Do I put down that black paper stuff before I put down mulch?

Answer 1

That paper is a weed control tarp. So I would recommend putting it down unless you want to have to weed your garden.

Answer 2

the best benefit's that i have seen to the fabric is that it prevents the mulch or rock from basically being absorbed into the dirt after a couple years. Very key for landscape applications, save lots of money in the long run in mulch reapplication.

So yes you put it down before mulch and i would say in most cases is needed. Unless in a veg/flower garden.

Answer 3

You can if you want to, but you don't have to... I don't use it because I plant things wherever I have mulch.. I hate having to cut through the weed barrier to plant.

Further, the mulch breaks down and becomes organic matter which benefits the soil, so the fabric actually keeps the mulch from getting into the earth.

Once you get a layer of broken down mulch on top of the barrier, it's like soil and any seed that drops in there is going to grow...so it sorta defeats the purpose of having it...

If you use decorative gravel, it's fine because it doesn't break down and doesn't benefit the soil.

Answer 4

personal I don't like the landscape fabric as it sometime prevents water from getting to the plants. A nice thick mulch about 3-4 inches deep is a good idea. but do keep the mulch away from the canes of the rose. As to the use of a pre emergence (they are sold under all kinds of names) I would not recommend the use of it until the arborvitaes have been planted at least a month. The pre emergence will not control the weeds already growing they will have to be removed.

Answer 5

you will spend less money and time if you use a thick black plastic and some garden staples to help hold that down till you get your mulch 3 inches deep over the top of that. make sure mulch beds slope away from your house slightly that way water runs away from your foundation instead of into it!

Answer 6

My suggestion is no. First because it is very expensive and second because weeds grow thru it and make it difficult to pull them up bu roots. I use 4 layers of newspaper and cover with mulch. The newspaper is free(recycling ) and compost into the soil. I also have several flower beds that I just pull the weeds as they come up

Answer 7

Yes.. But be careful with the type of mulch you are using.. Termites are attracted to wood based mulch.

Answer 8

Yes, you should put down landscaping fabric before you put down your mulch. It will help to prevent weeds.

Answer 9

You can, it will help eliminate weeds. If you pull all the weeds first and make the mulch a couple inches thick you don't need to.

Answer 10

yes u put it down and then you put your mulch on top of it too hide it. I like to use the big wooden chips , it looks more natural and nicer that way. My opinion anways.

Answer 11

Don't waste your money on it.It really does not work.I was a landscaper for 5 years and one of our clients had that stuff in his garden areas.All it did was make everything a pain in the ass.It did NOT stop the weeds from coming through,and made it way harder to pull those weeds because you couldn't get them by the root.Good luck with whatever you decide.