Kingsport, TN
If you have perused the gardening aisle of any plant nursery, you have seen the large rolls of landscaping fabric, also known as weed blocker. Most people assume when planting shrubs, flowers, or a garden that landscaping fabric is a must. However, here’s why you should not use it.
It drains the life out of your soil
Soil is home to billions of microorganisms that break down organic materials, which provide nutrients to your plants. These nutrients are necessary for the growth of plants. If you block your plants from receiving these nutrients or prevent the breakdown process altogether, you will need to fertilize your plants on a regular basis. Why waste money on fertilizer when the natural environment can do that for you?
Earthworms don’t like it
Although the fabric may not kill the earthworms, it drives them out, which is no good for your soil or plants. Earthworms help aerate the soil by digging tunnels underground, and they help compost organic material, which is necessary for healthy soil and plants. Without earthworms, the soil becomes hard and not so friendly on the neighboring plants.
Plant roots grow above the fabric
This may not sound like a big deal, but it is. When plants cannot grow their roots deep into the soil, they are more likely to succumb to drought or stress. The fabric prevents the roots from digging deep into the soil where they can find necessary nutrients and moisture from the dirt.
It contains petroleum
There probably have not been any studies on the effects of chemicals from landscaping fabric to the environment. However, we know that this stuff is made using petroleum and other chemicals, such as BPA. It seems almost inevitable that some of these chemicals will leech into the ground, contaminating the soil. Since we have not seen BPA-free landscaping fabric, it is probably best to assume this stuff is not safe for the environment.
The alternative
Mulch is an acceptable alternative to using landscape fabric. Weed-free mulch will break down slowly as it removes nitrogen from the top layer of soil, which actually helps suppress the growth of weeds. Plus, if you decide later on that you want to redesign your garden, you can easily do so without having destroyed the soil underneath.
Promier Landscapes combines expertise and knowledge while incorporating your ideas to design a magnificent outdoor space for your enjoyment. To schedule a consultation, give us a call today at (423) 246-7977. Promier Landscapes serves clients in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, Tennessee.
FAQs
Ecosystem Damage Can Be Caused by Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric can leave the soil beneath it more compacted. And as you may well be aware, soil ecology is important. Compacted soil won't be healthy, as nutrients, water, and air will not reach the roots in the rhizosphere as effectively.
Why shouldn't you use landscape fabric? ›
Ecosystem Damage Can Be Caused by Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric can leave the soil beneath it more compacted. And as you may well be aware, soil ecology is important. Compacted soil won't be healthy, as nutrients, water, and air will not reach the roots in the rhizosphere as effectively.
Does landscape fabric leach chemicals into soil? ›
It contains petroleum
It seems almost inevitable that some of these chemicals will leech into the ground, contaminating the soil. Since we have not seen BPA-free landscaping fabric, it is probably best to assume this stuff is not safe for the environment.
What is better than landscaping fabric? ›
As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives to landscape fabric. You can use cardboard, newspaper, burlap, ground cover plants, straw, pine needles, grass clippings, wood chips and bark mulch instead of the plastic-based landscape fabric from the local garden store.
Does water drain through landscape fabric? ›
Permeability - At the store, landscape fabric usually can be found in two forms: 1) a woven fabric created by weaving thin strips of plastic and 2) a spun fabric created using polyester fibers. These landscape fabrics are somewhat porous in both cases, meaning they allow water and air to move through.
Can I use old sheets as landscape fabric? ›
Mulching with Bedsheets
Gardeners who have switched from cardboard to a double fold of old bedsheets as a base layer say the cloth is more permeable to infiltration by rain and less slippery underfoot. Best of all, garden-worthy cotton sheets are easy to find at garage sales.
Does landscape fabric cause termites? ›
Placing landscaping fabric down before you install the decorative rocks creates a less suitable environment for termites. Subterranean termites build tunnels from the dirt to nearby buildings.
Do professional landscapers use fabric? ›
Somewhere along the line, it became hugely popular for many people and landscape companies to use landscape cloth as a socalled "weed barrier". Using landscape fabric is actually a gardening myth that does more harm than good and creates maintenance nightmares. Here's why.
Do weeds grow under landscape fabric? ›
The material acts as a physical barrier between your plants and any potential weed invaders, stopping new seeds from germinating beneath its surface. Plus, weeds cannot grow successfully because it allows water to penetrate through while preventing light from reaching the soil below.
Can I use cardboard instead of landscape fabric? ›
A free, biodegradable alternative to landscape fabric is to use simple old cardboard. The idea is derived from the concept of sheet mulching. In permaculture, sheet mulching can be done to reclaim an area of land that might have been weedy or even covered with grass.
Along with reducing weed growth in the garden, cardboard has many other advantages, such as adding organic matter to the soil when it decomposes, improving the garden's drainage, and boosting nutrient levels.
What should I put down before landscaping fabric? ›
It's best to use landscape fabric under inorganic materials such as rock, gravel, or sand. Landscape fabrics are less effective when used under organic mulch such as wood chips or bark. As this mulch decomposes, it effectively creates a new layer of soil above the landscape fabric.
How many years does landscaping fabric last? ›
Also, a heavy duty ground cover fabric will last for a longer period of time. Fabric will give you approximately 2 to 15 years (depending on the grade) and plastic will have to be thrown out and replaced every year. Plastic material can become brittle and break apart very easily after just a few months.
What are the cons of landscape fabric? ›
Cons of Landscape Fabric
Some of the cons of using landscaping fabric include: ✗ Over time, decomposing particles of mulch and soil clog the perforations in the cloth. As the fabric becomes clogged, adequate amounts of water and air are unable to to reach the plant roots, leading to the plant's decline.
Does landscape fabric grow mold? ›
In general, he says, it's not a good idea to add non-biodegradable matter to soil. Even companies that sell landscaping fabric caution against using plastic because it doesn't allow plants to breathe, inhibits proper drainage and creates an environment for fungus, mold, bacteria and rot.
Should I use plastic or landscape fabric? ›
“It does last longer, whereas with plastic you're going to be replacing the plastic every year,” he said. “For annual type crops, plastic would be better, [and] for perennial crops; the landscape fabric would be [better] for permanent beds like cut flower gardens.”
Can I put landscape fabric over weeds? ›
Yes, you can use landscape fabric to suppress weeds. It works by creating a barrier between the soil and the weed, preventing light and water from reaching the weed. Be sure to overlap the fabric and use a lot of pins to secure it in place. Additionally, you should remove existing weeds before installing the fabric.
Is it okay to put landscape fabric around trees? ›
You'll want a landscape fabric with good permeability so that your plants' roots get enough water and oxygen. Woven fabric is typically the best landscape fabric to install around trees and shrubs.
Does landscape fabric get clogged? ›
Landscape fabric does help to suppress weeds, but the effect is only temporary. created in the process, making it easier for more weeds to germinate. are somewhat porous, allowing a certain amount of water and air to move through the fabric. gradually become clogged with dirt and debris.
Will grass grow through landscape fabric? ›
Landscape fabric is used for a lot of reasons but it is mainly used to prevent weeds from growing in garden beds. It does a fantastic job of smothering any weeds, grass, or any plant material that is growing underneath it. The biggest thing to understand about landscape fabric is that it does NOT all work the same.