Because it’s untreated for sun exposure, it is easily damaged by the sun, and anyone installing the weed barrier should cover the fabric with mulch immediately after installation.

Garden columnist Dan Gill answers readers' questions each week. To send a question, email Gill at [email protected]. What is the best way to install landscape fabric for weed control in a ...

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.

Ask any knowledgeable horticulturist how effective weed barrier fabric is in controlling weeds and you’ll likely hear that any advantages are outweighed by the shortcomings. However, most will ...

Weed barrier fabrics were developed for agricultural use. The fabrics are put down on the soil surface and plants installed through the fabric.