Join me as I explore the pros and cons of using landscape fabric in my yard and sharing insights to help you decide the best approach for maintaining a beautiful garden.
I am trying to keep my yard looking great, which means deciding whether or not to use landscape fabric. I’ve asked around to see what others think, but opinions vary widely, leaving me torn. I tend to write out my thoughts on paper to help with decisions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of landscape fabric versus going without any cover, and some creative options like compostable materials. Landscape fabric effectively controls weeds and retains soil moisture, and it’s durable for several seasons. However, it requires proper installation and can limit water and nutrient flow. Going without cover saves money and promotes a natural garden ecosystem but requires more weeding. Compostable materials like cardboard or newspaper offer eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives that enrich the soil as they decompose, though their effectiveness is unpredictable. Here are the pro’s and con’s of each option and some feedback I have received. Any other feedback, drop a comment below this blog, any help is appreciated!
Landscape Fabric
Pros:
- Great for Weed Control: Stops weeds from popping up by blocking sunlight.
- Keeps Moisture In: Helps soil stay moist by reducing evaporation.
- Long-Lasting: If installed correctly, it can last for years.
Cons:
- A Bit of a Hassle to Install: You’ll need to cut it to fit, anchor it down, and cover it with mulch.
- Can Affect Soil Health: Might block important soil processes and beneficial critters.
- Not the Best Look: Needs to be covered to avoid looking messy.
User Feedback:
Extra Thoughts: A few people recommended putting down landscape fabric before adding mulch to really cut down on weeds. But I’m worried that if weeds do sneak through, they might be even harder to pull out later. Plus, I’d rather just keep piling on the mulch over time; less sunlight should mean fewer weeds, right?
Bare – Nothing at All
Pros:
- Minimal: No extra materials needed.
- Good for Soil: Nothing to get in the way of natural soil processes.
- Flexible: Easy to change your garden layout or plantings down the road.
Cons:
- Weed Growth: Nothing to keep weeds from multiplying.
- Dry Out: Soil will lose moisture faster.
- More Work: Requires more maintenance overall.
User Feedback:
Extra Thoughts: Some suggest that using mulch without any fabric or compostable materials can work well over time. The idea is that as you keep adding mulch, it naturally suppresses weeds by blocking sunlight. The challenge is dealing with weeds initially and putting in the extra work to maintain the garden. It seems like a simpler approach but requires patience and regular upkeep.
Compostable Material
Newspaper:
- Pros: Eco-friendly and budget-friendly; easy to use with mulch.
- Cons: Breaks down quickly and may need frequent replacement; ink might be a concern for some.
Cardboard:
- Pros: Effective weed barrier, budget-friendly, and biodegradable.
- Cons: Decomposes quickly, may attract pests, and can look untidy without cover.
Paper Bags:
- Pros: Eco-friendly, easy to use, good weed control.
- Cons: Breaks down fast and may have ink or glue issues.
User Feedback:
Extra Thoughts: Newspaper is eco-friendly and effective initially but needs frequent replacement as it decomposes. Cardboard is a good short-term weed barrier but also breaks down quickly and might require additional layers. Paper bags offer short-term control and are easy to find but decompose fast and can be difficult to keep in place, especially in the wind.
Therefore…
I am so conflicted! Writing out my thoughts now, I am thinking of keeping the yard bare with no material. I am going to use mulch as a trial run. Landscape fabric with mulch seems like more of a headache down the road once the weeds eventually grow through. If the weeds are stubborn and grow through the weight of the mulch, I will then move onto adding a barrier or either fabric or compostable material.
Deciding whether to use landscape fabric or other methods depends on your gardening style and what you’re up for in terms of maintenance. Good luck!
Check out the step-by-step process of this latest DIY project on my Instagram page!
Follow along for tips, tricks, and inspiration to create your own masterpiece.
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