Pros and Cons of using Landscape Fabric?

[plowhog]

I'm getting tired of constant weed eating along irrigation ditches. It takes a long time and I'm looking for a better solution.

The ditches are near fence lines, ranging from 1-5 feet from the fence and meandering around. So it is hard to get power equipment on the "other side" of the ditch to mow, plus the terrain is uneven and there are some rocks.

I'm thinking of putting landscape fabric between the fence and the ditch, then pinning it to the ground and covering it with something. Maybe gravel, or rocks, or mulch? Hopefully to preclude anything from growing. I don't envision ever planting bushes or trees on the narrow space between the ditch and the fence.

What are the pros and cons of using landscape fabric for a project such as this?

 

[boomer1025]

Landscape fabric is nice for a short while, then the weeds grow in the rock or mulch and the fabric itself. Spray it with Roundup if your worried about the fish or standing water, use a produce called Rodeo, it's made to use around bodies of water like ponds ect.

 

[mikester]

I'm getting tired of constant weed eating along irrigation ditches. It takes a long time and I'm looking for a better solution.

The ditches are near fence lines, ranging from 1-5 feet from the fence and meandering around. So it is hard to get power equipment on the "other side" of the ditch to mow, plus the terrain is uneven and there are some rocks.

I'm thinking of putting landscape fabric between the fence and the ditch, then pinning it to the ground and covering it with something. Maybe gravel, or rocks, or mulch? Hopefully to preclude anything from growing. I don't envision ever planting bushes or trees on the narrow space between the ditch and the fence.

What are the pros and cons of using landscape fabric for a project such as this?

I find at least 4 inches of mulch works better at making weeding easier than the landscape fabric. Once the weeds grow through the fabric they are near impossible to manually remove.

 

[MossRoad]

As others have mentioned, I've found that landscape fabric works for a while, but then roots grow through it, and it's impossible to pull out. I'd look for some type of ground cover to plant that grows thick and that'll discourage weed growth.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Landscape fabric is the devil's invention.

 

[plowhog]

I'm forming an impression that if I put this stuff in I need special clothing during installation. Like a set of horns and a pitchfork.

 

[ovrszd]

Landscape fabric is the devil's invention.

Wish I would have invented it. Reckon there's any profit in that crap????

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I'm forming an impression that if I put this stuff in I need special clothing during installation. Like a set of horns and a pitchfork.

If you post a pic, I might have some ideas for you.

 

[stuckmotor]

When we tried it, Bermuda grass found it's way to the top in a year or two. Black plastic didn't work well, either. I found mowing less trouble.

 

[fishheadbob]

I disagree. I use landscape fabric a lot with a few inches of mulch on top. Sure weeds will appear eventually but I think there's not nearly as many, and they pull out more easily. And I have tough weeds, I'd put mine up against anybody's in a knock down drag out fight. I also think that liberal usage of mulch helps the desirable plant grow a little better - stuff like moisture retention and less competition from weeds - which helps shade out weeds to some degree.