Thinking About Landscape Fabric? Here’s Why We Don’t Recommend It for Garden Beds
Tired of Weeds on the Seacoast? Fabric Might Not Be the Fix
Here on the New Hampshire Seacoast, from Rye to Hampton and Hampton Falls, many homeowners are searching for simple, long-term ways to cut down on garden maintenance. Weed control is often at the top of the list. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the most common questions we hear is: *“Should I use landscape fabric under mulch in my garden beds?”*
At first glance, landscape fabric seems like the perfect solution. Roll it out, cover it with mulch, and enjoy a weed-free garden. But in practice, it often causes more problems than it solves—especially in planting beds that are meant to grow, evolve, and thrive over time. As Master Gardeners serving Portsmouth, Rye, Exeter, and beyond, we’ve seen firsthand how fabric can backfire.
What’s the Problem With Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric is marketed as a barrier that stops weeds while still allowing water and air through. The idea is sound, but reality tells a different story. Over time, fabric becomes clogged, compacted, and broken down by mulch and plant roots.
Weeds still appear—often growing right on top of the fabric in the decomposed layer of mulch, or sneaking in through edges and planting holes. You end up weeding just as much, only now you’re battling fabric too.
Meanwhile, the soil beneath suffers. Organic matter can’t break down into it. Earthworms and beneficial microbes are blocked from doing their work. Over the years, the soil turns dry, compacted, and lifeless. Even with good watering, your plants may underperform.
Planting into fabric beds adds more frustration. Cutting through layers of old fabric to add new flowers or divide perennials is messy, awkward, and often discouraging.
Why This Is a Common Problem on the Seacoast
Our coastal Zone 6b gardens deal with unique conditions—heavy rains in spring, drying winds off the ocean, hot spells in July, and freeze-thaw cycles in winter. These swings are tough on any material.
By late spring, leaves and mulch pile up on top of fabric. By fall, that layer has decomposed into rich organic matter—perfect for weeds to sprout in. Unfortunately, this layer benefits only the weeds, not your soil.
After a few years, fabric buried under mulch and tangled in roots becomes nearly impossible to remove. What started as a shortcut turns into a long-term headache.
What Are Better Alternatives to Landscape Fabric?
Fortunately, there are healthier, more sustainable approaches to weed control:
Mulch deeply.** Apply 3–4 inches of bark mulch, compost, or wood chips. This blocks light, holds moisture, and improves soil as it breaks down.
Use cardboard or newspaper.** As a temporary barrier beneath mulch, these materials suppress weeds, then decompose into the soil to feed it.
Plant groundcovers. Low-growing perennials such as thyme, ajuga, or pachysandra shade the soil, suppress weeds, and add seasonal beauty.
Stay on top of weeding. Light hand weeding or cultivation every couple of weeks keeps weeds from becoming overwhelming.
Remove fabric in sections. If your garden already has fabric, peel it out a little at a time. Spring and fall, when soils are softer and plants are less stressed, are the best seasons to reset your beds.
When to Ask for Help
If your garden feels hard to maintain, full of weeds, or difficult to plant, it may be time for a refresh. Old fabric that’s been in place for years is challenging to remove, especially when it’s matted under mulch and roots. And if your plants are underperforming, that’s a sign your soil may need professional attention.
Need Help? Let’s Refresh Your Garden the Right Way
At Seacoast Gardener, we work with homeowners throughout Rye, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Portsmouth, Exeter, and North Hampton to design and maintain gardens that are both beautiful and practical. Our fine-gardening services—pruning, shrub care, ornamental tree maintenance, mulching, and weeding—support plant health while keeping beds clean and manageable.https://www.seacoastgardener.com