If you're a gardener, I’m sure you've dealt with the unending frustration of weed removal. It seems that no matter what method you choose, those tenacious weeds find a way to come back. Many gardening sources suggest laying landscape fabric down before planting, but if you've ever tried it, you know that's not the ideal solution.
Landscape fabric sounds like a good idea at first, but soon it causes more problems than you started with. The best alternative to landscape fabric is mulch. Learn which ones best fit with sustainable gardening below.
What's Wrong with Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric, which is a permeable “fabric” made out of plastic or polyester, is laid down as a weed barrier over the soil to prevent weeds from coming up. Ideally, water and air can pass through the fabric weave. Holes are cut in the fabric to insert plants. Most people then cover the landscape fabric with mulch of some kind to make it more attractive. The system works as it's intended for a year or two... then reality sets in.
Over time, the mulch breaks down enough to sustain new weed seeds that blow into the garden. Weeds also sprout where the holes are cut for plants. They even creep in at the edge of the fabric. So now the weed problem is back. Not only that, but the soil below the fabric is deteriorating.
Dirt and decaying mulch clog the permeable fabric so air exchange is no longer happening with the soil. The beneficial soil organisms can’t do their jobs without the transfer of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the soil and the air. Even the earthworms suffer because they can’t move about freely and help break down the mulch. Water isn't passing through very well because of the clogged pores, so the plants begin to decline. Eventually, most people end up pulling up landscape fabric only to discover a compacted, lifeless soil beneath.
Alternatives to Landscape Fabric
The best alternative to landscape fabric is no surprise – a thick layer of organic mulch. Besides blocking light to the weeds, mulch helps keep the soil moist, moderates temperature, and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. It also looks nice!
Keep 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) of mulch on your gardens to deter the weeds. When the mulch decomposes down to 2 inches (5 cm), add more mulch. If a weed breaks through, immediately dig it out.
If you want more suppression under the mulch, similar to landscape fabric, try laying down several wet sheets of newspaper under the mulch. Cardboard can be used as well, but steer clear of coated cardboard. Be sure the cardboard isn’t so thick that water won’t penetrate. And remove any tape or other attachments.
Here are the types of eco-friendly mulch that are easy to find.
- Wood chip mulch, such as cedar or pine. The wood chips break down slowly and enrich the soil. Look for a medium sized mulch. Large chips don’t give good coverage and weeds can get through. Desirable for ornamental gardens. You can find wood chip mulch on Amazon in lots of different volumes.
- Tree bark mulch is generally finer in texture than wood chips and breaks down more rapidly.
- Pine needle mulch comes from plantations that produce paper and wood products. Although they're inexpensive, pine needles decompose quickly and will need replacement often. You can find it at Home Depot.
- Pine bark mulch is a long-lasting byproduct of the forest industry. You can get it on Amazon here.
- Dyed mulch is “iffy,” not because of the dye, but because the recycled wood that is used could contain undesirable chemicals such as from pretreated wood. Home Depot carries dyed mulch in several colors.
These mulches are sustainable and basically free!
- Fallen leaves and grass clippings will nourish the soil as they break down. They will need to be replaced often. Make sure the leaves are small enough so they don't pack down. Leaves can be mowed over to reduce their size.
- Utility mulch is not recommended for flower or vegetable gardens because it may contain weed seeds or pesticides. It can, however, be used for paths or driveways.
