I must agree. Newspaper 4-8 layers thick with either compost or alfalfa hay or leaves, which are a heck of a lot cheaper, on top is the best way to go. The landscape fabric is better than black plastic as in snake areas, black plastic is inviting trouble!Also, I have heard that if your using the landscape fabric with shrubs it can kill them because they won't root deeply with it. Don't know that for sure, but I read it in 3 seperate places. Also, as far as burning black or any plastic goes, why?(posted 9009 days ago)