a variety of landscaping projects.
Pros and Cons of HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
- Offers versatile use in gardens, walkways, driveways, and under gravel
- Provides durable, long-lasting performance with a five year lifespan
- Uses chemical-free, environmentally safe fabric
- Lacks printed guiding lines, making precise cutting more difficult
- Restricts water and air flow due to its nonwoven construction
Key Features
- Dimensions: 180-by-3 feet
- UV Blocking: Not listed
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
What People Are Saying About The HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Customers generally find the HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier thick, durable, and easy to install, especially in garden areas and under raised beds. Many praise its value and effectiveness at suppressing weeds. However, some Amazon customers report that the fabric degrades more quickly than expected, frays at the edges, or is thinner than advertised.
Best Landscape Fabric for UV Protection
WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier
Good for: Large or sun-exposed areas that need strong weed control and UV protection
We like the WAENLIR Woven Landscape Fabric for its tough, UV-blocking design that helps keep weeds out while still letting water in. It doubles as a soil stabilizer and comes in a range of sizes, making this landscape fabric a versatile choice for everything from small garden patches to larger landscaping projects.
Pros and Cons of WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier
- Doubles as a soil stabilizer for gravel, mulch, or stone-covered areas
- Offers the highest UV protection in this review at 98.7%
- Comes in multiple lengths to fit a variety of project sizes
- Can become stiff and harder to work with in tight or curved spaces
- May fray at the edges when cut
Key Features
- Dimensions: 250-by-4 feet
- UV Blocking: 98.7%
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
What People Are Saying About The WAENLIR Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier
Customers on Amazon often highlight the WAENLIR landscape fabric’s durability and strength, noting that it holds up well over time. Many also appreciate how easy it is to cut and shape around plants, fences, and garden features. Some reviewers, however, mentioned that weeds still emerged without proper installation, while others found that using staples to secure the fabric tightly helped improve weed control.
Landscape Fabric Buying Guide
Knowing what to look for when buying landscape fabric can help make your shopping experience easier. This buying guide can help you better understand key factors to consider when choosing landscape fabric, including cost, material type, thickness, and UV protection.
Landscape Fabric Costs
High-quality landscape fabric typically ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot, while budget-friendly options can cost less than $1 per square foot. Prices may vary based on material, durability, and brand. Before setting a budget, determine how much ground you need to cover and which type of fabric best suits your project needs. We talk about fabric types more in the next section.
Landscape Fabric Materials
Most landscape fabrics are made from synthetic or natural materials, each offering different levels of durability, permeability, and environmental impact. Learn more about the different landscape fabric materials available:
- Polypropylene (PP): A common material in woven and nonwoven fabrics. It’s lightweight, mildew-resistant, and widely used for general garden applications.
- Polyethylene (PE): This material is often found in heavy-duty and geotextile fabrics. It’s durable, UV-resistant, and tear-resistant, making it ideal for driveways, retaining walls, and other high-traffic or structural areas.
- Polyester: This fabric is known for strength and UV resistance, but is generally less breathable than other options. Polyester is often used in commercial-grade landscaping fabric.
- Natural fibers: This category of fabric includes biodegradable options such as burlap and jute. These fabrics decompose over time and work best for short-term use in vegetable gardens or eco-conscious projects.
- Recycled materials: Some landscape fabrics include recycled plastics or textiles. These options are environmentally friendly, but the quality may vary depending on the manufacturing process.
Types of Landscape Fabric
You can also categorize landscape fabrics by their material structure, which affects their permeability, strength, and ideal use in landscaping projects. We’ve detailed the different options below:
- Nonwoven: Nonwoven fabric is made from bonded synthetic fibers using heat or chemicals rather than weaving. This fabric offers superior weed control and durability but restricts water and air flow, making it unsuitable for vegetable or flower beds. Nonwoven fabric is best suited for high-traffic or heavy-duty areas, such as gravel pathways or rock gardens.
- Geotextile: These fabrics are engineered for soil stabilization, erosion control, and load-bearing strength. Geotextiles can come woven or nonwoven and are typically used beneath pavers, retaining walls, or gravel driveways.
- Perforated: Lightweight and breathable, this fabric type allows water and nutrients to reach the soil. It’s ideal for raised garden beds, vegetable plots, and other light-use areas where water movement is essential.
- Woven: Made of loosely woven polypropylene or natural fibers, this is the most versatile fabric option. It balances strength with breathability and works well around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Most versions include small holes that allow water, air, and nutrients to pass through.
Landscape Fabric Thickness
Thicker fabrics offer greater durability, especially in areas with heavy mulch or gravel. However, thick fabrics can compact the soil and may not work well for shallow-rooted plants like herbs or annuals. For vegetable gardens and delicate plantings, opt for thinner, more flexible fabric. Use thicker materials for areas with high foot traffic or sharp-edged stones to prevent wear and tear.
UV Resistance
Exposure to sunlight can degrade landscape fabric over time. UV-resistant fabrics are made with materials that naturally resist sunlight damage, while UV-stabilized fabrics are chemically treated to enhance durability. If your fabric will end up exposed before mulching or in a sunny area, UV protection is key to extending its lifespan.
Popular Landscape Fabric Brands
Here’s a list of some well-known landscape fabric brands with a range of options for various landscaping needs:
- Agfabric
- AGTEK
- Dalen
- DeWitt
- Easy Gardener
- ECOGardener
- GardenMate
- GDNaid
- HOOPLE
- Mutual Industries
- Quick Dam
- VEVOR
- Vigoro
- WAENLIR
Benefits of Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric offers several benefits for your garden. Learn more about some of the most beneficial elements of using landscape fabric on your plants.
Weed Suppression
Landscape fabric helps control weeds by blocking sunlight, which prevents weed seeds from germinating and breaking through the soil. It significantly reduces the need for manual weeding, especially in mulched beds and gravel-covered areas.
Moisture Retention
By limiting evaporation, landscape fabric helps the soil retain moisture, making it especially useful in dry or drought-prone climates. It supports consistent soil hydration and may reduce the frequency of watering.
Erosion Control
Geotextile and nonwoven fabrics can stabilize soil on slopes or in areas with heavy runoff. These materials help hold soil in place during rain or irrigation, minimizing erosion and maintaining landscape structure.
Soil and Mulch Separation
Landscape fabric creates a clean barrier between soil and materials like gravel or mulch. This keeps your mulch layer intact, prevents soil from mixing upward, and preserves both the appearance and health of your planting beds.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installing landscape fabric correctly helps improve weed control and soil stability in your garden beds. With proper maintenance, landscape fabric can last for several growing seasons and reduce long-term yard work.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps to install landscape fabric for maximum effectiveness and durability:
- Clear the area of weeds, grass, and debris.
- Level and smooth the soil to create a flat surface.
- Add a pre-emergent herbicide if desired to help prevent future weed growth.
- Roll out the fabric over the prepared area, overlapping edges by 6–12 inches. Cut holes for any existing plants or new additions.
- Secure the fabric with landscape staples at intervals of every few feet.
- Cover with mulch or gravel to protect the fabric and improve appearance.
Maintenance Best Practices
Keep your landscape fabric performing its best with simple, routine upkeep. Follow these easy tips to extend its life and maintain weed control:
- Remove debris and fallen leaves regularly to prevent buildup.
- Check for fabric exposure and re-cover with mulch as needed.
- Replace or reposition staples if the fabric shifts.
- Monitor for weeds that grow through holes or seams and remove promptly.
- Inspect annually for tears or thinning and patch or replace sections if needed.
FAQs About Landscape Fabrics
What type of landscape fabric is best?
The best type depends on your project. Woven fabric is ideal for flower beds and areas with mulch, as it allows water and air to pass through while blocking weeds. For heavier-duty needs like under gravel or pathways, nonwoven or spun-bonded fabrics offer more durability and weed resistance.
Which landscape fabric lasts the longest?
Polypropylene fabric typically lasts the longest, often 10 years or more, when properly installed and maintained. Woven fabrics also hold up well, especially when covered with mulch or rock to protect against UV exposure.
How do you install landscape fabric properly?
Start by clearing and leveling the soil, then roll out the fabric with 6–12 inches of overlap between sheets. Cut openings for plants, secure the fabric with landscape staples every few feet, and cover it with mulch or gravel to hold it in place and protect it from sunlight.
Can weeds still grow through landscape fabric?
Yes, weeds can still grow through landscape fabric, especially if it’s torn, not properly overlapped, or left uncovered by mulch. Weeds may also sprout from organic debris that accumulates on top of the fabric.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best product 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 landscape fabrics with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars on Amazon. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
- Expert insights: Through 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 by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
