Master Gardener: Black plastic weed barrier stops weeds but harms soil health

Q. Will black plastic create a suitable weed barrier under bark when I landscape my yard?

A. Though black plastic is cheap, will suppress weeds and will last a long time, it creates an impermeable barrier, shutting off moisture and light and thus either killing or seriously limiting soil life beneath it. Also, though it shreds easily, unsightly scraps will remain on or in the soil for years without decaying appreciably.

Landscape fabric, on the other hand, though more expensive, does a comparable job of keeping weeds down but will let rain and some light filter through its woven fabric. Trees, shrubs, flowers etc. planted in holes cut in the fabric will continue to be nourished by living soil, as they would not be able to with black plastic. Another possibility is cardboard, often available free. It wont last as long, but it will break down completely and become part of the soil.

The Shasta Master Gardener Program can be reached by phone, 242-2219, or email mastergardeners@shastacollege.edu.

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Master Gardener: Black plastic weed barrier stops weeds but harms soil health