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I have a need for some weed control landscaping fabric but from what I've read it seems even the top recommended brands are not able to keep weeds at bay. Is there anyone that has had a good experience with this product and if so what brand did you use? TIA
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Landscape fabric gets a bad rap, and honestly, a lot of it is deserved — but the complaints are usually about how it's used as much as the product itself.
The dirty secret is that the fabric doesn't fail from below — it fails from above. Over time, organic matter (mulch, leaves, debris) breaks down on top of the fabric and creates a thin layer of soil that weeds happily root into. At that point you're fighting weeds that are essentially growing on top of your weed barrier, and pulling them tears up the fabric.
That said, here's where it does legitimately shine: under hardscape. Gravel paths, river rock beds, decorative stone — that's where fabric earns its keep because there's no organic buildup and it's blocking soil disturbance, not just light.
For planting beds, most experienced landscapers have moved toward 3–4 inches of quality hardwood mulch refreshed annually and skipping the fabric entirely. Better for soil health too.
If you're set on fabric, the brands that hold up better than the cheap box-store stuff are DeWitt Pro 5 and Dewitt Sunbelt — woven polypropylene, not the flimsy spunbond material. Also look at Mutual Industries if you're covering a large area. Avoid anything that feels like paper or tears easily when you handle it.
But honestly — what are you covering? Rock, mulch, or something else? That'll change the recommendation a lot.
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