An investigation was carried out to elucidate landfill gas (LFG) and the vegetation characteristics in closed landfill. The results indicate that the stabilization process of the landfill is an important factor influencing the components of landfill gases. The coverage, height and species of vegetation increase with the closed time of landfill. Fourteen species were observed in the investigated cells, dominated by Phragmites australis, an invasive perennial plant. The concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide from vegetated cover soil were lower than those from non-vegetated cover soil. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.