Most people don’t enjoy pulling weeds. For most of us, it’s a time waster that burdens an already congested list of chores. While there have been a lot of advancements in weed control, few seem as promising as laying a weed barrier fabric. These fabrics seemingly check all the right boxes. They are purported to stop weed growth permanently. They also fit organic gardening models while allowing air and water to penetrate into the soil beneath. However, consumers should be aware of potential problems before installing these fabrics.

Mulches placed on top of weed fabric will quickly collect sand and other fine particles. When weed seeds are blown onto the debris, they’ll sprout as easily as if they were planted in soil. More troubling still is that the weed seeds covered during installation can push their way through the porous material and any tears or cuts in the fabric. Once they develop, they become difficult to pull.

Despite the promise of a long warranty, these geotextiles often break down more quickly than advertised. Research has demonstrated they can partially disintegrate in as little as a year or two. The material also tends to move up through any mulch placed on top of it as the soil naturally heaves with the seasons. The resulting frayed corners and pieces of degraded fabric become an unsightly problem.

Pores designed into the fabric don’t guarantee plantings will get enough air or water. Since the pores must be tiny to limit weed growth, they tend to also limit the free flow of air and water into the soil. The material can cause water to flow offsite. The pores also prevent the downward movement of nutrients from decomposing mulch. Nearby plants with roots under the fabric may find themselves in an environment lacking adequate resources. The soil beneath weed barriers often becomes less able to support biological activity.

Once a homeowner decides to rip out the fabric, any roots that have colonized the material from nearby desirable plants can be damaged. This is particularly damaging for mature plants that may not be able to sustain a significant loss of roots.

In the end, weed fabrics often suppress weeds for only a limited time if at all, while having the potential to present many problems for several years. Next, we’ll discuss a couple of scenarios where weed barrier materials may be useful.