Removing weeds is an important gardening task and landscape fabric is a popular weed barrier, but one gardener’s warning has some people doubting if it actually causes more damage than it prevents
Landscape fabric is a popular product to remove weeds but a gardener has issued a warning about it (stock image)(Image: Boyloso via Getty Images)
Gardeners use various methods to prevent weed growth, with landscape fabric being a popular choice. This synthetic or organic material is laid over soil to suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing seeds from germinating, while still allowing water, air and nutrients to pass through.
Tackling weeds remains an unavoidable aspect of gardening since their seeds are continuously spread by wind, animals, and human activity, prompting gardeners to constantly seek ways to control this unwanted growth, including the use of landscape fabric. One Facebook user highlighted that this approach frequently results in higher costs for homeowners over time and may prove ineffective.
Gardening expert Gabriella the Garden Sage posted a photo showing kniphofia plants with compressed, stunted roots unable to break through landscape fabric buried beneath several inches of mulch.
She explained that while mulch typically breaks down and enriches soil with nutrients, the fabric creates a barrier that prevents these benefits from reaching the clay soil underneath.
In her post’s caption, she stated: “Builders and landscape companies convinced homeowners to roll out acres of the stuff, extolling it as a key tool to make landscaping low maintenance and weed free. Not to mention that weeds grow quite happily on top of the fabric!
“For the sake of your plants, your soil, the planet, and your friendly local garden sage, just say no to landscape fabric! !!”
A number of gardening enthusiasts responded with sympathetic comments on Gabriella’s post, including one who declared: “Yup. Our backyard is full of the stuff, it’s so frustrating!!”
Another person revealed: “I have had decent luck with either layers of newspaper or cardboard, then mulch on top. They added: “Weed suppression lasts about two years with this method.”
A third supporter endorsed Gabriella’s viewpoint by writing: “Exactly!”. A different Facebook user commented: “Wow! ! That’s good to know!!! How about laying newspapers down?”
Landscape fabric may appear to offer a straightforward solution for eliminating garden weeds but many specialists warn it often creates more difficulties than it resolves.
The material can restrict root growth, starve soil of oxygen and water, and ultimately become troublesome when weeds begin sprouting above it.
Extracting the fabric proves challenging and may require hours of back-breaking work.
Alternatively, property owners could explore more environmentally conscious and soil-beneficial options, including converting their lawns with indigenous plants, clover, buffalo grass, or choosing xeriscaping – a technique that involves substituting grass with soil, stones, mulch, or native plant varieties.
These alternatives not only cut down on maintenance and reduce water consumption but also support pollinators, crucial insects that play a vital role in our food system.
Even transforming a section of your garden can save time and money while enhancing soil quality and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
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