Weeding is inarguably one of the more agonizing garden chores. And anyone who has lost their Saturday trying to weed a lawn can vouch for this particular job lasting hours.
Worse, whenever you think you’ve vanquished the last weed, you find more.
Short of paving over your lawn, it’s a difficult problem to solve. Many people find that landscape fabrics offer an effective solution. They let your lawn thrive, but they keep weeds to a minimum.
That said, not all lawn fabrics are created equal. We researched the best landscape fabrics. Here’s what we found.
Key Takeaways
Winning the best overall landscape fabric for lawn care is EcoGardener Premium Weed Barrier. It’s a breathable lawn fabric that’s easy to install. But it’s not your only option.
For the budget-conscious, WAENLIR Heavy Duty landscape fabric is an affordable alternative that effectively controls moisture and is exceptionally durable.
1. Best Overall Landscape Fabric: ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier
ECOGardener’s lawn fabric roll is breathable but heavy-duty. It aims to retain as much moisture as possible so your plants and lawns can grow. Despite the fabric’s density, it is aerated enough to encourage plant and seed growth.
Customers agree that it’s easy to install, as all you need to do is unroll the lawn fabric and cut it to an appropriate size. Because the fabric is deliberately dense, you need high-caliber scissors or an effective knife. Customers also found you need to take your time and cut slowly for even edges.
For this fabric to be effective, you must secure it appropriately around the edge of your lawn. Otherwise, the edges could fray and weaken the fabric. Keep in mind it might also be tricky to tell which side of the lawn fabric is right side up. EcoGarden includes a 30-day guarantee, so if you aren’t happy with the product, they’ll refund you.
Pros:
- Comes in several sizes
- Easy to assemble
- 30-day refund guarantee
- Durable design
Cons:
- Hard to tell when right-side-up
- Edges fray if cut hastily or placed improperly around lawn edge
Type: 100% Polypropylene | Roll Size: 3ft x 50ft / 3ft x 100ft / 3ft x 250ft / 4ft x 50ft / 4ft x 100ft / 4ft x 250ft | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: 5oz Per Square Yard
2. Best Budget Landscape Fabric: WAENLIR Heavy Duty 3oz Weed Barrier
Some of the best landscape fabrics can be expensive. If you want a good budget-friendly option, WAENLIR is the solution.
It’s dramatically more affordable than other alternatives while still blocking weeds and aerating soil. The woven dual fabric layer stops weeds from penetrating the fabric’s surface, and it’s UV-stabilized to resist ripping and tearing.
As a bonus, it’s easy to assemble. Unroll the fabric, cut it to size, pin it as necessary, and your work is done. Customers advise you to take your time with the assembly because, like many landscape fabric rolls, it runs the risk of frayed edges and weakens the structural integrity of the fabric.
Pros:
- Dual weave prevents weeds from getting past the barrier
- Affordable
- UV-stabilized
Cons:
- Frays easily
- May tear if exposed to rocks/gravel or heavy foot traffic
Type: 100% Polypropylene | Roll Size: 3ft x 15ft / 3ft x 33ft / 3ft x 66ft / 4ft x 15ft / 4ft x 66ft / 6ft x 15ft / 6ft x 33ft | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: 3oz Per Square Yard
3. Best Landscape Fabric for Rocky Ground: Petgrow Heavy Duty Weed Barrier
Since not all the best landscape fabrics suit rocky ground, it’s worth mentioning one that does. If you prefer surrounding your plants with decorative rocks or just want to ensure your rock gardens are weed-free, Petgrow is an ideal solution.
This landscaping fabric meets these rocky challenges and can even be used as a layer for gravel driveways. Its eco-friendly material Polypropylene is the secret to its high durability, helping the structural integrity of your beds and lawn by reducing soil erosion. The result is more nutrient-rich soil and better plant and grass growth.
With nine different size options, there’s sure to be an option that suits your garden and budget. However, it’s important to note that some people had trouble with water-permeable through the needle-punched woven fabric.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lasts up to five years
- Reduces soil erosion
Cons:
- Woven fabric
- May not be water permeable
Type: 100% Polypropylene | Roll Size: 3ft x 100ft / 3ft x 250ft / 3ft x 300ft / 4ft x 100ft / 4ft x 250ft / 4ft x 300ft / 5ft x 100ft / 5ft x 250ft / 5ft x 300ft | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: Unknown
4. Best Landscape Fabric Under Gravel: ArmorLay Commercial Grade Driveway Fabric
Not everyone has to contend with rocks, but many gardens, walkways, and playgrounds feature gravel. If that sounds familiar, ArmorLay is the landscape fabric you need.
It bills itself as the sturdiest and longest-lasting landscaping fabric available on Amazon-Guaranteed, according to ArmorLay. A big reason besides the guaranteed durability is that it reduces the likelihood of the potholes developing. So while it’s more expensive than some fabrics, it saves you money in the long run.
The company recommends using at least six inches of gravel over ArmorLay before placing anything heavy on top of it. It’s also worth noting that some customers found the durability and thickness led to draining issues and standing water.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty fabric that bears up under the weight of gravel/rocks
- Reduces erosion
- Prevents potholes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficulty draining
Type: Unknown | Roll Size: 6ft x 300ft / 12.5ft x 30ft / 12.5ft x 60ft | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: Unknown
5. Best Landscape Fabric for Weed Control: Snail Landscape Fabric
For many people, one of the primary reasons to investigate the best landscape fabric for gardens and driveways is weed control. It’s understandable because while it’s possible to eliminate weeds manually, it can be backbreaking work.
Snail Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric saves you from that. It’s a durable fabric with a long lifespan and affordability, too, so you can invest in large quantities without worrying about your bank balance.
The fabric lets enough moisture and nutrients through the barrier to keep your lawn healthy. It also features stripes, an unlikely detail but one many vegetable growers find helpful for aligning their plants. However, some customers found this landscaping fabric wasn’t thick enough to be effective. It’s important to survey how heavy your weed management needs are before investing in this landscape fabric.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Discourages weed growth
- Striped surface to easily align plants
Cons:
- Some customers found fabric too thin
- Can be difficult to pin in place without fraying edges
Type: 100% Polypropylene | Roll Size: 4ft x 100ft / 4ft x 300ft / 6ft x 300ft | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: 5oz Per Square Yard
6. Best Heavy Duty Landscape Fabric: Super Geotextile Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
Durability is essential when looking for the best landscape fabric, and Super Geotextile Landscape fabric is one of the most durable choices available.
It’s popular with gardeners who need a foundation for gardens with heavy traffic, especially surrounding walkways. It’s also ideal for riverbeds, where too much moisture is a concern. The fabric traps enough moisture to keep anything growing but makes an effective barrier against overwatering.
Many customers also have success with Super Geotextile when used on smaller projects, like grow bags. The water-resistant quality of the fabric is perfect for preventing root rot. However, it’s one of the more expensive landscape fabrics, and frustratingly, it’s also more susceptible to frayed edges than other fabrics on this list.
Pros:
- Withstands high levels of foot traffic
- Prevents overwatering and root rot
- Works on large and small projects
Cons:
- Expensive
- Edges fray quickly
Type: 100% Geotextile | Roll Size: 20 Options | UV Resistant: Yes | Thickness: 8oz Per Square Yard