Throughout history,gardeners have used various materials to hold moisture in the soil and reduceweeding chores. One old-fashioned technique was to layer newspapers around plants, water thoroughly and add a top dressing of mulch or straw. The zinc in the ink was purported to reduce weed seed germination, and at the end of the season, the biodegradable mulch and paper could be turned into the soil.

Times have changed, and today there are a wide variety of landscape fabric options. To choose the right one for your needs, consider these four factors:

Non-Woven

Non-woven fabrics provide an effective, long-term solution to weed suppression. Made frompolyester or polypropylene, the material is non-porous, so it restricts oxygen and resists water penetration. These two factors reduce weed growth but they can harm the root systems of trees, shrubs and plants. Non-woven materials can be used to stabilize soil behind retaining walls or as under layments for paver patios or crushed stone walkways. They block weeds, help prevent paving materials from sinking into the soil and discourage ants and other insects from burrowing underneath.

Weight or Thickness

Landscape fabrics are classified by weight (2 oz, 3oz, 6 oz) per yard or by thickness (mm). Both non-woven and woven materialscome in a range of weights. Heftier fabrics resist punctures, are moreeffective and tend to last longer. They’re are also more expensive, but theinvestment can be worthwhile. Heavy weight professional grade landscapingfabric, for example, is extremely durable and will last up to 20 years in theright application.

Color

Most landscape fabrics are dark gray or black, butother colors are available. Some companies offer a deep brown shade thatclosely resembles natural earth, and red mulch films are popular with gardenerssince the color stimulates growth. Most landscape fabrics are sold in rolls andsome feature UV coatings to slow the rate of deterioration caused by sunlight.In general, all landscape fabrics perform best and last longer when they’reprotected from the sun’s damaging rays. In hardscape applications, the fabricis protected by the surface material. In foundation plantings and garden beds,simply pin the fabric in place and spread a generous 2- to 4-inch layer ofmulch on top.