Using Landscape Fabric – Pros, Cons, and When We Use It

Not All Weeds Are Stopped by a Sheet of Fabric

Landscape fabric is one of the most debated materials in landscaping — and for good reason. It can work incredibly well in the right applications, and backfire horribly in the wrong ones. If you're wondering whether to use it in your yard, here’s our real-world take on when it helps… and when to skip it.

1. What Landscape Fabric Is (and Isn’t)

Landscape fabric is a woven or non-woven barrier designed to block weed growth while still allowing water and air to pass through.

It is not:
A permanent weed-proof solution
A substitute for mulch, rock, or proper soil prep
A fix for poor drainage or compaction

It’s a tool — not a miracle.

2. When We Use Landscape Fabric (and Why)

Under Decorative Rock
Prevents stone from sinking into soil
Reduces weeds pushing up between rocks
Keeps maintenance low, especially in dry areas
We use only heavy-duty, professional-grade fabric

Under Synthetic Turf
Serves as a weed barrier below the base layer
Prevents organic matter from surfacing through seams
Still allows water to drain through properly compacted gravel

In Commercial or Low-Maintenance Zones
Used around signs, parking strips, utility boxes, etc.
Combined with gravel or crusher fines for durability
Helps reduce maintenance in difficult-to-access areas

3. When We Avoid Fabric (and Why)

In Planting Beds
Blocks root expansion and natural growth
Mulch eventually breaks down on top and becomes soil — weeds return
Fabric becomes a tangled mess during replanting or changes

In Sod or Turf Areas
Prevents healthy root development
Traps moisture below the surface
Can rot or kill new grass from below

In High-Drainage Zones
Fabric can clog over time, reducing water flow
Restricts natural gravel or soil movement

We prefer compost, mulch, and dense planting for natural weed suppression in these areas.

4. Fabric vs. Plastic: Know the Difference

Plastic sheeting (often misused as "landscape fabric") is not a landscaping solution.

Problems with plastic:
Does not allow water or air to pass through
Creates anaerobic (oxygen-starved) soil conditions
Warps in sun, tears easily, and destroys soil health

We never use plastic under rock, mulch, or plants.

5. Pro Tips for Fabric Installation

For a long-lasting install:
Overlap seams by 6–12 inches to prevent gaps
Use fabric pins every 2–3 feet to keep it in place
Cut X-shaped holes (not circles) when planting through
Cover with 2–3 inches of mulch or rock minimum
Never leave fabric exposed — UV rays will degrade it within months

Related Services:

[Mulch, Rock & Edging Installation]

[Synthetic Turf Installation]

[Commercial Landscape Maintenance]

[Full Yard Renovations]

Need Help Choosing Where Fabric Makes Sense?

We’ll help you install it where it works — and avoid it where it won’t. No mess, no shortcuts, no buried mistakes.

[Request a Quote]

[Call (720) 306-9123]