Q: How do chemical weed killers work?
A: There are three different types of chemical weed killers: contact weedkillers that destroy the part of the plant which it is touched by; systemic weedkillers that move within the weed’s sap stream and kill the roots, leaves and stems; and residual weedkillers that kill weeds below the ground as they germinate. Often, reliance on chemical weedkillers can be reduced if not avoided entirely by preparing landscaped areas properly with the right type of weed control membrane – a layer of specialist material that sits beneath the landscaped surface.
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Q: What’s the best way to manage weeds without using chemicals?
A: When it comes to weed control without chemicals the advice is to undertake regular hoeing, hand-weeding, repeated cutting, and flame guns to scorch weeds, as well as considering weed barriers like mulching, edging strips and root barriers. Meanwhile, weed control fabrics laid over cleared soil will suppress the regrowth of old weeds and stop new weeds from establishing.
Q: How do weed control membranes work?
A: Breathable weed control fabrics such as Weedtex allow nutrients (including liquid feed and fertilisers), water and air into the soil. This maintains its goodness and promotes plant growth but prevents weeds getting the daylight they need to grow.
Q: How do I choose the best weed control membrane?
A: There are different types of landscape fabrics available to help control the growth of weeds. In Growtivation’s Product That Works range of specialist landscaping products, our Weedtex, Landtex and Groundtex landscape and geotextile fabrics all do the job effectively, but we recommend different ones based on where they will be used in your garden. In a nutshell:
Q: Is it easy to install a weed control fabric?
A: Each geotextile fabric is slightly different, so you’ll need to refer to the instructions on the product you select. Generally, the area is prepared by strimming any existing vegetation down to ground level and removing any stalks or sharp objects that could pierce the fabric. For areas that have experienced prolific weed growth, you might want to consider applying a suitable weedkiller first. Next, the fabric is laid out and joints are overlapped by a minimum of 100mm. The fabric is then secured (we recommend our Extrafix fixing pegs) then the area should be covered with a 50mm minimum layer of bark or other mulch.
Q: Will a weed control fabric completely stop weeds growing?
A: Weed control fabrics are an effective way to reduce weeds, but these fabrics do not always entirely eliminate the need for surface weeding. That’s because birds will continue to drop seeds on the surface covering, and some particularly invasive weeds such as Mare’s Tail, Bindweed, Crocosmia, Ground Elder and Couch Grass may still persist. In these instances, a weedkiller should be applied first, followed by a double layer of weed control membrane.
Find out more about the Growtivation Product That Works range by downloading our Product Guide and your free copy of our Landscaping That Works guide to weed control and geotextile fabrics.
If you're deciding between natural weed barriers and landscape fabric, here's what you need to know:
Natural options like cardboard and newspaper are ideal for short-term use, while burlap offers a longer-lasting, eco-friendly solution. Choose based on your garden's needs and your preference for sustainability.
Natural weed barriers are a great option for managing weeds while promoting a healthier garden. They not only control unwanted plant growth but also support the overall health of your garden's soil.
Options like cardboard, newspaper, and burlap can block sunlight to prevent weeds from growing, all while breaking down into the soil over time. As they decompose, they add organic matter to the soil and allow air and water to flow freely - something synthetic materials often fail to do.
Material Benefits for the Garden Cardboard Blocks sunlight, adds carbon to the soil Newspaper Helps with moisture retention, improves soil structure Burlap Allows air circulation, fully biodegradableAs these natural barriers break down, they enrich the soil with organic matter, encourage beneficial organisms like earthworms, and help keep moisture levels stable. This creates better conditions for plant roots to grow and supports a thriving soil ecosystem. Synthetic barriers, on the other hand, can block airflow and harm soil health.
Natural weed barriers and landscape fabric differ greatly in how long they last. Landscape fabric can hold up for as long as 10 years if installed correctly. On the other hand, natural barriers break down within 6-12 months. While this shorter lifespan might seem like a downside, natural barriers enrich the soil as they decompose, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Fabric, though durable, doesn’t break down and doesn’t offer this soil-enhancing benefit.
Both options work well at first, but their effectiveness can change over time. Natural barriers block sunlight and improve soil health as they break down. Landscape fabric, while initially effective, can become a problem when organic matter builds up on top, creating a base where new weeds can grow. Over time, this reduces its ability to control weeds.
Each option has its own installation process. Natural barriers need to overlap and be thoroughly wetted to ensure full coverage. Landscape fabric requires anchoring with pins and careful cutting around plants. Natural barriers are easier to work with when you need to change or expand your garden, while fabric can be tricky to modify once installed.
Feature Natural Weed Barriers Landscape Fabric Lifespan 6-12 months Up to 10 years Soil Impact Improves soil health May compact soil Installation Simple layering, wetting Anchoring, cutting Maintenance Easy to adjust or replace Difficult to modify Environmental Impact Biodegradable Non-biodegradableChoosing between these two options depends on your gardening goals. For vegetable gardens or areas that change often, natural barriers are a great fit because they’re easy to adjust and improve the soil. For more permanent setups like pathways or established landscaping, landscape fabric might work better, though it can compact soil and reduce microbial activity.
If you’re looking for something even more eco-friendly and affordable, materials like cardboard or newspaper can serve as simple, biodegradable alternatives.
Lay overlapping sheets of cardboard (about 6 inches) to block sunlight and stop weeds from sprouting. Make sure to remove any tape or labels, as they won't break down naturally. Over time - usually within 6 to 12 months - the cardboard decomposes, improving the soil by attracting earthworms and microorganisms. It's a great option for gardens that follow seasonal planting cycles.
Place 8 to 10 layers of wet newspaper to create a weed barrier that starts breaking down quickly. Stick to black-and-white pages, as colored inks might introduce unwanted chemicals. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch on top to hold everything in place, improve weed suppression, and keep the soil moist. This method works well for annual garden beds and will need to be refreshed each growing season.
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Burlap, made from natural jute fibers, lasts for 1 to 2 years, making it a solid choice for perennial garden beds. Secure it with stakes or rocks, and let it naturally decompose over time. Burlap allows air and water to pass through while enriching the soil as it breaks down. It offers a balance between shorter-term options like cardboard and longer-lasting synthetic fabrics.
Natural Barrier Durability Best Use Case Cardboard 6-12 months Vegetable gardens Newspaper 3-6 months Annual beds Burlap 1-2 years Perennial bedsThese biodegradable choices align with eco-conscious gardening, providing effective weed control while nourishing the soil. They show how simple materials can replace synthetic fabrics, promoting healthier gardens and supporting the environment.
Selecting eco-friendly landscaping options helps your garden flourish while minimizing its impact on the planet. Natural weed barriers are a great place to start. These materials not only control weeds but also improve soil quality as they break down over time.
To boost weed control, combine natural barriers with mulch. This duo keeps weeds at bay and helps the soil retain moisture. The type of barrier you choose should match the specific needs of your garden. For instance, vegetable beds might do well with short-term options like cardboard, while perennial areas could benefit from durable materials like burlap.
Garden Type & Barrier Mulch Layer Depth Vegetable Gardens: Cardboard/Newspaper 2 inches Perennial Beds: Burlap/Hemp 3 inches Herb Gardens: Newspaper/Cotton 2-3 inchesKeep an eye on the thickness of your materials. Layers that are too thin may disintegrate quickly, while overly thick layers can block water from reaching the soil. Refresh your mulch and barriers regularly to keep them working effectively.
Thrive Lot connects homeowners with experts in sustainable landscaping, offering personalized solutions for weed-free, eco-conscious gardens. They specialize in creating garden designs that work with nature, not against it. From choosing natural weed barriers to designing layouts that suppress weeds, Thrive Lot provides guidance every step of the way.
Ecological landscapers also suggest dense planting techniques to naturally shade out weeds. This approach not only reduces weed growth but also creates lush, visually appealing garden spaces. While switching to eco-friendly barriers may take some getting used to, the long-term benefits for your garden's health and soil quality are well worth the effort.
Choosing the right weed barrier for your garden depends on your specific needs and goals. Natural options like cardboard, newspaper, and burlap offer a great balance: they control weeds effectively while breaking down over time to enrich the soil. Unlike synthetic landscape fabric, these biodegradable choices work alongside nature to improve your garden's overall health.
Barrier Type Environmental Impact Soil Health Maintenance Needs Natural Barriers Biodegradable, zero waste Enhances soil quality Requires annual renewal Landscape Fabric Non-biodegradable May harm soil health Needs removal when wornFor vegetable gardens, temporary barriers like cardboard or newspaper are ideal since they decompose within a season. For permanent landscaping, burlap or similar materials provide longer-lasting protection without compromising soil health.
Experts increasingly caution against synthetic options. As Unsustainable Magazine highlights:
"Landscape fabric proves to be counterproductive for weed control and does more harm than good to your garden plants, soil health, and is environmentally hazardous."
Pairing natural barriers with dense planting can further suppress weeds. By creating shade and encouraging biodiversity, this approach supports a garden where your plants thrive without relying on harmful materials.
Weed control isn't just about stopping unwanted growth - it's about fostering an environment where your plants can flourish naturally. Opting for biodegradable barriers helps you manage weeds while making a positive impact on the planet through sustainable gardening.
Here are answers to some common questions about switching to natural weed control methods.
Cardboard can block weeds for roughly 6 months before it breaks down. As it decomposes, it enriches the soil while providing initial weed control. The exact duration may vary depending on your local environment and how it's applied.
The ideal weed barrier depends on your garden's specific needs and how long you need the barrier to last. Natural options are a great choice for eco-friendly gardening:
Barrier Type Ideal For Lifespan Cardboard Vegetable gardens, annual beds Around 6 months Newspaper Layers Temporary garden beds 3-6 months Burlap Fabric Perennial gardens 1-2 yearsThese natural barriers not only help control weeds but also improve soil quality over time. For more tips on eco-friendly landscaping, Thrive Lot offers expert advice tailored to sustainable gardening.
Using these materials can make weed management easier while staying in line with the eco-conscious practices outlined in this guide.
Are you interested in learning more about PP Weed Barrier Fabric? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!