I'm plantng a new lawn - I've heard laying newspaper down under topsoil will choke out weeds dose this work?

Answer 1

We've done that for years in our garden and flower beds. Lay the paper down and either put some grass clippings on top (to form the weed free path in the garden) or put planting / top soil for your plants or grass on top of the paper to help minimize how many weeds sprout up. You will still have to weed a bit, or add weed killer to your yard but we didn't do it one year and there was a huge difference. Most times you would have to spray anyway with any yard, seeds blow in from other sources.
Only thing is make sure your topsoil is clean and sterilized. (no weed seeds) otherwise putting anything under it won't make a difference.

Answer 2

I am assuming from your question that you want to grow the grass on top of the newspapered area.

Don't do this unless the newspaper is at least 4 inches deep. It will NOT stop the weeds, but will help to retain moisture. However, some grasses (tall fescue) are deep-rooted and will not like a thick layer of newspaper blocking the growth of their root system.

Do not place the newspaper near the top of the topsoil. Grass will be unhappy.

Answer 3

I have used newspaper for a weed block in the garden area, and it does help. I would soak the newspaper and put a thin layer of
Peat Moss on the paper then lay the grass seed and soak again. This way it gives the grass seed a base to adhere to. I also place down a layer of straw to keep the ground moist then water regularly.

Answer 4

Yes it does for a few years , just like any other weed cloth it will keep weeds a bay for a time but , the newspaper will rot and deteriorate over a shorter time than weed fabric . If you are looking for an organic solution the newspaper is the best solution .

Answer 5

No. The newspaper will easily decompose and serve as fertilizer for the weeds as they sprout out.

Answer 6

I have never heard about doing this under a lawn, I did try it in a flower bed, under a layer of mulch, and it worked OK.

Answer 7

Nope its full of crap...if you want to be serious about your lawn then go to your local home depot and pick up the Scotts turf builder...its expensive but it works

Answer 8

Yes it does work! I just read an article about this online on website "Common Sense Community".

Answer 9

no because the weeds are in your top soil already just spray with weed killer every year and that will do it...

Answer 10

My neighbor did this and she doesn't have any weeds. So i guess it works.