Physical Remedies
Weed barrier
Examples:
Old carpeting, cardboard (appliance boxes are excellent), roofing paper.
Effective Against:
Annual weeds and most perennial weeds.
Best uses:
Excellent for weed suppression under gravel, stone, or wood chip paths. More effective than landscaping fabric for these uses.
Counteracts these pest(s):
When To Use:
Year round, barrier is semi-permanent.
How To Use:
Overlap layers of material as a base, then cover with paving material such as gravel or wood chips. Material remains in place until it eventually breaks down.
Benefits:
- Low maintenance. Once installed, barrier remains in place until it breaks down.
- Barrier lets some water and air penetrate.
- Does not prevent weeds entirely, but provides considerable control if installed properly.
-
Good way to build paths using discarded
materials in the landscape.
Concerns:
Weed seeds can grow in material on top of barrier. Cannot fill soil on top of barrier. Unattractive if not covered by mulch or paving material.