Plastic Sheet vs. Landscape Fabric: Which is Best for Your Garden?

Agricultural non woven fabric

Have you ever seen a black sheet-like thing on a farm? That’s called landscape fabric. These landscape fabric comes in a range of options, so it can get a little confusing when shopping around. Oftentimes, people mistakenly take landscape fabric for the black plastic sheet. However, these two are entirely different products, and it’s essential to understand the differences between them. 

Here’s a guide that discusses the primary differences between agricultural non woven fabric and plastic landscape fabric.

Definition

Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric, also sometimes referred to as agricultural non woven fabric, is a product that suppresses weed growth while allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the earth. This fabric is also sometimes used to elevate the garden’s look, especially when covered with a layer of mulch like gravel, lava rock, or bark. As compared to plastic sheets, landscape fabric will last for years.

Plastic Sheeting

On the other hand, it is a thin, black plastic sheet that is used to trap weeds and retain soil moisture. Plastic sheets are widely used to kill weeds as it is much more affordable as compared to herbicides. But as the material is thin and light, it deteriorates after a few weeks, especially in extreme weather conditions.

How to Choose Between Landscape Fabric and Black Plastic?

Choosing between the two types of fabrics for your garden depends on what you’ll use the product for. Landscape fabric is a solid plastic sheet made of woven fibres with perforated holes. Landscaping fabric is made for pest and weed management as well as for drainage, hardscaping, and irrigation. These fabrics are available in different types, like thick ones for better weed control and thinner ones for optimum water absorption and air circulation.

Alternatively, black plastic is nothing but a thin plastic sheet that is mainly used to control weed growth. Apart from that, it can retain moisture and warm up the soil, but the lack of perforation blocks the exchange of water, air, and nutrients between the soil and the surroundings. 

Why Choose Landscape Fabric Over Plastic Sheet?

Better Water Permeability: Allows water and nutrients to reach the soil, unlike plastic sheets.

Better Water Permeability

Allows water and nutrients to reach the soil, unlike plastic sheets..

Weed Control

Blocks sunlight to suppress weeds effectively.

Soil Health

Supports soil aeration and prevents compaction.

Durability

Resistant to tearing and UV damage, lasting multiple seasons.

Eco-Friendly

Made from natural or recyclable materials, unlike non-biodegradable plastic.

Temperature Regulation

Helps maintain optimal soil temperature for plant growth.

Easy Installation & Maintenance

Lightweight and easy to handle compared to heavy plastic sheets.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if you are confused between the two, landscape fabric is the preferred choice due to its breathability, durability, eco-friendliness, and ease of installation and maintenance.

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