Identifying (and Fixing) Issues with Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric can be a helpful tool in garden beds, around hardscapes, and under pavers. When it works well, it reduces weeds, helps manage moisture, and keeps soil where it belongs. When it is installed incorrectly or used in the wrong situation, it can cause some frustrating landscape problems.

What is Landscape Fabric? And Why Is It Important?

Landscape fabric, sometimes called landscaping fabric, is a permeable material placed between soil and mulch, rock, or hardscape materials. Its main job is to block sunlight to reduce weed growth while still allowing air and water to move through the soil.

When used correctly, landscape fabric can help limit weeds, reduce erosion, and keep mulch or gravel from sinking into the soil. It can also make long-term maintenance easier in certain areas of your yard, especially in planting beds and around patios or walkways.

Types of Landscape Fabric

There are a few main types of landscape fabric, and each works best in specific situations.

Woven Fabric

Woven landscape fabric, as the name suggests, is fabric made from tightly woven strips of material. It is durable and allows water to pass through slowly. This type works well under gravel paths, patios, and other hardscape areas where strength matters.

Non-woven Fabric

Non-woven landscape fabric is softer and more felt-like. It allows water to pass through more easily and is often used in flower beds. It is not as strong as woven fabric, but it works better around plants that need consistent moisture.

4 Common Landscape Fabric Issues (and How to Fix Them)

Issue #1: Water Pooling

The Problem: Water pools on top of the fabric or in garden beds after a heavy rain.

Why It Happens: Pooling usually happens when someone uses the wrong type of fabric or when soil and debris clog the fabric over time. Poor grading or compacted soil underneath the fabric can also prevent water from draining properly.

The Fix: Choose the right fabric for the job and avoid using heavy-duty woven fabric in planting beds. Make sure the soil underneath is loose and well-graded before installation. If pooling already exists, removing and replacing clogged fabric may be the best long-term solution.

Issue #2: Plant Death

The Problem: Plants struggle to grow, show signs of stress, or die after installing landscape fabric.

Why It Happens: Fabric can restrict air flow, limit root growth, or prevent water from reaching plant roots when installed too tightly. Cutting holes that are too small can also choke plants as they grow.

The Fix: Cut generous openings for plants and avoid wrapping fabric tightly around stems or trunks. In some cases, skipping fabric altogether and using organic mulch is a better option for plant health.

Issue #3: Soil Compaction

The Problem: Soil becomes hard and dense beneath the fabric, making it difficult for roots to spread and water to absorb.

Why It Happens: Foot traffic, too-heavy mulch, or improper installation can compact soil. Landscape fabric can worsen this issue by preventing proper water drainage.

The Fix: Ways to fix this issue include loosening the soil before adding fabric, not walking on covered areas, and using lighter layers of mulch.

Issue #4: Water Runoff & Drainage Issues

The Problem: Water runs off instead of soaking into the soil.

Why It Happens: Tightly woven fabric or clogged material can force water to move sideways instead of down into the soil.

The Fix: Pairing the right type of fabric with proper drainage solutions like gravel bases or permeable hardscape systems can help guide water where it needs to go.

Landscape Fabric Issues FAQs

Why does my landscape fabric hold water?

Landscape fabric holds water when it becomes clogged with soil, mulch, or debris, or when the fabric is too dense for the application. Poor soil preparation, such as compacted soil or improper grading, can also prevent water from draining as it should.

To fix the issue, the fabric may need to be removed and cleaned or replaced with a more permeable option that better fits the area. Loosening and regrading the soil underneath can also improve drainage, and using the correct type of fabric for the specific landscape application can help prevent water from pooling in the future.

How can I fix a yard that holds water?

Improving drainage often starts with proper grading, soil amendments, and drainage systems like French drains or dry creek beds. In some cases, removing or replacing landscape fabric can also help.

Does landscape fabric cause flooding?

Landscape fabric does not usually cause flooding on its own, but improper installation or poor drainage design can make water problems worse.

Does landscape fabric kill grass?

Yes, landscape fabric can kill grass by blocking sunlight and limiting airflow. It should not be installed over turf areas unless grass removal is the goal.

What should I plant between pavers to prevent weed growth?

Low-growing ground covers like moss and polymeric sand work well between pavers to help reduce weed growth while allowing some permeability.

What is the best weed barrier to lay down under rocks?

The best weed barrier to lay down under rocks often depends on your specific needs, including your budget, the size of the area, and how long you want the solution to last. In many cases, a heavy-duty woven landscape fabric is a popular choice because it is strong, durable, and effective at blocking sunlight that weeds need to grow.

That said, landscape fabric is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, it can lead to limiting water and air movement, which can impact soil quality. For some homeowners, alternative approaches to weed control, such as using ground cover, may work better depending on the site conditions and long-term maintenance goals.

Can I hire someone to help with my landscape fabric issues?

Yes! If you are having issues with your landscape fabric, such as your landscape fabric holding water, a professional team can assess why it is happening and recommend long-term solutions.