In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that weed shield, or weed fabric, does not live up to its claims of effectively controlling weeds in the long run. While it may initially provide some level of weed suppression for the first year or two, it ultimately fails to achieve its stated goal.
One of the main issues with weed shield is that it does not prevent weed seeds from landing on top of the fabric. Over time, these weed seeds can establish themselves and germinate, rendering the fabric ineffective. This means that even though you may have installed the fabric to prevent weed growth, you will still end up with plenty of weeds growing on top of it.
Another drawback of weed shield is that it can hinder the growth and health of desirable plants. The fabric acts as a barrier, preventing nutrients, water, and air from reaching the soil beneath. This can negatively impact the growth and development of plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
In addition, weed fabric can be difficult to work with and install properly. It often requires cutting holes or slits for planting, which can be time-consuming and may not be executed perfectly. If the fabric is not installed correctly, it can actually create pockets where weeds can thrive, defeating the purpose of using it in the first place.
Furthermore, weed shield can become a breeding ground for certain types of weeds, such as perennial grasses. These weeds can send their roots through the fabric, making it even more challenging to control them. This can result in a constant battle to remove these persistent weeds, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Personally, I have encountered situations where clients have used weed fabric in their gardens and landscapes, only to find that it did not live up to their expectations. Weeds still managed to grow through the fabric, and they eventually had to resort to other methods of weed control, such as manual weeding or the use of herbicides.
While weed shield may provide some initial weed suppression, it does not effectively control weeds in the long run. It allows weed seeds to establish themselves on top of the fabric and can hinder the growth of desirable plants. Additionally, it can be challenging to install properly and can create pockets where weeds can thrive. Based on my experience and observations, I would not recommend relying solely on weed fabric for weed control in gardens and landscapes.
