The Difference Between Woven & Non-Woven Landscaping Fabric

Woven and Non-woven Geotextile Fabric

Landscapers and gardeners alike recognize the importance of landscaping fabric for their gardens or any hardscape project. This fabric provides reinforcement, separation, and filtration while allowing for good drainage. However, not all landscaping fabrics are the same, nor are they suitable for every project. With various fabrics available on the market, it’s essential to know which one will work best for your project before making a decision.

Woven and non-woven fabrics each have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to installation, depending on their characteristics. Below, we will discuss their similarities and differences, as well as the best applications for each in hardscape installations.

Different Kinds of Landscape Fabrics

Woven Landscape Fabric

Material Composition	Made from polypropylene or polyester fibers woven tightly together.
Permeability	Moderately permeable to air and water.
Durability	Highly durable; can last several years in various conditions.
Cost-Effectiveness	Generally more expensive due to its strength and longevity.
Best Uses	Ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as walkways or under gravel and pavers.
Impact on Soil Health	Allows water and nutrients to reach the soil but may limit organic matter decomposition over time.
Advantages	Strong, long-lasting, and resistant to tearing.
Disadvantages	Can be less effective for areas that need more water penetration.

Non-Woven Landscape Fabric

Material Composition	Composed of synthetic fibers that are bonded together rather than woven.
Permeability	Less permeable compared to woven fabrics.
Durability	Less durable, with a shorter lifespan in outdoor conditions.
Cost-Effectiveness	More affordable but needs more frequent replacement.
Best Uses	Best suited for weed control in flower beds or areas without high traffic.
Impact on Soil Health	Limits water and nutrient flow, which can affect plant growth if not managed carefully.
Advantages	Excellent for weed control and easy to install.
Disadvantages	Lower water permeability, which can cause water pooling.

Spun Landscape Fabric

Material Composition	Made of bonded polyester or polypropylene in a spun process.
Permeability	Highly permeable, allowing for better water and air flow.
Durability	Durable but not as strong as woven fabrics.
Cost-Effectiveness	Moderately priced; good balance between cost and functionality.
Best Uses	Ideal for use in garden beds, under mulch, or around plants.
Impact on Soil Health	Promotes soil health by allowing water and nutrients to penetrate while preventing weed growth.
Advantages	Excellent for plant beds, providing good weed suppression without hindering water flow.
Disadvantages	Can tear easily if exposed to heavy traffic or rough surfaces.

Biodegradable Landscape Fabric

Material Composition	Made from organic materials like jute, coir, or other natural fibers.
Permeability	Highly permeable, allowing full water and air circulation.
Durability	Less durable, breaks down naturally over time.
Cost-Effectiveness	Can be more expensive upfront but does not require removal or replacement.
Best Uses	Ideal for environmentally conscious projects, vegetable gardens, and temporary installations.
Impact on Soil Health	Enriches the soil as it decomposes, contributing to long-term soil health.
Advantages	Environmentally friendly, improves soil over time.
Disadvantages	Limited lifespan, may require replacement sooner than synthetic fabrics.

Plastic Sheeting

Material Composition	Made from polyethylene plastic.
Permeability	Completely impermeable, blocks all water and air.
Durability	Very durable, long-lasting in a wide range of environments.
Cost-Effectiveness	Inexpensive but less versatile.
Best Uses	Useful for weed control in areas where no planting will occur, such as under rock gardens or artificial turf.
Impact on Soil Health	Can suffocate soil, leading to poor aeration and water retention issues.
Advantages	Strong weed suppression, durable.
Disadvantages	Prevents water and nutrient access to the soil, which can be detrimental to plant life.

Woven Geotextile Landscape Fabric

Overview of Woven Geotextile Landscape Fabric

Definition and Composition

• Woven Geotextile Landscape Fabric is a type of geosynthetic material made by weaving polypropylene or polyester fibers in a specific pattern.
• Known for its strength and durability, it’s designed to support soil stabilization, erosion control, and provide separation between soil layers in landscaping and construction.

Common Uses in Landscaping and Construction

• Erosion Control: Prevents soil erosion on slopes, embankments, and riverbanks by stabilizing soil structures.
• Drainage Solutions: Allows water to pass through while filtering fine particles, reducing sediment in drainage systems.
• Road Construction: Enhances road foundations by separating soil layers and preventing rutting and subsidence.
• Retaining Wall Support: Reinforces soil behind retaining walls, reducing pressure and enhancing stability.

Advantages Over Non-Woven Fabric

• Higher Strength: Its woven structure provides superior tensile strength, making it more suitable for load-bearing applications.
• Increased Durability: Often lasts longer in high-traffic or heavy-duty areas due to its woven composition.
• Better Filtration Control: Effectively controls the passage of soil while allowing water permeability, which is ideal for drainage applications.

Installation Guidelines

• Surface Preparation: Clear the installation area of debris, roots, and large rocks to create a smooth base.
• Overlap and Securing: Overlap fabric edges by 6-12 inches, and secure with landscape staples or pins to prevent shifting.
• Covering: Once laid, cover with soil, gravel, or other materials as per project requirements to protect from UV degradation.
• Avoid Excessive Tension: Lay the fabric loosely to prevent tearing under pressure or soil shifting.

Maintenance and Potential Drawbacks

• Limited Flexibility: Woven fabric may be less pliable than non-woven types, which could limit use in complex shapes or contours.
• UV Sensitivity: Exposed fabric can degrade if not covered; always install under soil, mulch, or gravel.
• Periodic Checks: Inspect for signs of wear, especially in high-load areas, and replace sections as necessary to maintain effectiveness.

Non-Woven Geotextile Landscape Fabric

Definition and Characteristics

Non-woven geotextile landscape fabric is a synthetic material used primarily for filtration, separation, and drainage in various landscaping and construction applications. Unlike woven geotextiles, which have a crosshatched pattern, non-woven geotextiles are made by bonding synthetic fibers together through a needling process. This results in a fabric that resembles felt, is thicker, and has a porous structure that allows water to pass through while retaining soil and other materials.

Comparison with Woven Geotextiles

Non-woven geotextiles differ from woven geotextiles in several ways:

• Structure: Non-woven geotextiles are made from randomly oriented fibers, giving them a soft, felt-like texture, while woven geotextiles are created by weaving fibers in a structured pattern.
• Function: Non-woven geotextiles excel in filtration and drainage, while woven ones are typically used for stabilization and load-bearing applications.
• Durability: Woven geotextiles are often stronger but less permeable, whereas non-woven geotextiles offer high water flow rates, making them better for applications where water drainage is essential.

Applications in Landscaping and Erosion Control

Non-woven geotextile fabrics are highly versatile and serve multiple purposes:

• Drainage and Filtration: Placed beneath gravel or other aggregates to filter water, they prevent soil clogging.
• Erosion Control: Commonly used on slopes, embankments, and other areas prone to erosion, non-woven geotextiles help stabilize soil.
• Road and Driveway Bases: These fabrics separate soil from aggregate layers, which improves road durability by reducing soil displacement.
• Landscaping Beds: Used under mulch or decorative rocks to block weed growth while allowing water infiltration.

Benefits of Using Non-Woven Geotextile

• Enhanced Drainage: High permeability ensures effective water flow and prevents standing water.
• Soil Stabilization: Ideal for areas with loose or shifting soils, helping maintain landscape structure.
• Weed Prevention: When placed beneath mulch or other coverings, the fabric acts as a natural weed barrier.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for frequent soil maintenance or repair due to its stabilizing effects.

Environmental Considerations

While synthetic, non-woven geotextiles are often designed to minimize environmental impact by reducing the need for herbicides (due to weed suppression) and enhancing soil stability. Some newer products are also biodegradable or made from recycled materials. It is essential to choose the right product for each project to avoid unnecessary environmental strain, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

Installation and Maintenance Guidelines

Installation:

• Preparation: Clear the area of debris and level the ground.
• Fabric Placement: Roll out the fabric to cover the area, overlapping edges by at least 6 inches to prevent gaps.
• Securing: Use landscape pins to anchor the fabric, particularly along edges.
• Covering: Add gravel, soil, or mulch on top, depending on application needs.

Maintenance: Non-woven geotextiles are generally low maintenance, though monitoring for soil accumulation or blockages is recommended. In landscaping beds, periodically refresh the covering layer to prevent UV exposure.

How to Use Landscape Fabric

To install geotextile properly, ensure a minimum overlap of 12 inches between pieces, increasing as the subgrade becomes softer. Pieces should be shingled away from the foundation, meaning the pieces closest to the foundation should be placed under the next piece to allow water to move seamlessly from one piece to another. As the fabric is rolled out and cut, ensure it remains in tension while preparing the base material on top of it.

All wrinkles must be smoothed out or removed before dumping gravel and preparing your base. Where possible, limit the amount of fabric cut. Additionally, when installing the fabric, make sure it wraps up the sides of the project to enhance the separation of the subgrade from the sides into the base material.

One significant benefit of using geotextile is the separation of the subgrade from the base material. Referring back to the analogy of pushing a heavy object into the mud, the material moves horizontally, but under pressure, it also moves upwards.

The separation of the subgrade under the tension of the geotextile stops the upward movement of the subgrade into the base material by spreading the load over a larger area. This also prevents the horizontal movement of the subgrade from the sides of your excavation into the base material.

There are numerous benefits to installing geotextiles in your landscape or hardscape project. Several factors must be considered before choosing the best geotextile for your project. This article provides guidance on selecting the right product for your project’s extended life and ensuring proper installation by following the recommended directions.