Woven or non woven landscape barrier - Ask Extension
Which should I use and why please give examples and specific. I looked on utube and still don't understand. I want to put a path between 2 garden bed...
Knowledgebase
Woven or non woven landscape barrier #925466
Asked March 05, 2026, 12:12 PM EST
Which should I use and why please give examples and specific. I looked on utube and still don't understand. I want to put a path between 2 garden beds. Put down landscape barrier then wood chips in to. I don't know wether to get woven or non woven.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello.
Woven tends to contain plastic. Non-woven is more of a durable felt.
If you are only planning to use the fabric under a sidewalk (and NOT under any plant materials), then you can use either. The woven tends to be more durable under sidewalks, but the microplastics can leach into the soil.
However, if you're just creating the path from mulch, you may not need to use any landscape fabric. You can just put down a thick layer of mulch and let it naturally compact. For example, five inches of mulch will compact down to three. So you could do 5-6 inches of mulch, which will provide a durable surface and eliminate most weeds. The mulch will also naturally break down over time and benefit your soils.
Woven tends to contain plastic. Non-woven is more of a durable felt.
If you are only planning to use the fabric under a sidewalk (and NOT under any plant materials), then you can use either. The woven tends to be more durable under sidewalks, but the microplastics can leach into the soil.
However, if you're just creating the path from mulch, you may not need to use any landscape fabric. You can just put down a thick layer of mulch and let it naturally compact. For example, five inches of mulch will compact down to three. So you could do 5-6 inches of mulch, which will provide a durable surface and eliminate most weeds. The mulch will also naturally break down over time and benefit your soils.
