Landscaping Plastic Cost: Is It Worth The Price?

Landscaping plastic is a useful tool for gardeners, acting as a weed control barrier and a mulch. It's available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, with prices varying accordingly. For example, a 3' x 100' roll of 4 mil black plastic sheeting costs $38.39, while a 20' x 100' roll of 6 mil black plastic poly sheeting starts at $99.00. Thicker plastic, such as sheets that are more than 1-1.5 millimeters thick, will cost more but will also last longer.

Weed control

Landscape plastic is a great way to control weeds in your garden. It is a heavy-duty weed barrier fabric that can be used in outdoor gardens to prevent weeds from growing. The plastic sheeting is placed over the soil and acts as a barrier to block sunlight and prevent weeds from germinating. It is important to note that the thickness of the plastic will determine its longevity. A thicker plastic sheet, more than 1-1.5 millimetres thick, is recommended when buried under mulch, gravel, or a layer of soil.

There are various options available for landscape plastic, depending on your needs and budget. For example, Walmart offers a 3' x 100' roll of HMTtie Weed Control 4 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting for $38.39. This product is designed to be a heavy-duty weed barrier and is suitable for outdoor gardens. Another option is the Black Plastic Poly Sheeting & Visqueen, which is available in a 20' x 100' 6mil size and costs $99.00. This product can also be used as a landscape ground cover, weed barrier, or plastic mulch.

If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, the Home Depot offers landscape plastic starting at $4.48. Their products include the Model# VIG-60C for $33.97 and the Model# 55420 for $27.97. It is worth noting that buying three or more of these products will give you a discounted price.

When choosing landscape plastic, it is important to consider the size of the area you need to cover and the thickness of the plastic required. Thicker plastic will last longer but may be more expensive. Additionally, some landscape plastics are designed for specific purposes, such as weed control or ground cover, so be sure to select a product that suits your needs.

Landscape fabric

Some landscape fabrics are also designed to be water-permeable, allowing water to pass through while still blocking weeds. This type of fabric is ideal for use in gardens or other areas where water drainage is important. Prices for water-permeable landscape fabric vary depending on the size and thickness, but generally start at around $30.00 for a 3' x 100' roll.

In addition to landscape fabric, there are also other types of plastic sheeting available for landscaping purposes, such as poly sheeting and visqueen. These products can be used for a variety of applications, including construction, ground cover, and weed control. Prices for these products can range from $30.00 to $99.00 or more, depending on the size and thickness.

Mulch

The cost of landscaping plastic varies depending on the size and thickness of the plastic. For example, a 20' x 100' 6mil sheet costs $99, whereas a 3' x 100' 4mil sheet costs $38.39. Thicker plastic is more expensive but will last longer. You can also buy landscaping plastic in rolls, with prices starting from $30.50.

One of the key benefits of mulch is that it helps to retain moisture in the soil. This is especially important during hot, dry weather, as it reduces the amount of water that is lost through evaporation. Mulch also helps to suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing their growth. In addition, mulch can improve the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter as it breaks down. This, in turn, can enhance the growth of your plants.

There are two main types of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch includes materials such as bark, wood chips, and straw, which will gradually decompose and need to be replaced. Inorganic mulch includes materials such as gravel and rubber, which do not decompose and can be more long-lasting.

When choosing mulch, it is important to consider the specific needs of your garden. For example, if you are looking for a mulch that will improve the fertility of the soil, organic mulch is a better option. On the other hand, if you want a mulch that will last longer, inorganic mulch may be a better choice. It is also important to consider the appearance of the mulch and how it will complement the overall design of your garden.

In terms of application, it is generally recommended to apply mulch in the spring or autumn. This is when the soil is more likely to be moist, which will help the mulch to settle and become established. When applying mulch, it is important to ensure that the soil is already moist and that you water the area thoroughly afterwards. This will help the mulch to function effectively and provide the most benefit to your garden.

Thickness

The thickness of landscaping plastic varies depending on the product and its intended use. For example, a thicker plastic sheet of more than 1-1.5 millimetres is best when buried under mulch, gravel, or a layer of soil.

Some landscaping plastic products are described as 4 mil or 6 mil thick. This refers to the thickness of the plastic sheeting in thousandths of an inch. A 4 mil plastic sheeting is approximately 0.1016 mm thick, while a 6 mil plastic sheeting is approximately 0.1524 mm thick.

The thickness of the plastic will impact its durability and longevity. A thicker plastic sheet will generally be more durable and last longer than a thinner one. However, thicker plastic sheets may also be more expensive and may not be necessary for all applications. For example, a thinner plastic sheet may be sufficient for use as a weed barrier or ground cover.

When choosing the thickness of landscaping plastic, it is important to consider the specific application and the desired level of durability and longevity. Thicker plastic sheets may be more suitable for applications where they will be buried under mulch, gravel, or soil, while thinner sheets may be sufficient for surface applications such as weed control or ground cover.

Price

The price of landscaping plastic varies depending on the size and thickness of the plastic. For example, a 3' x 100' roll of 4 mil black plastic sheeting costs $38.39, while a 20' x 100' roll of 6 mil black plastic sheeting costs $99.00. Thicker plastic will generally be more expensive, but it will also last longer.

Some retailers offer discounts when purchasing multiple items. For example, Home Depot offers a discount when purchasing three or more items, with prices ranging from $4.48 to $64.97.

It's important to consider the purpose of the landscaping plastic when choosing a thickness. If it will be buried under mulch, gravel, or soil, a thickness of 1-1.5 millimeters is recommended.

Frequently asked questions