Is heavy plastic better for plants and to protect the foundation - Ask Extension
We are redoing our landscaping beds around the house. My husband thinks we should put down thick, heavy plastic (instead of fabric or no fabric) bec...
Knowledgebase
Is heavy plastic better for plants and to protect the foundation #947638
Asked October 25, 2026, 10:19 AM EDT
We are redoing our landscaping beds around the house. My husband thinks we should put down thick, heavy plastic (instead of fabric or no fabric) because he said that will protect our foundation. It seems like plastic or even fabric never stays laid down perfect and then water would go near our foundation under the plastic which would be worse. He also said that plastic is better for plants vs. no plastic or fabric. Is that true?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
If you plan to trench and install a vertical barrier to direct tree or shrub roots away from the foundation, install a 24" to 36" product designed for the purpose.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/reducing_damage_caused_by_tree_roots
If your goal is to suppress weeds by covering the planting area with weed fabric or another barrier topped with organic mulch, consider what's said in the following publications before you proceed.
Any barrier used in this application must be permeable so water and air can reach the roots. Heavy plastic is not acceptable.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-06-25-disadvantages-landscape-fabric
https://www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/landscape-fabric-for-garden-bed-weed-control-good-or-bad-choice/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/reducing_damage_caused_by_tree_roots
If your goal is to suppress weeds by covering the planting area with weed fabric or another barrier topped with organic mulch, consider what's said in the following publications before you proceed.
Any barrier used in this application must be permeable so water and air can reach the roots. Heavy plastic is not acceptable.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-06-25-disadvantages-landscape-fabric
https://www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/landscape-fabric-for-garden-bed-weed-control-good-or-bad-choice/
