When installed correctly, landscape fabric promises a virtually weed-free garden with half the maintenance — a dream for any homeowner looking to ditch the hand-weeding routine. Depending on the material quality and shelter from the elements, landscape fabric has a finite lifespan, after which it can quickly turn into a torn, weed-choked mess beneath your mulch. The average lifespan of landscape fabric ranges from one to 10 years, while standard woven PP fabric for residential use lasts three to five years. Choosing the best type of landscape fabric to keep weeds at bay depends heavily on where you plan to install it in your yard. It also degrades rapidly in direct sunlight, making it best suited for temporary annual garden beds, short-term weed suppression, or lining raised planter boxes.