In my personal experience and as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that using newspaper can be a better option than landscape fabric in certain situations. Let me explain why.
1. Cost-effective: Newspaper is a cost-effective option as it is readily available and often free. On the other hand, landscape fabric can be quite expensive to purchase and may not fit everyone’s budget, especially for larger garden spaces.
2. Biodegradable: Newspaper is made from organic materials and is biodegradable, which means it will break down over time and add organic matter to the soil. This is beneficial for the overall health of your garden. Landscape fabric, on the other hand, is typically made of synthetic materials and does not break down easily, which can be a drawback if you prefer using organic methods.
3. Weed suppression: Both newspaper and landscape fabric can help suppress weeds by blocking sunlight. However, newspaper is better at smothering existing weeds, as it forms a thicker barrier. It can be used as a sheet mulch by layering multiple sheets on top of each other to completely block out light, preventing weed growth.
4. Moisture retention: Newspaper also helps in retaining moisture in the soil by acting as a barrier and reducing evaporation. This can be particularly useful in arid climates or during dry spells. Landscape fabric may not have the same moisture retention properties as it is typically designed to allow water to pass through.
5. Ease of installation: Newspaper is easy to install and does not require any special tools or equipment. Simply wet the newspaper sheets to prevent them from blowing away and lay them directly on the soil surface, overlapping the edges to ensure complete coverage. Landscape fabric, on the other hand, may require more effort to install, including cutting and fitting around plants or obstacles.
6. Aesthetics: While this may be subjective, some people prefer the natural and organic look that newspaper provides in the garden. It can easily be covered with a layer of mulch or decorative stones to enhance the visual appeal. Landscape fabric, on the other hand, may not blend as seamlessly with the garden and can sometimes look artificial.
Newspaper can be a better option than landscape fabric in terms of cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, weed suppression, moisture retention, ease of installation, and aesthetics. However, it’s important to consider the specific needs and preferences of your garden before making a decision.
