If you’re planning a landscaping project, you’ve probably heard conflicting opinions about landscape fabric.
Some people swear by it. Others say it’s a waste of money.
So who’s right?
The truth is that landscape fabric is an excellent tool—when it’s installed correctly and used in the right applications. Unfortunately, many landscape failures happen because the wrong material was used, it was installed improperly, or it was used where it shouldn’t have been.
At Sandvig Services, we install landscape fabric on many of our projects because we’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be when paired with proper site preparation and quality installation. In this guide, we’ll explain what landscape fabric does, when it should be used, when it shouldn’t, and how to get the best long-term results.
What Is Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric, often called weed barrier, is a permeable material installed beneath decorative rock or mulch to help suppress weeds while allowing water and air to pass through to the soil below.
Unlike plastic sheeting, quality landscape fabric is designed to breathe. This allows rainfall and irrigation water to reach plant roots while reducing the amount of sunlight that weed seeds receive.
Not all landscape fabrics are created equal. Professional-grade woven fabrics are much more durable than the thin products commonly sold in big-box stores.
What Does Landscape Fabric Actually Do?
Landscape fabric has several important jobs.
It helps:
- Reduce weed growth
- Separate decorative rock from the soil below
- Minimize rock sinking into the ground
- Improve the overall appearance of landscape beds
- Reduce future maintenance
- Keep landscape materials cleaner
While these are significant benefits, it’s important to understand what landscape fabric cannot do.
Does Landscape Fabric Stop All Weeds?
No.
This is probably the biggest misconception homeowners have.
Landscape fabric reduces weed growth—it does not eliminate it completely.
Over time:
- Wind blows weed seeds into landscape beds.
- Birds drop seeds.
- Leaves decompose into organic matter.
- Dust collects between rocks.
Eventually, weeds begin growing on top of the fabric, not through it.
That’s why even professionally installed landscapes require occasional maintenance.
If someone promises you’ll never pull another weed, they’re setting unrealistic expectations.
Landscape Fabric vs. Plastic
Some homeowners wonder whether they should use plastic instead of fabric.
The answer is almost always no.
Landscape Fabric
✔ Allows water through
✔ Allows oxygen to reach the soil
✔ Supports healthy plants
✔ Helps reduce weeds
✔ Long-lasting when properly installed
Plastic Sheeting
✘ Traps water
✘ Prevents air from reaching roots
✘ Can create drainage problems
✘ Encourages root rot
✘ Often causes plants to struggle
Plastic has its place in certain agricultural applications, but it should not be used beneath decorative landscape beds around most homes.
When Should You Use Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric works best beneath decorative rock installations.
Because rock doesn’t decompose, the fabric remains effective for many years.
It’s especially useful in:
- Foundation beds
- Around downspouts
- Sloped areas
- Decorative rock islands
- Walkways
- Low-maintenance landscapes
These are all areas where homeowners typically want a clean appearance with minimal upkeep.
Should Landscape Fabric Be Used Under Mulch?
This question generates a lot of debate.
The answer depends on the situation.
Because mulch naturally breaks down into organic matter, fresh soil gradually forms on top of the fabric.
Over time, weeds begin growing in that layer instead of the original soil.
However, landscape fabric can still be beneficial beneath mulch when installed correctly, particularly in newly created landscape beds where weed suppression and separation from the underlying soil are important. It can also make future mulch refreshes cleaner by helping keep the mulch from mixing into the soil.
For established beds that receive regular mulch top-offs, some professionals choose not to use fabric because the decomposing mulch will eventually create a layer where weeds can germinate. The best approach depends on the site’s conditions, maintenance expectations, and long-term goals.
Why Do Some Landscapers Say Fabric Doesn’t Work?
Usually because they’ve seen poor installations.
Common mistakes include:
- Installing fabric over existing weeds
- Using cheap landscape fabric
- Overlapping seams incorrectly
- Not securing the fabric properly
- Using too little decorative rock
- Skipping proper site preparation
Landscape fabric is only one part of a successful installation.
Without proper preparation, weeds will always return more quickly.
How Professionals Install Landscape Fabric
At Sandvig Services, proper preparation comes first.
Our process typically includes:
- Removing existing weeds and unwanted vegetation.
- Grading the landscape bed.
- Preparing the soil surface.
- Installing commercial-grade landscape fabric.
- Securing seams and edges.
- Cutting clean openings for plants when needed.
- Installing decorative rock or mulch at the proper depth.
- Cleaning and detailing the finished landscape.
These steps help maximize the lifespan and performance of the installation.
Can Landscape Fabric Harm Plants?
When properly installed, quality landscape fabric should not harm healthy landscape plants.
Because woven landscape fabric allows water and oxygen to pass through, plant roots continue receiving what they need.
Problems typically occur when:
- Plastic is used instead of fabric.
- Poor-quality fabric clogs over time.
- Plants are installed incorrectly.
- Drainage issues already exist.
Proper installation is just as important as choosing the right material.
How Long Does Landscape Fabric Last?
Quality landscape fabric installed beneath decorative rock can often last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on soil conditions, sun exposure, maintenance, and traffic.
Cheaper fabrics may begin deteriorating much sooner.
That’s why investing in professional-grade materials often saves money over the long term.
Is Landscape Fabric Worth the Cost?
For many decorative rock projects, absolutely.
While landscape fabric adds some cost during installation, it can significantly reduce future maintenance by slowing weed growth and helping keep decorative rock separated from the soil.
For homeowners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance landscape, it’s often a worthwhile investment.
Common Myths About Landscape Fabric
Myth: Landscape fabric eliminates weeds forever.
Reality: It greatly reduces weeds but doesn’t eliminate future weed growth.
Myth: All landscape fabric is the same.
Reality: Professional-grade woven fabrics are much stronger and longer-lasting than inexpensive alternatives.
Myth: Landscape fabric kills plants.
Reality: Quality permeable fabric allows water and air to reach plant roots.
Myth: More fabric means fewer weeds.
Reality: Proper site preparation is just as important as the fabric itself.
The Bottom Line
Landscape fabric isn’t a miracle product—but when used correctly, it’s one of the best tools available for creating a cleaner, lower-maintenance landscape.
The key isn’t simply installing fabric.
The key is choosing the right material, preparing the site properly, and using the right installation methods.
When combined with quality decorative rock or properly installed mulch, commercial-grade landscape fabric can provide years of reliable performance while reducing maintenance and improving the overall appearance of your landscape.
Let Sandvig Services Help You Build a Landscape That Lasts
Whether you’re installing decorative rock, refreshing mulch, or completely renovating your landscape, we’re here to help.
We’ll evaluate your property, explain your options, and recommend the best solution based on your goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
If you’re ready for a landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and easier to maintain, contact Sandvig Services today for a free estimate.
We’ll help you build it the right way from the ground up.
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