When should I use a commercial landscape fabric?

There is no need for a homeowner to use commercial landscape fabrics except for lining drainage ditches or soil stabilization. Commercial landscape fabrics are no more effective than a good low-permeable standard material for control of weeds in the landscape.
Commercial Landscape Fabric uses other than weed control include:
- Under brick, blocks, stone or concrete, sidewalks, patios
- Behind retaining walls
- Line drains and septic systems to reduce silting
- Soil separator