Understand How Black Plastic Works
Black plastic looks much like common household garbage bags, but it’s made from tougher materials. This type of plastic is nonpermeable, which means it blocks the exchange of sunlight and air between the materials below its surface and the rest of the environment. Landscapers primarily use black plastic to choke out weeds before adding new plants or decorative rocks to the landscape while also retaining the soil’s moisture levels. This material is often used as an alternative to chemical herbicides to make it possible for new plants to thrive in the area.
Consider Your Purpose
If all you’re worried about is killing off weeds, black plastic will work. However, landscaping fabric is a better option if you prefer to put decorative rocks down. Landscaping fabric is also made from plastic materials, but it has perforations that allow moisture, air, and sunlight to reach the ground. This gives you the ability to place plants in the surrounding decorative rock garden. Plus, you’ll find it offers better drainage in places where you put down decorative rocks such as black polished pebbles. In return, the beach pebbles protect the fabric from damage so it lasts longer.
Use Landscaping Fabric for Long-Term Results
Black plastic sheets are meant for short-term purposes, since the material breaks down over time. Landscaping fabric is designed to be tough and capable of standing up to the elements. While black plastic sheets might last a few weeks or months, they’ll eventually develop holes and tears that render them useless. Landscaping fabric can last for years, and it has the benefit of being slightly rougher. The texture of landscaping fabric keeps decorative rocks, such as gold, gray, and white pebbles, in place, which is helpful in areas where the ground may have a slope.
Plan for Routine Lawn Maintenance
The world would be a perfect place if there was a landscaping material that completely eliminated the need for maintenance. Landscaping fabric comes pretty close. You can usually expect to see only a few weeds popping up through the beach pebbles over the first couple of years. Over time, weeds will eventually make their way up to the surface, and the landscaping fabric may occasionally get torn due to heavy foot traffic or severe weather. You’ll still need to plan for some weed control, but it should be less than you would need to do without landscaping fabric. The fabric can also be gently pulled up and put back down again after you do major lawn overhaul projects.
When you’re planning a landscaping project, make sure to consider using decorative rocks and beach pebbles, which can give your yard additional depth, character, and beauty. Whether you’re looking for an assortment of river rock or the highest-quality Mexican beach pebbles, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier river rock and supply superstore. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0580.
