There is no shortage of topics that landscapers and gardeners contradict themselves on; how big the tree hole should be; whether gravel is ever ok to use as mulch; how to design a landscape; the best irrigation strategy, blah blah blah.  But hopefully, our observations during a recent project can help harmonize the debate on one of those many topics, weed fabric:

Nancy wanted to clean up the weedy mess in the death strip between the front side walk and street and replant with wildflower seeds.  So we pulled out all the overgrown plants, removed the river rock, and tore out this weed fabric.  It looks like the fabric actually helped the Bermuda take over. 

Not many weeds were able to penetrate, but the Bermuda punched through the tiny pores, then stretched out over the top of the fabric.  So weeding became impossible; you could pull all day, but you’d also pull up the fabric and expose an ugly mess.  AND, the fabric and the mat of Bermuda on top protected the roots from disturbance, ensuring the Bermuda’s survival. 

Cardboard, newspaper, jute, and other less processed materials that break down over several months can help manage weeds during establishment, don’t leach unknown chemicals into soils, and are easy to work with.  Consider their use for pathways, and in beds that utilize shrubs and perennials that require wide spacing.

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