If you’re working on a garden or a landscaping project, you might have heard of landscape fabric. Landscape fabric is a material that you lay down on the soil to prevent weeds from growing while still allowing water and air to reach your plants. But when it comes to choosing the right type of landscape fabric, you’ll find there are two main options: woven vs non woven landscape fabric. Both types of fabric help keep weeds under control, but they work a little differently.
In this blog, we’ll go over what woven and non-woven landscape fabrics are, how they’re different, and when to use each type to get the best results in your garden.
What is Woven Landscape Fabric?
Woven landscape fabric is made from thin strips of plastic that are woven together to form a strong, durable fabric. Imagine a piece of cloth made by weaving threads back and forth—woven landscape fabric is similar but made from tough plastic. The fabric has small gaps or holes that allow water, nutrients, and air to pass through, which is important for keeping the soil and plants healthy.
Benefits of Woven Landscape Fabric
- Strong and Durable: Woven fabric is very strong and can last for many years, even in areas with a lot of foot traffic or heavy use.
- Good for Long-Term Projects: Because it’s so durable, woven fabric is ideal for permanent landscaping projects, like pathways, patios, or around trees and shrubs.
- Allows Water and Air Through: The tiny holes in woven fabric allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the soil, which helps plants grow well.
When to Use Woven Landscape Fabric
- In Gardens with Heavy Plants: Woven fabric is tough enough to support heavier plants and keep the soil stable, making it great for areas with shrubs, bushes, or larger plants.
- Under Pathways or Patios: Because it’s durable, woven fabric is perfect for areas where you might be laying rocks, gravel, or paving stones. It will hold up well even with regular foot traffic.
- For Long-Term Weed Control: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to weed control, woven fabric is a good choice.
What is Non-Woven Landscape Fabric?
Non-woven landscape fabric is made from fibers that are bonded together, not woven like a cloth. This gives it a smoother, more solid appearance, and it feels more like felt or paper. Non-woven fabric is usually thicker and doesn’t have the same small holes as woven fabric, so it doesn’t allow as much water and air to pass through.
Benefits of Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
- Great for Weed Blocking: Non-woven fabric blocks light and weeds very well, making it ideal for areas where you don’t want any plants to grow.
- Good for Moisture Control: Non-woven fabric can help keep the soil moist since it doesn’t let as much water evaporate, which can be helpful in dry areas.
- Ideal for Temporary Projects: Since non-woven fabric is generally less durable than woven fabric, it’s good for short-term projects or areas where you don’t need a permanent weed barrier.
When to Use Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
- Under Mulch in Flower Beds: Non-woven fabric works well under a layer of mulch in flower beds to keep weeds down, especially for a season or two.
- Around Trees or Bushes: If you want to control weeds around trees or shrubs without a lot of foot traffic, non-woven fabric is a good option.
- For Temporary Weed Control: Non-woven fabric is great if you’re looking for short-term weed control, like during the early stages of a garden project.
Key Differences Between woven vs non woven landscape fabric
Feature | Woven Landscape Fabric | Non-Woven Landscape Fabric |
---|---|---|
Material | Made from woven plastic strips | Made from bonded fibers (more like felt) |
Durability | Very durable and long-lasting | Generally less durable, good for short-term |
Water and Air Flow | Allows some water and air through | Limited water and air flow |
Weed Control | Effective for controlling most weeds | Blocks weeds very effectively |
Best Use | Pathways, patios, heavy planting areas | Mulched beds, around trees, temporary projects |
Pros and Cons of Each Type
Woven Landscape Fabric
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable for long-term projects
- Allows air, water, and nutrients to reach plants
- Great for areas with heavy foot traffic or larger plants
Cons:
- May need mulch or rocks on top to keep it from shifting
- Higher cost than non-woven fabric
- Not as effective for blocking all types of weeds over time
Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
Pros:
- Blocks weeds effectively by preventing light and water
- Helps retain soil moisture, making it great for dry climates
- Lower cost and ideal for short-term or temporary projects
Cons:
- Limited water and air flow, which may not be ideal for all plants
- Generally less durable and may tear or wear out faster
- Not suitable for high-traffic areas or heavy plantings
How to Choose the Right Landscape Fabric for Your Project
When deciding between woven vs non woven landscape fabric, consider these factors:
- Type of Plants: If you’re working with heavy plants like bushes or shrubs, woven fabric is better. For flower beds or areas with lighter plants, non-woven fabric works well.
- Amount of Foot Traffic: For pathways, patios, or areas where people will walk often, woven fabric is the best choice since it’s more durable.
- Project Length: For long-term landscaping, choose woven fabric. For short-term projects or seasonal weed control, non-woven fabric will do the job.
- Water Needs: If you need water and air to flow through the soil, choose woven fabric. If you want to keep moisture in the soil, non-woven fabric may be better.
- Budget: Woven fabric is usually more expensive but lasts longer. Non-woven fabric is more affordable and good for smaller or temporary projects.
Tips for Laying Landscape Fabric
No matter which type of landscape fabric you choose, here are a few tips for laying it effectively:
- Clear the Area: Remove all weeds, rocks, and debris from the soil before laying the fabric. This ensures a smooth surface and makes the fabric more effective.
- Overlap the Edges: When covering a large area, overlap the edges of the fabric by about 6-12 inches to prevent weeds from growing between gaps.
- Secure the Fabric: Use landscape staples or pegs to secure the fabric firmly in place. Place them about every 12 inches along the edges and at key points in the middle.
- Add a Top Layer: Cover the fabric with mulch, gravel, or rocks. This not only makes the area look nice but also helps protect the fabric from sunlight, which can cause it to break down over time.
- Check Regularly: Keep an eye on the fabric to make sure it’s holding up well. Over time, some weeds may still pop up along the edges, so pull them as needed to keep the area looking neat.
Conclusion
Both woven and non-woven landscape fabrics are excellent tools for keeping weeds at bay, but they each work best in different situations. Woven landscape fabric is strong, durable, and great for long-term projects with heavier plants or pathways. Non-woven landscape fabric, on the other hand, is softer, blocks weeds more effectively, and works well for short-term projects or areas with light planting.
By choosing the right type of fabric and installing it properly, you’ll enjoy a low-maintenance garden that stays clean and weed-free. So, pick the landscape fabric that best fits your project and start creating a beautiful garden space with fewer weeds!