One of the most common issues gardeners face is dealing with weeds. These destructive plants find their way into landscaping, creating an ugly appearance. They overshadow the beauty of any greenery, minimizing the appeal of a healthy outdoor living space.
Therefore, to control weeds, many property owners and gardeners resort to searching extensively for a solution. While doing so, they may come across a muddle of recommendations that suggest their success in killing or reducing the appearance of weeds. Unfortunately, not every suggestion is a solution.
One purported solution that is suggested online is the implementation of fabric for weed control. However, before you run off to the store to purchase material, here are some clear reasons why you should not resort to this option as a permanent solution.
Fabric Is Not Ideal for Long-term Weed Control
Due to the mismanagement of herbicides and other chemicals, alternative options are being considered. Hence, the use of fabric or geotextiles is being adopted for weed control. With the notable changes made to fabrics, many landscapes have been constructed to include these materials.
For a short-term solution, geotextiles have shown their effectiveness against weeds. How they are applied enables water and air to pass through exceptionally. Despite the permeation afforded to these elements, it inhibits the infiltration of weed seed germination and the overgrowth of weeds.
However, fabrics are not appropriate for permanent landscapes. Over time, they become susceptible to deterioration, especially in continuous sunlight. If left alone and used as a permanent solution, plants are likely to suffer declining health. Instead, they yield better results in areas they are tended to habitually, such as in annual flower gardens. Individuals must adhere to these fabrics and switch them as required.
These Fabrics Require Continued Maintenance
For these fabrics to function as intended, they must be maintained. This requires continuous inspection and the routine practice of clearing away dirt and debris. If left as is, weeds can still make a home on top of the fabric. They can also find a way to invade the material as well. As this occurs, detaching the material for replacement becomes challenging.
Much like the weeds, plant roots can become intermingled with the textile. During the removal process, the plant becomes harmed. This injury can gravely impact landscape foliage. With damaged roots, elements of the plants are instantly affected. This damage weakens the plant, limiting its chance for survival.
Furthermore, to maintain the aesthetic appeal of geotextiles, it must be adhered to frequently. The value offered by these materials is quite limited, and once they begin to breakdown, their quality further declines. Thus, if using fabric is your choice, you must be willing to maintain its arduous upkeep in addition to tending to your plants.
Mulch Offers Better Weed Control
If you are not into the hassle and high maintenance ascribed to geotextiles in landscaping, there is a better solution. Mulch provides much better weed control. When used appropriately, this material offsets the environment for weed growth.
Mulch offers a natural form of weed control that is effective. It keeps weeds out of your landscape. When weeds begin to take over, they hoard all of the vital water and nutrients that your plants need. Hence, when you water your plants, you are primarily supporting their existence.
Without hesitation, mulch is quite useful. It inhibits weed from receiving the adequate light and warmth they require to survive. When soil is covered with an ideal layer of mulch, weeds are stifled. They are unable to push through to receive the essentials they need to survive.
High Prairie Outdoors Can Help You
A well-kept landscape offers so many benefits. It can improve your mood and entice you to go outside and enjoy its gorgeous greenery. However, when weeds reveal themselves, they quickly take away from its striking views.
Weeds are undesirable invasive plants that are a nightmare to an outdoor living space. They creep in and devour the beauty of foliage and, if left alone, populate and wreak havoc. Some individuals resort to pulling them out, but, in many instances, they grow back with a vengeance. Also, spraying them with chemicals does not always offer the best approach from a natural standpoint.
If you are considering the advantages of mulch, and you are open to eliminating weeds in your garden, we can assist. With the expertise of professional landscapers, you can improve your outdoor living area. Need landscape help from a local expert? Click “Get Started” today.
