Best Weed Barriers – Buyer’s Guide

If you are an avid gardener, you know that weeds can be one of the most frustrating challenges to maintaining a healthy and attractive garden. The best way to prevent weeds from taking over your garden is to use a weed barrier. Weed barriers are materials that are placed over the soil to prevent weeds from growing up through the surface. However, not all weed barriers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in the health and beauty of your garden.

In this blog post, we will explore the best weed barriers on the market today. We’ll discuss the benefits of using weed barriers, the different types available, and what to look for when choosing the right one for your garden. With our expert guidance, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best weed barrier to keep your garden weed-free and looking beautiful.

Best Landscape Fabric in 2024

These products can save your garden. They will last at least ten years in most cases and you can even place things like rocks, gravel, compost, mulch, and additional soil atop them so that your garden still looks attractive.

In this guide, we are going to take a look at five weed barrier products so that you can know which is the best weed barrier for your money. Additionally, we also will have a buyer’s guide so that you can know what to look for.

1. Dewitt PRO-5 – Best Weed Barrier for Garden

Dewitt stands out as the most reputable and experienced company on our list, and this undoubtedly contributes to the exceptional quality of its products. The Dewitt PRO-5 weed barrier, in particular, has earned our esteemed Editor’s Choice award due to its outstanding value.

One key factor that sets the Dewitt PRO-5 weed barrier apart is its implementation of a hydrophilic treatment in its fabric, making it the sole contender on our list to offer this feature. This treatment enhances the permeability of the weed barrier, surpassing that of its competitors.

To further optimize permeability, this weed barrier employs a woven needle-punch design crafted from polypropylene fabric, complemented by 2″ gold alignment strips. Notably, this weed barrier boasts exceptional thickness, measuring at 5 oz/yd², which is the second highest among the fabrics we evaluated.

It is worth noting, however, that the absence of UV protection in this relatively expensive weed barrier is somewhat surprising. Nonetheless, the multi-layered construction of the Dewitt PRO-5 weed barrier ensures exceptional durability, allowing it to withstand the placement of various materials such as wood chips or gravel.

Nevertheless, it is important to consider that this weed barrier is limited in its application, as it is only available in a single size of 3′ x 250′, best suited for larger plots.

2. ECOgardener Premium – Best All-Around Weed Barrier

ECOgardener is easily one of the newer companies on our list, but this has the added advantage of forcing the company to sell its product at an inexpensive cost. When you consider the cost compared to all of its features, it is easy to understand why the ECOgardener Premium weed barrier is our best all-around option.

For instance, this weed barrier is just as thick as expensive products with 5 oz/yd² coming in as the second-thickest fabric we reviewed. To further reinforce this durability, the ECOgardener Premium weed barrier also employs a dual-layer of polypropylene, offering enough strength to handle rough materials.

That said, you likely need to ensure that this weed barrier avoids exposure to direct sunlight as the material does not include any UV treatments. While this is not inherently the worst quality, in general, the ECOgardener Premium weed barrier suffers more from this than most, and its effectiveness can be compromised.

Still, if you make sure to protect this weed barrier from direct sunlight, the woven needle-punch design allows even the thick fabric to permeate well and transfer water and air easily between the layers. It also helps that this is one of the few weed barriers to come in sizes small and large ranging from 3’ x 50’ to 3’ x 250’.

3. Amagabeli – Thickest Weed Barrier

Amagabeli is a decade-old company that does not specialize exclusively in outdoor lawn care products but makes it a point to provide high-quality performance for all of their goods. In this regard, it only makes sense that the Amagabeli weed barrier is the thickest model that we reviewed, coming in at a whopping 5.8 oz/yd².

It is somewhat easy to understand where this thickness comes from as this weed barrier is the only entry on our list to use both polyester and polypropylene in its construction. Even better, the Amagabeli weed barrier makes it a point to offer a dual-layer construction, rather than just weaving the 2 fabrics together.

As if that were not enough, this weed barrier also employs the woven, needle-punch design to provide as much permeability as possible. However, it is worth noting that even with this design, the thickness of the Amagabeli weed barrier restricts the permeability far more than the other products we encountered.

It should also come as no surprise that a weed barrier as thick as this and using additional resources happens to be an expensive option too. Though, the Amagabeli weed barrier at least comes in 4 different sizes to suit your plot and also provides UV treatments to protect it from the sun.

4. Goasis Lawn – Largest Sheet Weed Barrier

Goasis is one of the few companies on our list that functions strictly as a factory to consumer wholesaler, though this has the advantage of allowing the brand to offer a more extensive product line. Without having to worry about storage or shelving space, the Goasis Lawn weed barrier can supply numerous varieties.

With 8 different sizes to choose from, you can get rolls ranging from 3’ to 5’ in width and 100’ to 300’ in length to best suit the size of your garden. On top of that, this weed barrier is made of high-density polypropylene, providing it a bit more durability than some of its competitors.

However, it is worth noting that the Goasis Lawn weed barrier is not nearly as thick as some of its competitors coming in at only 3.7 oz/yd², the second-thinnest fabric on our list. This is all the more disappointing as this weed barrier tends to be somewhat expensive, depending on the size you purchase – though it offers the largest size available.

Still, the Goasis Lawn weed barrier earns some of the keep back thanks to the inclusion of UV treatments to prevent sun damage. Even better, this is one of the few weed barriers we saw with some of the thickest and most durable stakes on our list as well.

5. Agfabric Woven Weed Block – Best Weed Barrier under Rock, Gravel and Mulch

For a convenient and hassle-free landscaping of your gardens, this Agfabric weed barrier must be your first choice! It is made out of woven products, which is beneficial to the soil for it maintain its healthiness and moist by having a lot of arrival points for the water to flow freely. If you locate to an area that is easily flooded by rain, this weed barrier also controls soil erosion. Aside from those benefits, it is made out of fabric which is environmental friendly that will be decomposed naturally after years of using it.

Plan your garden with products that has a lot of benefits yet pleasing to the eyes.

You don’t have to worry that your garden may end up jumbled or chaotic for this weed barrier comes with printed lines, helping you to be organized when planting for an amusing result. Just create holes in the middle of the lines for a well-ordered garden. Though, when you plan on planting larger plants, there is a chance that the lines won’t work so you must do it manually. Let’s talk about its durability, it is made out of PP and PE plastic flat yard, making it sturdy up to its finest and of course, expect longer life.

Final Verdict

If your goal is transforming your garden into something more, this weed barrier is for you. Aside from its downside that it unravel easily after cuts, the benefits it gives is too much that you can consider this one. From the materials it is made of up to how it will make your work easier.

6. UST PRO Series – Best Heavy Duty Landscape Fabric

One of the main points of this product is that it has a long-drawn-out life that will keep your garden as it is particularly from weeds for 20 years!

It is more appropriate and meaningful to invest your money in something that doesn’t require a large amount of money but the quality you will be getting is superb. Aside from providing you a long length of protection that is surely consistent, it also comes with 225 feet of weed control at its cheap price.

The Pro Series is constructed differently from other weed control products for starting from the first layer of its skin, the water can come through freely with zero chance of letting weeds grow to the surface. It is possible for this weed control because the product is made out of materials that easily absorb water which is hydrophilic water-permeable material.

Using this product is enough to be a weed barrier to most of the weeds though, for an instance, some kinds of weeds particularly the big and sturdy ones can pass through the fabric. As well as when it is exposed to bad weather such as strong storms, there’s a possibility that the fabric may start breaking apart.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a weed barrier at an affordable price yet so close to the ones used by professionals, you can count on Pro Series. Keeping the moisture of your soil and blocking the weeds up to the surface at the same time!

7. GardenMate – Best Budget Weed Barrier

GardenMate is one of the newer companies on our list and based out of Germany, but they understand what it takes to offer an extremely competitive product. Specifically, the GardenMate weed barrier is an extremely inexpensive option, earning our best budget entry with some caveats.

In terms of the good, this weed barrier is one of the few to use a spunbonded manufacturing process to ensure that its bonds remain tight. On top of that, this is another weed barrier that produces its polypropylene with UV treatments, so you do not have to worry about the fabric degrading in the sun.

However, there is no getting around the fact that at 6’ x 33’, the GardenMate weed barrier is not only one of the few options on our list to come in a single size but is also the smallest option we reviewed. While this does not affect its overall value, it does mean you will need to purchase multiple units to cover a larger space.

Another thing to consider is that the GardenMate weed barrier is the thinnest on our list at only 3.0 oz/yd², though the unique spunbonded construction helps alleviate some of the issues associated with this. On the plus side, the thinner fabric makes this weed barrier one of the most permeable options we encountered.

8. Dewitt 12YR-450 – Best Weed Control Membrane

For those who lived in areas that have trouble with weed barriers being damaged because of the sun, this one is for you. Unlike other weed barriers, this one comes with a full UV- resistant. Far from us, we use sunscreens or eyeglasses to be protected from harmful UVs from the sun, this product keeps the weed from receiving sunlight keeping it from photosynthesis for the weed to stop or never grow. In addition, the material is made out to be thick for the weeds won’t have a chance to appear on the surface.

Aside from those benefits, this Dewitt product is made to serve your garden for a long-term commitment.

Different from other weed barriers that last longer, this one is invented to last for more than 12 years of life which is just enough for the majority of the gardens out there.

You can also invest in this one if you are looking for a long-term commitment for it consists of a sturdy fabric with a three-ply layer of protection keeping the weeds from appearing. A weed-free garden is so satisfying and pleasing to look at and expect your garden looking just like that for years.

Dewitt’s first layer of the fabric is manufactured to be a carbon black material that will serve as a blockage for the light not to pass through, keeping the weeds from growing or nothing at all as much as possible.

A friendly reminder, it is a thicker product, unlike other weed barriers for it has three-ply protection. So if it is time to cut, you should use a good pair of shears and a knife that’s very sharp for easier work. While the barrier being thicker, it is just lightweight so you must ensure that it is stapled very well.

Final Verdict

It is a problem solved for those people living in unclouded or summery areas for it contains UV-resistant that will hindrance the weeds to undergo photosynthesis. Dewitt’s product will serve your garden for over 12 years that is more than enough for most of the gardens.

9. Scotts Landscape Fabric – Best Weed Block for Flower Beds

If you live in an area that has hardy weed species that can shred standard weed barriers, then the Scotts 25-Year Pro fabric barrier may be a good choice for you. Part of the reason for this is the fact that it’s rated to last for nearly a quarter century; this means that it’s durable and developed for longevity. It even has a lightweight design so that you can take it anywhere; just be sure to pin it down with garden staples.

Final Verdict

You can’t beat the 25-year guarantee that Scotts offers on this product. This lets you set down your barrier and simply maintain its positioning for a very long time without the need to think about a replacement. Unfortunately, some of the hardiest species of weed can find ways through, but this will be a rare occurrence.

Best Weed Barriers – Buyer’s Guide. How Weed Suppressing Fabric and Barriers Work

Weed barriers ensure that your weeds are cut off from the sunlight that they crave. Additionally, these products also prevent new growth from occurring as it will not allow airborne weed seeds to take hold in the soil itself.

Advantages

There are quite a few advantages to using a dedicated weed barrier. The primary advantage is how easy they are to put down in your garden or flower bed, but there are other advantages as well:

1. It’s Chemical-Free

While herbicide weed killers are easy to use and fairly effective, their environmental impact isn’t so good. First, some herbicides have been known to kill off beneficial insects and plant species. Secondly, the chemicals can work their way into other water sources, which isn’t great for the environment.

2. Locks in Moisture

Sunlight will dry out your soil very quickly, especially during the warmer, sunnier months. Weed barriers effectively block out the sun from the soil so that there is a reduced rate of evaporation. The result is that your growing plants will have more water to absorb through their roots.

3. Water Can Pass Through

Not only do weed suppressing fabrics and barriers keep water in the soil underneath the barrier from evaporating in the sun, they also allow water to pass through them as well. When you’ve placed down your barrier over your flower bed or garden, you can water your plants as normal. The water will pass through pores in the material or flow down into the holes that you’ve established for your plants. This means that you’ll be feeding your plants valuable water without encouraging weed growth.

4. Provides a Barrier that Weeds Can’t Grow Through

While the soil will be moist and nourishing for intended plant life, uninvited guests will find it to be very inhospitable. First, the barrier is very hard for weeds to grow through. Second, weed formation is greatly inhibited because airborne weed seeds won’t have anything to latch onto. Conversely, if you use organic mulch on top of the barrier, seeds may be able to take root, but there won’t be a lot of nutrients in that thin layer for them to damage your growing things.

5. Prevents Weeds from Getting Sunlight

Any weeds that are able to come up will find that sunlight has become inaccessible due to the barrier. This means that the weeds will quickly die.

How to Install Weed Barrier

The application of a weed barrier is very important because you really don’t want to provide any space for weeds to flourish inside of your garden. With this in mind, it’s important to precisely measure out your weed fabric and secure it tightly in the soil.

Next, rake your area so that you can remove any excess weeds. Additionally, you can use your rake to level the area.

After this is completed, lay down your weed barrier. For a weed barrier, no side is specifically up (except for some brands – check manual carefully), so just set it down where you need it. To secure your weed barrier, you can purchase gardening staples that you should pound into the soil with a hammer at the corners of the weed barrier. The barrier should be tight against your soil, but it should still have some slack to it as well.

Finally, using a knife, cut a cross into the material at the position that you want to grow your plants. Then, scoop out the soil, plant, and recover the plant with the removed soil and you’re done. If you want a secure fit, use your remaining staples to secure your barrier in place around your growing plants.

What is the Best Weed Barrier to Use: Fabric versus Plastic

Plastic sheets are something of a mixed bag.

While plastic sheets can definitely be very effective, the chief problem lies in sheets that are too thin and let some sunlight through. The best way to test this is to put the plastic sheet up to the sun and see if ANY light shines through. If it does, then the plastic sheet may not 100 percent kill off growing weeds like hardy brambles. Also, unless they are perforated, plastic sheets can block water from making it to the soil.

Drawbacks

1. Visual Appeal. One of the biggest drawbacks of a weed barrier is that they have a tendency to be very unattractive. Even if you use mulch, stone, compost, or soil to hide the presence of weed barriers, it’s almost inevitable that some aspect of the material will poke its way out. While these products make gardening more convenient, you’ll still have to maintain your yard’s appearance.
2. Effect on Other Plants. Not every plant that a weed barrier kills is a weed. When your plants germinate, their offspring can grow up under the barrier, which will kill them similarly to a weed.
3. Some Weeds Can Still Poke Through. One of the chief reasons why weeds are so annoying is because they are so hardy! This means that even with weed barriers, you might find that some life is “finding a way.” This is especially a weakness of perforated plastic barriers; weeds can absolutely find a way to grow through the little holes. In this situation, you’ll have to pull just like you would have without the weed barrier.

Final Thoughts

Weeds can absolutely ruin a beautiful garden, but chemical options seem more like the nuclear option for some homeowners. There are not good for your plants, and if you have herb or vegetables in your garden, the chemicals can be hazardous to your health. Fortunately, weed barriers can provide an effective deterrent for weed growth and can revitalize your garden. The products that we’ve covered here are all excellent and will provide years of protection for your plants.