Can you put weed barrier on flower beds?

Putting down a weed barrier in flower beds is a common gardening practice to help control weeds. Weed barriers work by blocking sunlight from reaching potential weed seeds in the soil, preventing them from germinating. This can reduce the need for using herbicides or frequently weeding the flower bed by hand. There are several types of weed barriers gardeners can use, with each having their own advantages and considerations when using in flower beds.

What is a weed barrier?

A weed barrier is any material laid over the soil that prevents weeds from growing while still allowing water and air to penetrate. Weed barriers are sometimes called landscape fabrics or geotextiles. The barriers are made from materials like thick plastic sheeting, burlap, or specially engineered woven fabrics. Weed barriers physically block weed seeds in the soil from getting the sunlight they need to sprout and begin growing. This starves the weeds, eventually killing them. Weed barriers do not prevent all weed growth, but significantly reduce the amount of weeds that can populate a flower bed or other area.

Benefits of using weed barriers in flower beds

Using a weed barrier in flower beds provides several advantages:

• Prevents most weeds from germinating – Weed barriers block 99% of sunlight from reaching weed seeds. This vastly reduces the amount of weeds that will be able to grow in the flower bed.
• Reduces hand weeding – With fewer weeds sprouting, gardeners do not have to spend as much time manually removing weeds from the flower bed soil.
• Prevents soil erosion – The barrier covers and protects the soil surface from being washed or blown away by wind, rain, and irrigation.
• Conserves soil moisture – Weed barriers reduce evaporation, helping the soil stay moist longer which benefits flowers.
• Improves soil temperature – Dark colored weed barriers can increase the soil temperature, promoting better flower growth.
• Long lasting – High quality weed barriers can remain effective for up to 15 years.

Installing a durable, commercial grade weed barrier in a flower bed provides long-term weed prevention with less work weeding.

Types of weed barriers for flower beds

There are several different types of weed barrier materials gardeners can use in flower beds:

Plastic sheeting

Long-lasting polyethylene plastic sheeting is a common weed barrier choice. Thicknesses range from 0.5 mil to over 6 mil. The thicker the plastic, the more durable it will be. Black plastic weed barriers help warm the soil. Clear plastic allows more light through. Plastic weed barriers are inexpensive but can deteriorate over time, requiring replacement every 4-6 years.

Landscape fabric

Landscape fabric is a woven geotextile material made from polypropylene or polyester. The fabric blocks light while allowing air, water, and some nutrients to pass through to surrounding soil. Landscape fabric comes in different weights and thicknesses for different uses. Heavier UV-treated landscape fabric can last over 15 years as a weed barrier. Lighter weight fabric may only last 2-3 years.

Newspaper or cardboard

Overlapping sheets of newspaper (3-4 sheets thick) or cardboard can serve as an inexpensive, biodegradable weed barrier option. However, newspaper weed barriers decompose within one year and will need frequent replacing. Cardboard may last 1-2 years before needing replacement.

Burlap

Burlap fabric can be used as a weed barrier around flowers and in garden beds, typically lasting 1-2 years before needing replacement. Burlap allows more moisture and air penetration than other barriers. It works best when overlapped or used in multiple layers.

Straw or hay mulch

A thick 3-6 inch layer of straw mulch or hay can act as an organic weed barrier while it decomposes. The mulch blocks light and may suppress some germinating weed seeds for a season or two before needing replenishment. It’s usually more practical as a mulch than long-term barrier.

Wood chips or bark mulch

2-4 inches of wood chips or shredded bark mulch can temporarily prevent some weed growth until the mulch decomposes. Like straw, it tends to be more of a short-term mulch layer rather than an extended weed barrier.

Key considerations when using weed barriers in flower beds

There are some important factors to weigh when deciding on a weed barrier installation in flower beds:

• Flowers vs perennials – Annual flowers only need weed prevention for one growing season. Short term biodegradable barriers like cardboard suit temporary annual flowers. Perennial flower beds benefit more from long-lasting barriers that will suppress weeds for years.
• Soil type – Clay soils don’t drain well. Avoid plastic sheeting with clay, which could retain too much moisture. Use landscape fabric instead. Sandy soils drain quickly, making plastic a better choice to hold moisture.
• Mulch cover – Apply 2-4 inches of mulch over the top of the weed barrier to hold it in place and prevent degradation from sunlight.
• Reuse and recycling – Some weed barriers like burlap can be reused.Others like plastic sheeting may be recyclable in local programs.
• Chemicals – Avoid chemical herbicide use under weed barriers that could leach into surrounding soil over time.
• Edging – Bury edges of the weed barrier around the perimeter of the bed to prevent weeds growing around the barrier.
• Planting holes – Cut holes in the weed barrier where plants will be placed, making the holes only slightly larger than each plant.

Selecting the right weed barrier material, proper installation, and mulching helps maximize the benefits when using weed barriers in flower beds.

How to install weed barriers in flower beds

Here is a step-by-step guide for properly installing weed barriers in flower beds:

1. Remove existing weeds and debris – Clear the area of all vegetation, roots, rocks, and trash. Digging or using a soil sterilant can remove deep rooted plant remnants.
2. Level the soil surface – Rake and grade the flower bed area to flatten and smooth the soil for uniform barrier contact.
3. Fertilize and improve drainage (optional) – Adding compost and fertilizer amendments can prepare the soil prior to weed barrier installation.
4. Lay weed barrier – Unroll the weed barrier over the prepared soil. Allow extra material to fit into nooks and overlap edges.
5. Bury edges – Tuck barrier edges into soil around the bed perimeter to prevent weeds from creeping underneath.
6. Cut plant holes – Use scissors or a knife to cut openings for each plant, making holes only slightly bigger than each plant’s root ball size.
7. Plant flowers – Place plants in their holes, separating and distributing soil and roots evenly. Pack soil firmly around each plant stem.
8. Apply mulch – Spread 2-4 inches of mulch like shredded bark over the surface of the weed barrier. Leave space around plant stems.
9. Water well – Saturate the soil after installation to eliminate air pockets and help settle the materials.

With proper ongoing care and irrigation, a weed barrier can keep flower beds looking great and weed-free for years. Reapply new mulch as needed to maintain effectiveness.

Best materials for weed barriers in flower beds

Based on durability, effectiveness, cost, and ease of use, here are the recommended weed barrier options for use in flower beds:

Weed Barrier Material	Benefits
4-6 mil black plastic sheeting	Long lasting (4-6 years), inexpensive, blocks light, retains moisture
Heavy weight landscape fabric	Allows air and water through, long lasting (10-15 years)
3-4 layered newspaper	Biodegradable, inexpensive, easy to find, recyclable

While burlap, cardboard, or mulches work for short term weed suppression, plastic sheeting and landscape fabrics are the best weed barrier choices for perennial flower beds, providing years of effective weed control.

Using weed barriers correctly in flower beds

To maximize the benefits of using weed barriers while avoiding potential drawbacks, here are some best practices:

• Cover the entire bed – Weed barriers only prevent weeds where they are placed, leaving exposed soil vulnerable to weeds.
• Overlap seams – Overlapping barrier seams 6-12 inches prevents weeds from emerging through any cracks.
• Bury all edges – Edges provide an entry point for weeds. Bury them well around the bed perimeter.
• Avoid chemicals – Don’t use pre-emergent herbicides or impregnated weed barriers which can leach chemicals.
• Puncture don’t cut – When creating planting holes, use an awl tool to puncture the barrier instead of cutting slits that can allow weeds.
• Use durable materials – For perennial beds, choose commercial grade landscape fabric or thick 4-6 mil plastic that lasts over 5 years.
• Add mulch – Spread 2-4 inches of cedar chips, shaved bark, or other mulch over the barrier for protection and to hold it in place.

Avoiding shortcuts results in an effective weed barrier installation that blocks light, retains moisture, and stops weed growth.

Potential problems with weed barriers in flower beds

While properly installed weed barriers can control weeds in flower beds, there are some potential problems to be aware of:

• Plastic decomposes over time – Plastic sheeting needs replacement every 4-6 years as ultraviolet light breaks it down.
• Fabric can tear – Exposed landscape fabric is susceptible to rips and tears from animals, weather, and tools which allow weeds.
• Prevents water penetration – Impermeable plastic can lead to excess moisture retention or runoff which needs proper drainage.
• Air circulation issues – Weed barriers can hamper air exchange around plant root systems.
• Traps pests – Rodents and insects can take up residence under the cover of weed barriers.
• Root entanglement – Plant roots can grow through holes and become entwined with porous weed barriers over time.
• Difficult barrier removal – Getting old weed barriers out of flower beds can be challenging, especially cut up pieces of plastic.

However, potential issues are usually preventable with proper installation techniques, barrier material choices, and maintenance.

Maintenance tips for weed barrier flower beds

Here are some recommendations for keeping weed barriers in flower beds working effectively:

• Remulch as needed – Replenish bark or other mulch layers over the weed barrier annually or biannually.
• Check for weeds – Look for weed growth around barrier edges and plant holes indicating repairs needed.
• Patch holes and gaps – Use barrier material scraps, stones, or mulch to cover any voids allowing light through.
• Replace deteriorating barriers – Swap out barriers that are falling apart or becoming ineffective after a few years.
• Aerate soil if needed – Use a pitchfork to poke air holes through plastic sheeting if drainage seems poor.
• Remove rooted materials – Take out landscape fabric if plant roots have grown through and entangled the barrier over time.
• Re-edge perimeter – Burying exposed barrier edges that may have worked loose will limit weed entry points.

With proper installation and proactive maintenance, quality weed barriers can provide many years of reliable weed control in flower beds.

Conclusion

Weed barriers are an extremely effective way to prevent weed growth and reduce maintenance in flower beds. Plastic sheeting, landscape fabrics, cardboard, and burlap can all be used successfully as weed barriers around flowers. However, landscape fabric and thick 4-6 mil plastic sheeting tend to provide the most durable, long-lasting weed prevention. The key is properly preparing the soil, installing the barrier material to completely cover the bed, and burying all the edges to limit weed growth. Maintaining mulch layers and patching any tears or holes is also important. With the right weed barrier in place, flower beds can flourish with minimal weeding required for years on end. Weed barriers are an easy, cost-effective way to keep flower beds looking great with very low maintenance.