Weed Barrier

[Gr8tfuldad]

So in my back garden I have been laying mulch and various cover crops for the last 10 years (lots of annuals too). I am getting ready to plant them next spring but I would like to roll the rows out in 4’ rows. My goal is to grow over tiles when applicable sending on species. Ultimately I will probably run drip lines, but do have overhead irrigation as well. I just can’t keep up with the weeding anymore!
What is your experience with commercial weed barriers? Thank you for your experiences?

 

[johng]

My best experience is not to mess with any of that light weight stuff that is meant to go under mulch.... instead go straight to Nursery Fabric that is meant for sun exposure and walking on. https://www.amazon.com/Happybuy-Lan...efix=nursery+ground+fabric,aps,84&sr=8-7&th=1

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

My best experience is not to mess with any of that light weight stuff that is meant to go under mulch.... instead go straight to Nursery Fabric that is meant for sun exposure and walking on. https://www.amazon.com/Happybuy-Landscape-Geotextile-Commercial-Greenhouse/dp/B07S8PQ1YQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3LD31Q5DTRUAG&keywords=nursery+ground+fabric&qid=1695725976&sprefix=nursery+ground+fabric,aps,84&sr=8-7&th=1

That definitely was what I am trying to avoid. I’ve had my battles with the cheap stuff, which is why I am ready to make the investment. Did you have personal experience with that brand? Thanks

 

[Michael P]

Are you trying to control weeds, or do you want it for some other purpose? After 40+ years as a landscape architect I can tell you that no weed barrier works except those impregnated with herbicide. And those are so problematic for the environment that they are rarely used.

There are soil separator fabrics, a.k.a. geotextiles, that are effective for use in drainage systems or to prevent migration of gravel into soil.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I have 4’ wide rows 25’ long . Soil is fabulous and their is still some natural oak mulch on top. My goal is to cutdown on weeds between plants. I get the environmental impact and have tried to not go this route, but the weeding gets to be too much. I have done mulch, cover crops, cardboard and mulch and vinegar sprays. I steer away from non select herbicides.
I’m trying to grow out lots of trees in the ground with minimal weeding. I appreciate any supplemental ideas.

 

[Michael P]

I am helping a friend with his tree nursery and we really struggle with this. Our best strategy seems to be space the trees far enough apart so that a push mower can pass between them. Then just mow the weeds as short as possible. This still leaves some hand weeding near the trunks, but as the trees grow they shade out close weeds. When it gets out of control we have sprayed glyphosate, using card board or sheet metal to shield the tree foliage from the spray. With practice you can get good control without damaging the trees.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I am helping a friend with his tree nursery and we really struggle with this. Our best strategy seems to be space the trees far enough apart so that a push mower can pass between them. Then just mow the weeds as short as possible. This still leaves some hand weeding near the trunks, but as the trees grow they shade out close weeds. When it gets out of control we have sprayed glyphosate, using card board or sheet metal to shield the tree foliage from the spray. With practice you can get good control without damaging the trees.

This has been my strategy this year and last. It is doable, but just another thing to do. Life is never short on that list

 

[penumbra]

My best experience is not to mess with any of that light weight stuff that is meant to go under mulch.... instead go straight to Nursery Fabric that is meant for sun exposure and walking on. https://www.amazon.com/Happybuy-Landscape-Geotextile-Commercial-Greenhouse/dp/B07S8PQ1YQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3LD31Q5DTRUAG&keywords=nursery+ground+fabric&qid=1695725976&sprefix=nursery+ground+fabric,aps,84&sr=8-7&th=1

I use this. ^^^

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I use this. ^^^

The one from Amazon?