Landscape fabric definitely has its perks, especially with drainage and wind resistance. I've used it myself a few times and found it pretty reliable overall. But one thing I've noticed is that weeds can still find their way through eventually, especially if the fabric isn't thick enough or gets damaged over time. Plus, replacing sections can be a bit of a pain once it's covered with gravel or mulch.
Lately, I've been experimenting with layering newspaper underneath mulch—it's biodegradable like cardboard but seems to break down more evenly without leaving chunky bits behind. It also lets water through nicely, so no soggy messes to deal with later. Has anyone tried newspaper layering long-term? Curious how it holds up after a couple seasons...
I've tried newspaper layering under mulch a few times, and it actually worked better than I expected. First season was great—no weeds, good drainage, and it broke down evenly without chunky leftovers. By the second year though, some persistent weeds started poking through again, especially in spots where the mulch layer thinned out. I'd say newspaper is solid short-term, but plan to refresh it every couple of seasons if you want consistent results...
Totally agree, newspaper works surprisingly well. One tip I'd add is overlapping the newspaper layers generously—like several sheets thick—to slow down those stubborn weeds. Also, topping up mulch each spring really helps keep things tidy longer.
I've done the newspaper trick too, and it definitely helps. But honestly, after a heavy rain or two, doesn't the newspaper start breaking down pretty fast? I've switched over to using cardboard boxes (flattened out) instead—seems sturdier and lasts longer under mulch. Curious if anyone's tried cardboard and noticed a difference in weed control over time...
"I've switched over to using cardboard boxes (flattened out) instead—seems sturdier and lasts longer under mulch."
Cardboard's definitely a step up from newspaper, in my experience. I tried the newspaper method first because, well, it was free and readily available. But you're right—after a few heavy rains, it just turned into mushy pulp that weeds seemed to push through pretty easily. Cardboard, on the other hand, has been a game changer for me. It holds up better under mulch, and I've noticed fewer weeds popping up over time.
One thing I've found helpful is to overlap the cardboard pieces generously. At first, I just laid them edge-to-edge, but weeds are sneaky little things and managed to find their way through the gaps. Overlapping by several inches made a noticeable difference. Also, removing any tape or labels beforehand helps avoid random plastic bits surfacing later.
My only hesitation with cardboard is sourcing enough of it without spending money. Grocery stores and local businesses usually have plenty they're willing to part with if you ask nicely. But sometimes it's a hassle to collect enough clean boxes without staples or heavy printing.
Has anyone experimented with burlap sacks or old fabric scraps as an alternative? I've heard mixed things about burlap—some say it breaks down too quickly, others swear by it. I'm curious if it's worth the effort to track some down or if cardboard really is the sweet spot between durability and affordability...
