Knowledge from Olle Garden Bed: What Is A Weed Barrier

What is a weed barrier? The weed barrier cloth is a kind of geotextile composed of polypropylene (sometimes polyester), which has a mesh texture similar to burlap. These two types of weed barriers, "weed barrier" is a brand name that has been widely used in any garden weed barrier. This content also has some reference value for Olle Garden Bed.

What is a weed barrier?

The garden weed barrier composed of these geotextiles became popular in the mid-1980s, usually covered with mulch, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to prevent the fabric weed barrier from being degraded by sunlight, and to help maintain consistent moisture under the weed barrier cloth.

The fabric weed barrier, whether polypropylene or polyester, is a kind of fabric similar to burlap, which can be used for at least five years, weighs at least 3 ounces (85 grams) per square inch (85 centimeters), has water permeability, and is 1.5 mm thick. This fabric weed barrier is used to reduce the amount of weed penetration, while still allowing water, fertilizer and oxygen to filter into the plant, which is significantly improved than laying plastic as a garden weed barrier. The fabric weed barrier is also biodegradable and can resist deterioration caused by sunlight.

The weed barrier cloth is stored in a drum of 300 to 750 feet (91-229 meters), 4 to 10 feet (1-3 meters) wide, used for large-scale or commercial planting, mechanically laid or more manageable 4x4 feet (1x1 meters) square, which can be fixed with a needle.

How to use weed barriers

The problem of how to use weed barriers is very simple. First, the weed area where the garden weed barrier will be placed must be cleared. In general, the manufacturer's instructions wish to lay the fabric and then cut into it where the plants are dug in. However, people can also plant shrubs or other plants first, and then put the fabric on the top, extending the slit on the plant down to the ground.

No matter which way you decide to lay the garden weed barrier, the last step is to lay a 1 to 3 inch (2.5-8 cm) covering layer on the weed barrier cloth to keep moisture, for the sake of appearance, and help slow down the growth of weeds.

More about garden weed barriers

Although textile weed barriers can be expensive, they are an excellent choice for controlling invasive weeds, reducing labor time, and maintaining sufficient moisture around plants and trees for five to seven years.

Weed barrier cloth is more effective than traditional methods such as chemical, cultural or organic mulch. That is to say, the weed barrier cloth cannot completely eliminate the growth of weeds and grasses, especially some kinds of sedges and Bermuda grasses. Ensure that all weeds are eradicated prior to laying the weed barrier cloth and maintain a schedule for weed removal from the surrounding area.