Landscape Fabric vs. Plastic Sheeting
Landscape fabric is a synthetic material that may be either woven or perforated throughout with tiny holes. Its main function is to block sunlight from reaching weed seeds and young sprouts to prevent them from germinating and growing while still allowing air and water to penetrate through it into the soil. Landscape fabric can be used around new or existing landscape plantings. It can also be an effective means of controlling erosion.
Landscape plastic is a nonporous material that prevents all air, light, and water penetration by forming a solid barrier above the soil. Plastic also traps heat, so this product will effectively smother everything underneath it, which often included the roots of landscape plants. Landscape plastic is best used in rock beds, under shaded decks and porches, and in areas where there plants and large tree root systems are not present.
Both products work best in areas where there are large spaces between plants or structures, so the fabric will require as few holes and cuts in it as possible.
Read on to find out where to use landscaping fabric and plastic sheeting and how to install them.
