When (and when not) to Use Weed Fabric in Your Landscape

If you’ve ever battled weeds in your garden or landscape beds, chances are you’ve considered using weed fabric, also known as landscape fabric. This barrier is marketed as a simple solution to keep unwanted growth at bay. While it can be a helpful tool in some situations, it’s not always the best choice.

At Ballock’s Landscaping, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your outdoor space. Here’s a breakdown of when weed fabric is a smart choice, and when you’re better off skipping it.

✅ When to Use Weed Fabric

1. Under Decorative Stone or Gravel

Weed fabric works well under decorative rock or gravel where you don’t plan to plant anything. It helps keep the stones from sinking into the soil and acts as a barrier against weed growth. This is ideal for:

• Driveway borders

• Rock gardens

• Walkways

• Drainage areas

2. Around Permanent Hardscape Features

Installing landscape fabric for hardscape surfaces, you should choose a Geotextile fabric. This fabric style is more durable and helps to stabilize and support the heavy load that a patio, wall, or walkway will need.

3. Sloped Areas Prone to Erosion

Weed fabric can help stabilize soil on slopes by reducing erosion. When paired with mulch or ground cover, it keeps the area looking clean while adding a layer of protection.

❌ When Not to Use Weed Fabric

1. In Garden Beds with Plants or Flowers

Weed fabric can actually harm long-term plant health. Over time, soil compacts under the fabric and becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Roots struggle to grow, and your plants suffer.

Plus, once the mulch on top breaks down, weeds will still grow—just above the fabric. Removing them becomes harder because roots get tangled in the barrier.

2. In Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable gardens thrive on healthy, living soil. Landscape fabric blocks the natural cycle of organic matter breaking down and enriching your soil. It also makes it harder to replant or rotate crops.

3. If You Plan to Add or Rearrange Plants

Once weed fabric is installed, digging new holes or adding plants becomes frustrating. When you decide to add or rearrange the plant the fabric needs to be cut, which reduces its effectiveness and creates weak spots.

A Better Long-Term Approach to Weed Control

If you want to suppress weeds without relying on landscape fabric, here are some sustainable alternatives:

• Apply a thick layer of mulch (2–4 inches): This naturally blocks light from weed seeds while improving soil health.

• Edge your beds properly: This keeps grass and weeds from creeping in.

• Keep up with maintenance: Regular hand-pulling and pre-emergent treatments go a long way.

Here's Our Final Thoughts

Weed fabric has its place, mainly under stone, gravel, or hardscape projects. But for flower beds, vegetable gardens, or anywhere you plan to plant and grow, it's usually best to avoid it.

If you're not sure what's right for your landscape, our team at Ballock’s Landscaping can help you make the right decision. Whether it’s fresh mulching or a weed control upgrade, we bring knowledge, experience, and 5-star service to every job.

Need Help With Weed Control or maintaining your flower beds?

Contact Ballock’s Landscaping today for expert advice and professional installation.

Serving State College, Boalsburg, Bellefonte, and Port Matilda

Call us at 814.577.1440 or get a free estimate at www.ballockslandscaping.com