geo textile fabric - Ask Extension
We're having our front lawn removed and changing our irrigation system to a drip-type in the spring. The contractor wants to use geo textile fabric ov...
Knowledgebase
geo textile fabric #889571
Asked November 08, 2024, 10:17 PM EST
We're having our front lawn removed and changing our irrigation system to a drip-type in the spring. The contractor wants to use geo textile fabric over the area when the lawn used to be (after the sod is removed) and add 3"-4" of bark. We plan to plant natives and other pollinator plants and shrubs in this space. I understand the need for this under a gravel path we're installing but question whether this is the right approach for the planted area. I'm most concerned about the health of the soil using this approach. I also understand that weed seeds can and do sprout in the bark mulch. Do you have any references for me?
Thank you.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Michelle and thanks for your great question and forward thinking planning around "geo fabric under bark dust". There are so many reasons NOT to use geofabric and yes, it is a myth that it stops weeds. You are right, the weeds just wait for their chance to grow on top of it!
The fabric is also plastic based, will often surface and look ugly, deteriorates over time to become useless, inhibits water flow to produce unhealthy soil and will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. It is no better weed control than a heave layer of mulch, preferably arborists chips which DO allow water through, DO keep the soil healthy and are usually FREE. (see getchipdrop.com)
So thanks again for being concerned, and let your contractor know there are alternatives to his "easy out" for weed control.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/landscape-fabric.pdf
The fabric is also plastic based, will often surface and look ugly, deteriorates over time to become useless, inhibits water flow to produce unhealthy soil and will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. It is no better weed control than a heave layer of mulch, preferably arborists chips which DO allow water through, DO keep the soil healthy and are usually FREE. (see getchipdrop.com)
So thanks again for being concerned, and let your contractor know there are alternatives to his "easy out" for weed control.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/landscape-fabric.pdf
Rhonda
Thank you so much for the quick and thorough response. I appreciate it and my husband found it helpful and convincing as well. The article by Linda Chalker-Scott on "The Myth of Landscape Fabric" is excellent.
We're looking forward to working on our new grass free yard and know I'll be using the Extension Service website for more information. Thank you again!
