In the experience  of a local professional gardener with 24 years experience, landscape fabric only benefits those who sell it.

To quote from Linda Chalker-Scott, Urban Horticulture Extension Specialist and Professor in the Department of Horticulture, Washington State University:

“Geotextiles degrade in the landscape in as little as one year if unprotected from sunlight."

• Any organic matter or soil on top of the fabrics will hasten their colonization by weeds; this precludes covering the fabric with anything but inorganic mulch like pebbles. It also requires continual maintenance to keep the fabric free of debris.

• Weeds will eventually grow on top of and through these fabrics, making their removal difficult.

• Landscape plant roots can also colonize fabrics, and they are damaged when the fabrics are removed.

• The aesthetic quality of landscape fabrics is minimal; it becomes worse as the materials begin to degrade.”