‘It’s not for that, and it won’t do that’ Expert Landscaper Debunks a Major Myth About Controlling Weeds

Gardening enthusiasts often seek solutions to prevent the growth of weeds in their gardens. One such solution that has been popularly adopted is weed liners.

However, an expert landscaper has recently shed light on the effectiveness of this tool, suggesting that it might not be the best solution for keeping weeds at bay. Let’s dig deeper into this revelation.

The Misconception Surrounding Weed Liners

Many individuals have turned to weed liners to stop the spread of weeds in their gardens, only to find that the product does not deliver the expected results.

The name “weed liner” might be somewhat misleading, as it suggests that it can effectively prevent the growth of weeds. Unfortunately, as many gardeners have found, this is not the case.

A user shared their experience, stating,

“I came to find this out first hand. A buddy said use it [and] put mulch [on], and nothing will come through. Well, within a month, it was grown through.”

The Reality Unveiled

An expert landscaper revealed the truth about weed liners while working in someone’s yard through the Connected Landscapes account.

The yard was covered in grass, sitting atop weed liner fabric. However, upon lifting the fabric, it was evident that weeds penetrated it, and the roots spread.

The expert clarified,

“This material wasn’t meant to keep plants down. Weed liner is really the wrong name for it. … It’s not for that, and it won’t do that.”

Alternative Solutions for Weed Control

Despite the disappointing performance of weed liners, there are other effective methods to prevent the growth of weeds in your garden. The expert from Connected Landscapes suggested a couple of solutions that can be more effective in controlling weed growth.

Amending it with compost can be a viable solution for those planning to add sod to their gardens. Additionally, cardboard and mulch can effectively prevent weed growth when planting a bed. Moreover, using pine bark and straw as mulch in regions like Florida can be particularly beneficial.

Furthermore, burlap has been suggested as a good material to use for a liner, offering a more effective barrier against weeds compared to traditional weed liners.

Choosing the Right Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric, often regarded as the most effective method to combat weeds, serves as a barrier preventing weed seeds from germinating in the soil or from landing and taking root from above the soil.

This fabric is “breathable,” allowing water, air, and some nutrients to flow down to the soil to nourish desirable plants. It is typically covered with a decorative mulch or rock to separate it from the soil, thereby keeping stone and gravel clean and slowing the breakdown of organic mulch.

Preparing the ground properly before installing the fabric is essential to prevent damage and ensure a flat surface.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installing landscape fabric is simple enough to spread out a bed sheet. However, overlapping and securing the fabric’s edges is vital to prevent weeds and cover material from seeping through the seams.

Quality landscape fabric is long-lasting and resistant to sun damage and tears, with some products guaranteed for up to 20 years.

It’s also reusable; if you change an area covered with fabric and mulch, you can remove the mulch, unpin the fabric, shake off the soil, and roll it up for future use. It is advisable to rake and smooth the ground before laying the fabric to prevent damage by sharp rocks, tools, and roots.

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Sources

1. thespruce.com/how-to-install-landscape-fabrics-2132945
2. northcoastgardening.com/2010/10/how-to-use-landscape-fabric/

This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:

@connectedlandscapes One thing we commonly see is this fabric being used incorrectly- hereMs what ‘Weed Liner’ really is #landscaping #floridalandscaping #sustainablelandscaping ♬ original sound