Landscape fabric with mulch? - Ask Extension
Do you recommend using a weed blocking landscape fabric with mulch for weed control in ornamental landscape beds?
Knowledgebase
Landscape fabric with mulch? #876313
Asked July 08, 2024, 11:24 AM EDT
Do you recommend using a weed blocking landscape fabric with mulch for weed control in ornamental landscape beds?
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
Mulch over landscape fabric seems to be the 'answer' and it looks good initially. But over time (several years) the landscape fabric deteriorates and weeds grow through it. It's not recommended long term. My personal experience with cedar mulch over fabric is that the mulch naturally decays on top of the fabric creating a 'second soil' that weeds can grow in. Depending on the fabric it can be difficult to dig through when adding plants. I mulch over soil now. More info here:
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-06-25-disadvantages-landscape-fabric
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/should-i-use-landscape-fabric-keep-weeds-out-my-perennial-garden
https://extension.psu.edu/putting-an-end-to-my-landscape-fabric-nightmare
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-06-25-disadvantages-landscape-fabric
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/should-i-use-landscape-fabric-keep-weeds-out-my-perennial-garden
https://extension.psu.edu/putting-an-end-to-my-landscape-fabric-nightmare
