Weeds rob my plants of precious water, sunlight, and nutrients. But, even worse – they rob me of valuable time.
A few years ago, I decided to start my own pumpkin patch in preparation for the fall festivities. I thought the neighborhood trick-or-treaters might love it as much as my kids did when they were younger.
Little did I know that I was in for a miserable time; my ambitious pumpkin patch became infested with tall weeds. I had started spending hours upon hours removing them and dousing the field with harmful pesticides.
Now on the verge of giving up, I finally decided to try out one of those weed barriers – they might not be the prettiest option for my small backyard, but I was desperate. Lo and behold – it actually worked!
Hi! My name is Stacy, and I'm here to tell you all about the best weed barriers on the market that have helped me improve crops and keep weeds at bay!
Top 5 Weed Barrier Reviews
1. ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, it's evident that this heavy-duty weed barrier is made of durable material. For a perennial gardener like me, buying rolls of weed barriers every gardening season isn't an option – it just wouldn't make sense financially.
Needless to say, this weed barrier is suitable for all seasons, and it doesn't get shredded even in harsh weather. With that said, this is an excellent option to put under small river stones in your walkway, or any other high-traffic area.
Not just limited to the farm and walkways, the fabric can also be easily cut up and fitted to line raised beds and any neglected patches. As for laying it out on the farm, it can be done in three simple steps. Simply prep the soil, roll out the weed barrier, cover, and check; no matter if you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner – this weed fabric is a friend to all.
What's There To Like About It?
Although some people prefer to test the weed barrier's permeability after stapling it to the ground, I find that it is better to check it right when you receive it. That way, you don't have to waste all that time prepping, unrolling, and then undo the hard work before sending it back.
Anyhow, with this brand of weed barrier, I struck gold the first time itself. As soon as I opened the package, I did a test patch by running some water through it. Once I realized how well water percolated even through such thick material, I headed straight to the garden and covered it with the weed barrier.
What's There Not To Like About It?
For the four years that I have used this product in my garden, I have yet to face an issue – barring a stint with spider grass at one point in time. However, when I ordered two more boxes more recently, I received one which was slightly more prone to degradation under harsh sunlight.
Pros and Cons of ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier
Pros
Cons
- Premium weed barrier landscape fabric to make your life easier and skyrocket your productivity!
- Super-easy to install and set up landscaping fabric to provide unparalleled weed control.
- Garden weed barrier mat designed to conserve your soil's moisture and preserve its value.
2. Amagabeli Garden and Home Weed Barrier
Product Highlights
Made of polypropylene, this heavy-duty weed barrier is thick – almost as thick as a carpet. Moreover, the dual-layer created by these two different materials make the weed barrier increasingly weather-resistant and UV-stabilized. At the same time, it allows water to permeate easily and keeps weeds at bay.
Interestingly, Amagabeli Garden and Home is a brand that primarily focuses on home improvement projects. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that this product is well-suited for purposes other than gardening.
Since it is a high-strength and weather-proof product, the weed barrier can be laid down below stone garden paths, pathways, and even driveways. Needless to say, it can also be used for raised gardens, flower beds, greenhouses, artificial grass, and so on.
What's more, this product is available in six different sizes – ranging from 100ft to 300ft in length, and 3 to 6 ft. in width. Anyhow, the weed fabric can be easily cut to fit your needs.
What's There To Like About It?
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best weed barriers to choose if you often work with smaller flower beds or DIY projects that require customized shapes and sizes.
First off, the weed fabric comes with 1-foot markings that help cut evenly. At the same time, the material does not unravel when it is cut – which is often a problem with some products. In fact, I have often resorted to burning holes in weed barriers instead of cutting them to prevent fraying.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although not a negative per se, the manufacturer's instructions of topping up the weed barrier with bark chips have proven to be counterproductive in my case. Buyers should be careful not to let any debris collect on the surface. If not, the dirt from mulch falls beneath over a few months and turns into a soil bed for weeds to grow.
Pros and Cons of Amagabeli Garden and Home Weed Barrier
Pros
Cons
- Durability & Large Size: 5.8oz 4ftx300ft weed ground cover is designed to be extremely durable, with a high tensile strength and tear resistance. The weed cloth allows it to withstand heavy foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and other types of wear and tear. We offer premium weed barrier landscape fabric for you while exceeding highest industry standards and offer thoughtful and considerate customer care.
- Heavy Duty & High Density: The heavy duty weed barrier landscape fabric is for heavy duty. This premium durable ground cover weed barrier is made of 5.8oz high density woven needle punched dual layer and professional grade Polyester material. NOTE: The Non-woven Layer of garden weed barrier should face up for better sun protection,weed barrier,and stronger water permeability.
- High Strenghth & High Oermeability: The weed fabric barrier heavy duty is made of professional grade Polypropylene material in high strength for durability and long lasting. Unlike the nonwoven ground cover fabric, this weed cloth was designed of high density woven needle punched dual layer in high permeability to conserve and soil moisture. The premium design of heavy duty landscape fabric allows and air through to preserve the soil moisture without blocking air.
3. Dewitt P3
Product Highlights
With more than 40 years of experience under their gardening belt, Dewitt is a brand that has become synonymous with reasonably-priced landscaping tools. At the same time, this particular tool works much better than off-the-shelf weed barriers that cost almost the same at big box stores.
Made of woven, needle-punched fabric, this product is exceptionally thick – an aspect that works to its advantage by providing added durability. Moreover, the material is hydrophilic-treated, which means that it lets water, air, and nutrients pass through easily.
At the same time, the fabric is black on one side to prevent harsh sunlight from damaging your crops, as well as the weed barrier itself. All in all, the tool is straightforward in its design and also in its installation. Simply nail down the heavy-duty barrier on one edge, and roll it out over the rest of your garden patch.
What's There To Like About It?
The double layers of this heavy-duty undoubtedly prevent weeds from sprouting out. At the same time, the thickness can be credited for its long-lasting durability.
In fact, I witnessed its resilience the very first day I received this product. I tested it out in my backyard, and it turned out to be a pretty windy day. Since I hadn't nailed the product down entirely, the weed barrier was flapping in the air when I came out to have a look.
To my pleasant surprise, despite all the flying around, there were absolutely no tears and rips on the product. It was indeed a testament that this weed barrier is going to last a few years.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although I have been raving about the heavy-duty strength of this fabric, the thickness also causes its only drawback. With that being said, keep in mind that water drains out of this weed barrier much slower than most would like. However, this may not be a deal-breaker since the ground doesn't absorb water any faster than the product drains.
Pros and Cons of Dewitt P3
Pros
Cons
- Dewitt Pro-5 weed-barrier 3ftx250ft heaviest Weight landscape fabric
- Woven needle punch polypropylene fabric
- This product is made in China
4. HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a weed barrier for landscape situations, HOOPLE might just have what you need. With a hefty width that could be about twice as thick as the flimsy products sold in big box stores, this weed barrier is durable through and through.
After all, it is meant to be used for landscaping purposes – be it to cover the delicate rose garden or under the heavy weight of extensive stone pathways and brick pavers. Without a doubt, the thick weed barrier works well to keep weeds at bay.
At the same time, the thoughtfully engineered weed barrier allows air and water to pass through, so the soil remains nourished at all times. And, you don't have to worry about any damage caused by UV rays – the makers at HOOPLE guarantee that this product will last at least five years, even under direct sunlight.
What's There To Like About It?
Hands-down the best feature of this weed barrier is its porous surface. When it comes to permeability, the non-woven fabric is well-suited for light to moderate precipitation. It is a cut above the rest—especially when compared to similar items in the same price range.
For that matter, even though it has better percolation properties, this weed barrier is much thicker than its counterparts. Needless to say, the additional thickness also makes it a much more tough competitor, literally.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although this weed barrier is great at draining water after manual irrigation and light showers, the same cannot be said during heavy rainfall. However, considering the thickness of the material, I wouldn't expect it to drain any faster.
Pros and Cons of HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier
Pros
Cons
- Professional material: Hoople weed barrier has a minimal impact on the ecological environment, while also being easy to install and maintain.
- Good for your garden: Hoople weed barrier fabric promotes soil health by allowing air and water to pass through, which supports the survival of soil microorganisms and the respiration of plant roots.
- Easy to install: a roll of extra thick sunlight minimizing weed barrier fabric for yard landscapes, flower beds and gardens. It’s very easy to roll out, place down and start planting.
5. KINGSO Weed Barrier
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Product Highlights
Available in 5 different sizes, this weed barrier from KINGSO comprises two layers of fabric. To bring together the best of both worlds, one layer is made of heavy-duty woven material, while the other is a non-woven layer with high permeability.
While the two layers provide thickness for added durability, the product itself is made of professional-grade raw polypropylene, which allows the soil to breathe. At the same time, the weed barrier is easy to install, even if you are a novice.
Simply prep the soil, cut holes for your crops, layout the fabric and staple down the edges. You will receive 100 pieces of garden staples and an instruction manual along with the weed barrier for added convenience.
What's more, the versatile hybrid of non-woven and woven polypropylene does not take away from the durability or strength of the weed barrier. In fact, even though it is highly absorbent, the product is equally effective beneath rocks and landscape beds. Moreover, this product can be used in sloped areas for erosion control.
What's There To Like About It?
When I first came across this product about five years ago, I did not have many expectations. However, this weed barrier from KINGSO turned out to be an all-rounder, as promised. The product's texture feels almost like felt fabric, and it was indeed thick enough to keep weeds at bay.
What's even more fascinating is how durable it is despite being so porous. In fact, I had placed a roll of this product around some banana trees almost two years ago, and it is still intact. With that being said, the weed barrier has to be changed every five years – which is a long time in "weed barrier years"!
What's There Not To Like About It?
Apart from the odd weeds that grow from time to time, this weed barrier hasn't brought me any trouble in all the years that I have used it for my garden and pathways. However, it is worth noting that the price point might be a little high for some.
Pros and Cons of KINGSO Weed Barrier
Pros
Cons
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Buyers Guide
While weed barriers look pretty much the same, my experience has taught me that a product that performs well in one area might not necessarily do well in another. This brings me to the first point to keep in mind before buying your own weed barrier.
1. Intended Use
The best weed barrier is worthy of its title only after it performs its intended job. For instance, if you use a thin and perforated weed barrier under gravel areas and stone pathways, the weed barrier will only tear and need replacing. On the other hand, placing heavy fabrics around delicate vegetables, herbs and flowers may lead to crushed roots.
Needless to say, it is crucial to choose the suitable weed barrier for the area that you intend to protect. Generally, the weed barrier ideal for gardens and raised beds won't work for gravel paths and brick pavers. However, thicker barriers may work for both vegetable gardens and heavy-duty work.
2. Material
Most weed barriers are made of polypropylene (PP), and the fabric may be woven or non-woven.
Woven fabrics are more delicate because they have small holes that allow air to pass and water to percolate through. It comes as no surprise that these are best-suited for garden patches and flower beds.
However, in areas that are more susceptible to more vigorous weeds, a non-woven weed barrier may be more suitable. But keep in mind that you will have to compromise on water-percolation abilities with thicker products.
Alternatively, there are hybrids on the market that may offer the ideal path. Consisting of two layers, these generally include a layer made of woven material that is highly permeable and a non-woven layer to keep weeds at bay.
On the other hand, don't be afraid to opt for a thick weed fabric for heavy-duty projects, such as gravel walkways. Apart from preventing weeds from growing between rocks and stones, thicker weed barriers undoubtedly last longer and don't tear easily under heavy loads.
3. Cost
The thicker a weed barrier is, the more it will cost – is my general understanding. Additionally, hybrids consisting of woven and non-woven layers may cost even more. At the same time, other factors, such as brand reputation and quality of materials, decide the price tag on each product.
4. Sun Protection
Weed barriers are prone to damage because of exposure to ultraviolet rays over long durations. This is the reason why most gardeners top fabrics off with mulch, even though the debris from these can become breeding grounds for weeds in a few months.
Especially in sunny places, such as Florida, it's not uncommon for even the thickest weed barriers to get damaged. To prevent this, some weed barriers are designed to be UV-resistant or UV-stabilized.
UV-stabilized products are chemically coated with a protective layer that repels ultraviolet light. On the other hand, UV-resistant products are made of materials that are naturally able to resist harmful UV rays – perhaps, not to the same extent as their chemical counterparts.
Although UV-stabilized weed barriers don't cause much harm, it is advisable to keep them away from vegetables and other produce that will be in your kitchen.
5. Size
Before buying a weed barrier, remember to measure the area that you are planning to cover. Generally, weed barrier rolls have a width of 3 feet, and they may be as long as 50 or 300ft. If you require multiple rolls to be spread over a wide area, don't forget to factor in an 8-inch overlap between two layers.
6. Durability
No matter how durable the weed barrier is, it has to be changed at some point. The only thing you have control over is whether it takes a few months or a few years before it is time for a replacement.
With that being said, woven barriers are evidently the flimsier option when compared with their thick non-woven counterparts. At the same time, other external factors, such as temperature, exposure to sunlight, and correct installation can increase or decrease the fabric's longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plastic undeniably blocks grassy weeds from penetrating the surface. It also chokes the plants underneath by not allowing any air or moisture to reach the soil.
On the other hand, fabric barriers are made of polypropylene, a material equipped with small gaps that allow water and nutrients to pass through. At the same time, these tiny holes are narrow enough to prevent weeds from infiltrating the fabric.
In other words, fabric weed barriers strike the right balance between providing protection from weeds and allowing existing plants to thrive.
Adding mulch on top of the weed fabric is a common practice among many gardeners like me. After all, the double layer creates a thicker wall for the weeds to pass through. Moreover, it provides a natural-looking organic cover that masks the not-so-attractive barrier underneath.
However, it is a lesser-known fact that the dirt from the mulch can catch seeds – which include the seeds of weeds. Over a the span of few months, these land on the soil and become full-grown weeds soon after.
Alternatively, you can use stones and pebbles to create an extra protective layer against pesky weeds. Just keep in mind that even these are capable of collecting dirt if not cleaned periodically.
My Final Recommendation
If you ever pass by Tyler, Texas, then be sure to give my garden a visit; perhaps, you will be able to spot me tending to it.
Since I mainly use weed barriers to protect my garden flowers and fresh vegetables, I prefer weed barriers that allow optimal percolation. For this reason, the ECOgardener Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier is certainly my top pick for the best weed barrier.
A close second is the double-layered Amagabeli Garden and Home Weed Barrier that offers the permeability of woven fabrics and also protects my garden from weeds.
All said and done; the best weed barrier should be the one that does the job it is intended for. So, stop waiting in the weeds, and get your weed barrier today!