Landscape Fabric Pros & Cons Finding an Alternative thru Sheet Mulching for Weed Control

Should you use landscape fabric? What causes it to fail? Are there any alternatives to a synthetic weed barrier? What should be considered as a long term solution?
Landscape or weed fabrics create an impassible barrier that stops the upwards growth of plants from underneath. For this barrier to work properly though, an application of mulch is needed. As a short term solution for reclaiming a weedy bed, the fabric can help you out.
DISADVANTAGES OF LANDSCAPE FABRIC:
Synthetic weed barriers can accomplish a task, but they are no silver bullet. Wood based mulches are biodegradable, so they slowly break down, forming a layer of soil. That upper layer can be a perfect rooting medium for fresh weed seeds. Before long, you may start to see that your beds are just as weedy as they were before.
All the while the microbial processes that rejuvenate your soil are being hindered by this synthetic, barrier. Earthworms and various arthropods cannot freely pass from below the soil up to the surface.
Your perennial plants become girdled as they grow wider and wider. Clumping and rhizomatous plants get trapped underneath. And creeping or layering plants cannot properly root as they get entangled in the fabric.
A BIODEGRADABLE ALTERNATIVE:
A free, biodegradable alternative is simple old cardboard. This idea is a form of sheet mulching. In permaculture, sheet mulching can be done to reclaim an area of land that might have been weedy or even covered with grass.
Cardboard is applied. Then a layer of mulch. In creating a highly fertile site, a gardener may put several layers of materials. Leaves, compost, grass clippings, straw, etc. But in more conventional landscape applications, it would certainly work to just put a wood based mulch.
Weeds or grasses will be unable to pass up through the cardboard. With the inclusion of mulch you smother these unwanted plants, making way for new plantings. Over time, that cardboard is eaten by earthworms and won't interfere with biological processes.
LONG TERM STRATEGY:
Do you want to reduce mulching requirements? How can you keep out weeds? Nature abhors a vacuum. So your final landscape or garden should be designed in a way that fills those large empty spaces.
Plan out multiple layers of trees, bushes, shrubs and herbal plants. Allowing these to fill in your beds, choking out any weeds that make their way into your property. To cover large areas of ground, without relying on grass, consider using ground covers.
Complete Article:
► link.albopepper.com/fabric
#SustainableLandscaping #SaveTheWorms #NoHerbicides #WeedFree #OrganicGardening
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[@blackericdenice]

Whenever my boys are bad. I make them go out and pull up weeds. It’s a damn good way to burn up that extra energy.

[@Albopepper]

Good for you for disciplining them! Just be sure to reward them with some tasty fruits from the garden when they're good! 🍓🍎🍅

[@ChocolateMelanin]

🤣🤣🤣 what a great idea 💡

[@glendapoehler8474]

That’s what my dad did to us. I did the same, gave my son a market bag and set him out in the parkway.

[@gregorypaulino8842]

Lol 😂 That’s a good one!! it’s also good Workout.

[@PHanomaly]

Well, thats one excuse not to change and have to admit "thats just what my daddy did, and his daddy.."😅

[@tierney1883]

I really appreciate you taking a non-glyphosate approach. My daughter has leukemia, she was diagnosed at age 4. I don’t usually comment but I wanted to thank you for other options to this cancer-causing chemical!

[@Albopepper]

Thanks for sharing that personal expression Tierney! I'm sorry to hear that she's battling that. But I'm glad to hear she has such a loving and caring Mom. I wish you and your family all the best! Certainly avoiding pesticide and herbicide exposure is a good strategy for ALL of us!!

[@traceysaxon443]

Sending you love and prayer that your daughter makes a full recovery and leads a long healthy life

[@donnalawrence8593]

Love to you and your daughter from Pennsylvania. (USA) You ,your daughter ,and loved ones are going through alot. I never heard of this.Cool

[@Trakehner20]

Awww, that's terrible! How is she doing? I get nervous of people using it, my in-laws have so much property to keep up, they won't do anything else on their fence lines. I guess it is what it is bit I'm not a fan of it.

[@alrahbimom]

I’m sorry, I have the sister blood cancer, multiple myeloma.

[@kiriaioulia]

If you belong to Costco or Sams Club, you can get those large sheets of cardboard that they put between stacks of products FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!! I've been grabbing them for years for crafting, but now I'm going to use them in my yard!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[@deborahbarry8458]

Costco! I never thought of that!

[@helenwerner1403]

I have an area where the grass has started overtaking the flowerbed. Can I cover the area with cardboard and mulch and regain the flowerbed?

[@lenoreparker2089]

I get them all the time.

[@spir5102]

So who do you ask to get them? You go inside or just go straight to the dumpsters?

[@c.arnold4358]

If you don't have enough cardboard for this, I've used the relatively inexpensive rolls of brown paper from the paint department at Lowes for this, and it works great. It's not as thick of a layer as cardboard, but it still works really well. It's also really easy to cut to whatever shape you need.

[@DavidMFChapman]

Best if you use multiple overlapping layers. Tough plants can get through a single layer!

[@EyeWYT]

Do you have to wet it first?

[@papabear149]

@@EyeWYT 🥺

[@nancishufritz5499]

Multiple layers of newspaper works too

[@dalebabbitt6185]

@@papabear149 Where you going with this Papa? 🤣🤣

[@BlueEyedDemonWoman]

Started using cardboard 3 years ago...best decision ever! My sister owns a liquor store so getting boxes is no problem! Landscape looks great and am now using my extra time expanding my garden. .

[@ellie.l6585]

How deep does the cardboard need to be buried?

[@None-ij7zz]

So in the past 3 yrs where the cardboard lies. Do you have less weeds or none?

[@NicoleK71]

Is it slippery? We need to put something down but we are covering it with pinestraw

[@O_U_No_It_2]

I appreciate how your use of subtle verbage to instruct all while describing your reasoning intellectually. Saying phrases like "consider this" vs. "do this" It's a very calming effect contrary to being preached at

[@Albopepper]

Thanks Alan! I appreciate your feedback. :)

[@cannabis1490]

true...I too liked his way of expression...

[@papasteve215]

I found mattress stores have large clean cardboard, think king size bed, and most are happy to have some one take them away.

[@leavesofmytree]

Great tip, thank you!

[@anasazirose]

Most post offices also. My small local po gets 1 Amazon tote delivered everyday. It's 4x4x6' and already mostly cleaned except for some easily removed labels. Larger offices probably get more.

[@jlvandat69]

Excellent video- just the info I needed. Thanks a BUNCH. Here's a suggestion for you as "payback" since I am an HVAC guy. Use some form of protection around your heat pump unit to prevent the plants from interfering with air flow towards the unit. One option might be plastic construction fencing. The idea is to prevent the plants from obstructing airflow to or from the unit. If airflow is obstructed, the system becomes less efficient and therefore energy costs increase. Additionally, the plants can potentially cause mechanical problems and/or accelerated corrosion of the unit. There should be at least 6 inches of clearance around the unit where no obstructions exist. Consult your owners manual to verify. Thanks again!

[@liebekatz1]

Thanks for the info

[@caseyduso]

Quick question...do I still need weed the area before I install the cardboard or can I just put it over top?

[@Trumpetto31]

My mind is blown! I just bought $50 worth of fabric that I intend to return after watching this video. Very insightful and educational. Thanks!

[@Albopepper]

Thank-you for watching. I'm glad you found the information useful! xD

[@deanjohnson4597]

Trumpetto31 newspapers work also

[@ceecee8757]

Just make grow bags out of the fabric roll.

[@ericwright3482]

MY MAN!! I’m going to get a lot of cardboard tomorrow 👍🏾

[@muhammadalitipu8224]

Same story.saved my $$

[@janearcher3834]

Several layers of newspaper can be used as well. That is what we used in our garden when I grew up.

[@LauraEilers]

The trouble is, newspaper is a lot harder to come by these days. It's not so endemic at it once was. So the quantities needed to mulch with can be difficult to come by.

[@MorganBrown]

I use cheap galvanized landscape staples ($20 for 500) to tack down the cardboard. Really helps keep the overlap zones from growing weeds.

[@meretriciousinsolent]

That would be really helpful on an allotment while you're waiting for your compost to be rotted down enough:)

[@cschapman9752]

where do you get that many for $20?

[@nanettemurray1000]

What is a landscape staple. I’m a new home owner and know nothing about yard work.

[@DovidM]

Good suggestion! I’ve been whittling branches into stakes, and using these like tacks to secure overlapping sheets of cardboard.

[@Moondoggy1941]

I put down some weed fabric and lots of mulch it worked well, but after a few years the weeds were growing in and it grew through the fabric as well, I had to dig it all out, I need something else. Thanks this video answered my dilemma.

[@dritanbega6461]

I don't know , if you know,...but you are a great teacher too. Great info brother, thank you.

[@Albopepper]

Thank-you very much! I really appreciate it. xD

[@juliafernandes6939]

Cardboard and layered newspapers is definitely better than landscape fabric but you need to soak them in water first, in order to follow contours and to avoid the woodchips falling off it.

[@nikkitobin8356]

Thanks for the tip

[@lisah6076]

Thanks

[@wendym5086]

Instead of mulch can you just put stones if you want that effect?

[@dale3404]

@@wendym5086 I wouldn’t use the small gravel.

[@dimask77]

@@wendym5086 I wouldn't use small rocks either, such a pain to remove and weeds still easily creep out, and I am speaking from experience. Big rocks would be better.

[@pi1810]

Adding landscape fabric was the worst landscaping decision I ever made. The weeds grow into the fabric and you can't pull them out. It's horrible.

[@bsidethebox]

Nutsedge grass + landscape fabric is AWFUL.

[@karenbrewer3362]

🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ that’s where I am right now ugh 😩

[@dimask77]

I had the same problem too, so I had it removed. I guess landscape fabric is only good as a underlayment for pavers, which I plan to use.

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

Same here... didn't work for us

[@teresakinney9601]

Your soil needs 3 things water air And light Is landscape fabric denies it all of them

[@ritagaston1556]

Should tell people that don’t know the cardboard is FOOD for worms to eat and add compost to your soil.

[@todiann27]

I have used cardboard for years. No weeds!

[@armageddonready4071]

It’s free, sterile and ABUNDANT

[@savage22bolt32]

I have a tub of worms for fishing. They eat newspaper & cardboard. Every once in a while I give them an apple too.

[@rosebatham3342]

What about fire ants will the live under the cardboard??

[@rosebatham3342]

I also have root knot nemetoades I hoped to kill them with black plastic and mulch

[@melindamills6995]

Very sensible commentary and video. I like, especially, that spraying herbicide is not the solution.

[@dlsdyer9071]

We found full strength vinegar and some mineral oil sprayed on the weeds and then cover it with black plastic to kill it out. Then we use organic preen, mulch and then add another layer of preen. Weeding is MUCH easier. Note: we have been using that same piece of plastic for five years and for all sorts of things.

[@rachelbird7798]

Hello from the UK!! I have used this technique last spring to create a new flower border and it works brilliantly. The cardboard is no longer visible and the border has had hardly any weeds for a year. Your video explains it so perfectly!! Like the planting too, very subtle !!

[@Julia-pq3hy]

Tried this last year. Even with 6" overlap, the weeds 'found' their way through the crevices. This year was a nightmare to weed. All in all, good concept, but it only lasted a year. This year we weeded and remulched. Few suggestions. 1. Be sure to remove packaging tape and labels before laying the cardboard as they will find their way to the surface once the mulch settles. 2. Animals love running through it and you will find yourself reorganizing the mulch as it is pushed to the side revealing the cardboard. (I have two large dogs) 3. We allowed mother nature to water the cardboard although with a hilly landscape, you may wish to water to hold it in place and mold it around the area. The mulch tends to slide off the cardboard even modestly steep inclines. 4. Will try it again though....I read a comment below about brown paper rolls from the hardware store - clever! With consistent sheeting and large overlap, this should work better. We used various sized boxes and despite overlapping the spaces/flaps/etc, I can see how some weeds got through. Weeds are resilient and resourceful. So a large brown roll may be the solution - good suggestion!

[@stormywinds6497]

Thank you

[@Felicite-Etoile]

Do we put spikes through the brown paper?

[@graylagran7443]

@@Felicite-Etoile i would not - i would wet the paper to keep it down - if you put spikes (make holes) you are creating a space for the grass/weeds to work their way to the surface.

[@jjc355]

I heard newspaper was a good alternative.

[@merrycontrary3520]

A few heavy rocks on the edges can hold the barrier down.

[@reinabolanos2127]

Wow! Thank you for sharing. I didn’t know the cons of using the weed fabric 😕 Now, I will use the cardboard instead!

[@marylandsmann1175]

I found your video last spring. Yes i tried the card board. I dont know how to post my photo to show everyone it really works. I am so pleased with the results 1 yr later. Im now doing this technique in the front bed. Thank you

[@tannaedwards1311]

Do you just put the cardboard down over the weeds? Or weed it first?

[@Albopepper]

Watch my Follow-up featuring *Ground Covers!* kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHXReYWQma6jrJI Interested in *Edible Landscaping / Backyard Orchard?* kzbin.info/www/bejne/annVZ5pva6aFr7c Want to grow *Mushrooms* right in your yard? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHOvn6yDe6d0jcU This cardboard technique has made my life much easier. Read the full article: ► link.albopepper.com/fabric

[@2008MrsKim]

Thank you so so so much. This is the best video about landscaping i have ever seen. Just bought three rolls of fabric to replace the over weeded fabric I put down years ago. I will be bringing all back tmrw. Thank you.

[@edmora7662]

AlboPepper - Drought Proof Urban Gardening Thank you. That’s a great solution for weeds.

[@cindymorgan66]

Roundup doesn’t poison just the weeds. It poisons us too!

[@lenoredelitizia3544]

First of all, thank you so much for the great video. I live in North Carolina, and when I first moved into my house, I did use landscape fabric and covered it with mulch. The problem was, it created termite infestation in my garage. So, I think our idea of cardboard (which I've used before) is a great idea. However, I think, this time, I'll cover the cardboard with river rock or pebbles.

[@Albopepper]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Check the bottom of this page form tips about termites: albopepper.com/landscape-fabric-vs-sheet-mulching.php Also, there is a link to a pdf which is an entire manual on the topic!

[@consuelofelisario9088]

Wow, I learned something! Those big cardboards will be useful now in the backyard instead of the blue bin.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Get a large roll of brown paper like you see at a furniture store or deli and use that as a weed barrier. I like this because it doesn't have ink or any other contaminants. Great video.

[@myXmasOldies]

Add thick layers of news paper that is damp then layer with last year's composted leaves, compost and then mulch. Thus is, the eaence of lasagna gardening.

[@cindy8939]

This is what I was thinking.. You can get end rolls from some Newspaper companies for free..

[@melanierust7129]

Would used/inked newpaper be safe?

[@Pamela-jr3ht]

@@melanierust7129 newsprint ink is soy based. Is it gmo, probably.

[@yes350yes]

@wendef ung Yes too thin. I wouldnt use it. Think WORMS. put down newspapers corrugated cardboard, all the layers you want of that. The worms eat it and return to the soil their black gold as plant food.

[@diannecombs8433]

once a week I go to the local thrift store and gladly take their boxes. In the winter I take them to the recycle center, during gardening time, I sort through them, saving up the ones that have no color, and little tape for gardening. It gives me free stuff, and saves them paying to have them hauled away. Win, win!!

[@614pinetree]

Wow! Two thumbs up! You’ve just explained what I needed the most! The fabric I used didn’t help, and now it creates another problems. The weeds growing no matter what and now I need to remove this fabric! I’ll use the eco friendly cardboard boxes instead! The business people don’t want us to know about this! Thank you a million! May God Bless you for sharing and saving the earth! 👍

[@shaggydog563]

@Nettie Reynolds you need to ask yourself what am I going to have after the cardboard rots away?

[@distractionsa2z]

I've used layers of cardboard to successfully to suffocate grass, when converting lawn to flower bed. Cover with pine needles or chips works great!

[@womanofsubstance8735]

I've "known" about using newspaper and cardboard for years, but I kinda forgot. I have a LOT of cardboard right now and was planning to recycle. Thanks for reminding me of a better way to "reduce, reuse, recycle" it. Two problems solved!

[@Ddrhl]

Lots of good info presented in a way I can actually remember. Thanks!

[@keithryan683]

That creeping Thyme looks gorgeous . You have inspired me to buy one . Also , cardboard boxes is a top idea for a mulch underlay . I've been using newspapers but now I'll use both . Good on you .

[@nmssis]

Update. Been using this cardboard method for two seasons...Absolutely wonderful. It works brilliantly. Thanks again!

[@conniedetevis2119]

I'm returning my fabric roll, thank you so much for sharing.

[@ssskurvy3628]

This worked so well in my own yard my whole family have asked for me to show them how

[@petero2490]

This is a great video! I also had experience with wood mulch turning into compost and the fabric being a barrier and weeds growing in it. Will consider the cardboard idea. One issue with wood mulch is when it is blown it goes away and need to replace.

[@melisapalmorn4772]

Thank you!!!! I can’t wait to try the cardboard. The ground cover is such a great idea!!! Thanks again

[@GrandpaCanCook]

Great video. I was never much of a gardener and really could use all the tips I can get. I really liked the ideas you presented here. I love the factor of working with and using nature rather than overpowering it. Thank you

[@melissam8444]

I've done this with great results in my garden beds. I try to use double wall brown corrugated, without too much print if possible. I prepare my beds in late winter, early spring then throw down the boxes and then a good inch or two of new top soil. Let it marinate for a month or so and when the starts are ready to go in, just punch down through the corrugated with a hand shovel. It should be pretty soft after a few rains (or 6 straight weeks of rain if you're in Oregon like me!).

[@victoriachanel2493]

No mulch on top?

[@troubadro]

Explain pls

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

You have a gentle voice and I value your information. Thank you

[@Albopepper]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@carolinacarsolio5476]

I got to the same conclusion a couple years back and it´s been a great solution: Cardboard + wood chips. But I live in México in a semidesert region, so I´ve kept some large areas without plants for two years now, and without weeds so far, even through the 2 months rainy seasons. I expect that at some point I'll need to replace the carboard, but it is still holding... A tip: I've got big sheets of carboard from Costco, Sams and such. They can give you some from fridges and big equipment if you ask nicely Just wanted to share the idea that it works for arid regions too and the joy of finding a fellow gardener that likes experimenting on his own. Cardboard rocks!!!!

[@straubdavid9]

It's funny (but not too funny) but I've been hauling cardboard to the recycle center for years, while the whole time a solution to my weed problem was right under my nose ~8^) Thanks.

[@bzh7648]

I’m glad I found this. This will be much easier for me. I like to research my projects extensively. It always pays off. Thanks.

[@lydnel8838]

Yes brother preach! that and newspaper, is what I've been using

[@winkielaroo]

You are so right about landscape fabric. It's only a short-term fix for weeds (no better than mulch alone), and in the final analysis you'll wish you'd never laid eyes on the stuff because it creates so many brand new landscaping problems that are even worse than weeds. I really appreciate your evidence-based approach to teaching, thank you!

[@thehomeplatespecial597]

oh you are so right about all this based on my trials and fails and I always scope out cardboard to sheetmulch now.

[@lisajenkinslewis9629]

Thank you for the great advice, I'm working on my front yard and will be trying this.. love it

[@charlenegriffis5900]

Thank you so much! Love watching and learning from you. Explains why I had so many weeds using the fabric. Weeds are growing on top! I've used black and white newspapers over the years too. Going to try the cardboard. Thanks!

[@lelleithmurray235]

I will try this in my flower bed before replanting in the winter, thanks!

[@joseywales7930]

Great video. I've been taking my cardboard to a recycling center. I'll be using it in the yard now. Thanks for the great tips!

[@muhammadalitipu8224]

Wao.watched couple of vedios b4 this catched my eyes,how to kill weed.was about to go to buy fabric from costco around 31$ n then i was reading comments while listening n one person mentioned about pellet spills card boards...wallla....i can get as many card borads from my company for free.saved my $$,good for earth n problem solved. Every one lived happily thereafter💝💝💝thnx for evry1 for contributing here.

[@justlooking4771]

Excelllllllllent idea! I LOVE the look of flowers and grass bunched together and it NEVER occurred to me to use that design and other ground covers to “weed out” the weeds! 🙌 Thanks for the great video!!

[@rachelg7371]

Thank you. Great advice! I hate chemicals and Have been suggesting more plants to hubby for years...thanks for backing me up on this one! And since he found your video first, now he believes me! We will definitely try some cardboard.

[@erikaquatsch2190]

Great info! I especially like that you don't have to pull out the weeds before laying down the cardboard - just put it right on top of the weeds 🌸

[@Mosiano]

Trying this today thanks.

[@liznyp6209]

Truth! We just weeded a large bed on the side of our house. Landscape fabric was put down several years ago with mulch on top. The weeds were putting roots down through the fabric. I also had to get a knife to split the fabric to plant bulbs. I'm going to go back and cut out sections at a time because I hate it lol.

[@sharonkinaia723]

Liz NYP

[@campfireaddict6417]

SO good that people are starting to staying away from Round-Up. I tell my neighbors do NOT even bring that poison within my sight.

[@nunya257]

Me too! My yard guys always want to use it and I refuse to allow it on my property.

[@candacehespen3857]

I had a hill that was difficult to mow so I tore out the grass, added topsoil and planted perennials I already had, Autumn Joy Sedum, Hydrangeas, Hostas, Buttercups, Spiderwort, Hardy Geraniums, and more, by transplanting and dividing them. I used creeping buttercups, ground cover sedum, and ajuga in between because of the amount of shade I have in my yard and then mulched my first year with grass clippings to keep weeds at bay and grass from growing back in. This worked great and I don't have to mulch anymore and a trip through the garden once a week to pull some stray weeds that found a spot is all I need to do. No landscape fabric and no mulch to buy every year. Thank you for proposing landscape fabric not being the solution. It makes it difficult to plant new plants and for plants to seed and thrive except for the weeds. Now half of my back yard has perennials blooming from snow to snow, almost weed free, and I live in Michigan.

[@whitekarenj]

Mulching with grass clippings? I had not thought of that. It doesn't wind up including some grass seed and getting you grass where you don't want it? BTW, I'm in Michigan also. :-)

[@juans3728]

On my driveway in the center i had all weed growing. I parked my vehicle on that spot for 2 years and when they removed the vehicle the area was bare with no weeds and my assumption is when you prevent the sun raze from hitting a certain area the roots die and there is no more sign of weed, even a plastic type of fabric such as heavy duty construction bag to cover the area and prevent growth, it really works and no weeds growing.

[@robyndismon394]

Write a book Candace. Your comment showed amazing and holistic problem solving skills. I've done the same thing. In my neck of the woods.🍀

[@annemiller1855]

@@juans3728 p

[@curtiscashen628]

What I noticed after watching a number of AlboPepper videos, is he is never in doubt. He states, this is the best way to do it and anyone that does it differently is wrong. Works for me!

[@Albopepper]

Welcome to my channel Curtis. And thanks for watching! In many of my videos topics, I've already spent time testing the subject at hand. So there's less guess work since the results have already been observed. I know there might be multiple ways to achieve the same goal & I try to respect other people's choices. But on some options, I've definitely drawn a line in the sand. For example, using herbicides like Roundup is an absolute no-no. On this, I will NOT budge! :-D

[@sandy-rr1by]

we all tout what works best for us. i am a landscape idiot, so i watch & take away whatever i want to try. i like his teaching style!

[@sweetsue4204]

Thank you. This video was very timely for me. I’m helping to recover numerous neglected flower beds, and we have over a hundred units in the building. That makes for a whole lot of cardboard. 😁

[@swizzleproxi4810]

I really like that creeping thyme, it looks so luscious & green.👍☺

[@ChocolateMelanin]

Fantastic idea 💡 I used the fabric in April & now the weeds are coming through in September 😩 I have lots of removal boxes in my shed. I’ll be doing this tomorrow 😅 thanks for sharing.

[@misottovoce]

Articulate and clear demonstration. Clever. Thank you!

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Thanks for all you do, great video for those who don't understand being as organic as possible can be easier.

[@Albopepper]

Thank-you so much for watching! :-)

[@carriebishop8568]

This video is great. Finally a video that makes perfect sense and doesn't candy code everything. Thank you for that.

[@LoveableEccentricity]

newspaper was an oldschool technique. I love this 'upgrade'.

[@LadyAdamina]

Thank you so much for the info. I have been struggling with an area out front with weeds and fabric covering. I will start savi g all of my cardboard boxes from here on out and do this. I compost so this actually isn't any different, I don't know why I didn't think of it before! Thanks again!

[@tkskagen]

A GREAT place for LARGE THICK pieces of cardboard is your "BIG BOX Stores and Grocery Stores"... They call them PALLET SLIPS. It creates a protective barrier between the Pallet and the Product. And, if you go into the store (relatively early 7-9am) and ask the Manager or Receiving Clerk NICELY, you can obtain as many of these as they have on hand! BONUS... And this Cardboard is the Recyclable "Dull" stuff without Tape or any "Shiny Finish" that will not properly biodegrade! Thanks for sharing this video with EVERYONE! Take care and Happy Easter, 🤓-Thomas Washington State

[@muhammadalitipu8224]

Thnx for ur tip..awsome

[@lyricwritertoo]

Just a heads up. I worked floral in a large grocery chain and we were not allowed to save anything for customers or give anything away. All cardboard was baled and sent out for money to the chain. The other reason was no room to store anything. Grocery chains work on the in and out basis every day. No place is designated as a save for anyone area for anything. Now a one owner or small local chain may. Or a single owner florist shop.

[@Luckingsworth]

Slip sheets are going to be hit or miss. We need them in order to make the bales. So if the store is low they wont give any up. So availability will fluctuate.

[@Shaikailash1]

I appreciate how you thought about the functionality but also how to respect nature!

[@gourdsbyjm]

Been using cardboard for years. Found out a long time ago that I did not like landscape fabric. Thanks for the video!

[@gaylestegall7239]

I love the idea of planting plants closer together.

[@tarvL]

Man this is exactly what I was needing. You are a genius... or at least useful for my yard issues. Thanks for this video

[@garywest3763]

Love this idea, I also really like the Creeping Thyme Idea

[@fishcakefi6263]

Even 4 years ago, it's still beneficial to me and everyone. Save my time and money, was planning to buy the fabric, and now i change my mind. Gotta find lots of boxes! Thanks again sir.. Sub and like your videos instantly.. 👍🏻

[@DadePomsouvan]

Great idea for using card boards, they decompose over time and it doesn't cost anything; You can actually get them for free at some recycling centers and it's great for the environment. Thanks for sharing!

[@wade5941]

Found your video because I am done with landscape fabric. Come to the conclusion that it is worthless and DOES create more problems. Well done video. Glad I found you.

[@nayakiabates8814]

Brilliant! Definitely using this in my yard. Thanks for sharing your time and ideas with us

[@janicelarsen8292]

Thank you so much for this video. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know that that black tarpey stuff is bad. Great advice and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Thank you!

[@2AProud]

Just ran across your video. Great idea and it appears to be very effective. I'm going to give it a try myself as I plan to mulch around a maple tree in my front yard. Thanks for the great video!

[@theresam1649]

My neighbor who did my yard last year put down black plastic on the ground to deter weed growth, but with all the rain there are giant weeds growing thru the plastic. I gave away my 2 weed eaters. Now I have to pull them out by hand, because I guess he is not doing my yard anymore, perhaps too many clients. So, this is good to know, I have some cardboard. Now, need some days off work to work on my yard. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!! ♥️👍

[@theresam1649]

P.S. I hate Roundup.

[@happyfrenchbuddha21stsanct74]

Will this surprise invasive trumpet vines and wild acacias??

[@happyfrenchbuddha21stsanct74]

Suppress!!

[@joybeum7177]

That was a great deal of very valuable information. Thank you for educating us on how to have a beautiful, weed-free yard without harming the environment, soil organisms or our own bodies!

[@lilithblackmoon2104]

super smart video. I just learned so much after only a short skim! now, im watching again from the beginning. THANK YOU!!!

[@saharal-haddad9381]

This is absolutely the best video breaking down pro and cons of landscape fabric and providing brilliant alternatives. I’m definitely subscribing to this channel! Thanks for the good info!

[@yarlettegebarowski5995]

Great advice. I used layers of newspapers several years ago to start a new flower bed. They said to lay it right on top of the grass in the fall and top with thick layer of wood chip mulch. The next spring it was perfect to plant flowers. I will definitely be using cardboard to use under shrubs and hedges then add my mulch. Thanks for this advice. I will be taking the fabric up and doing as you do.

[@ImTMZ]

Helpful beyond belief. DIY'ing my overgrown backyard and this provided *TONS* of info

[@behuman5725]

Great idea that i didn't know about so thank you. I admire the way you're conscious of the environment.

[@annemariefisher1559]

I have been doing cardboard for about three years and I did not have to weed all summer long and the cardboard Dissipated within the second year I had absolutely no waiting my soil was wonderful from the cardboard. It really does work

[@paolomaggi8188]

It's a great and simple idea!!! I tried it ......excellets results and zero cost!!!! Thank you very much

[@hannukka4416]

This really makes sense! Thank you for an eye opening garden video 🍀

[@jonathancung4702]

Thanks for the great information. Will try your process in my backyard.

[@YSLRD]

Great low key presentation. I subscribed. I prefer newspapers to cardboard. In my area ( heavy rain-zone 7) grasses are the problem. They are hard or impossible to simply pull out. It takes hours with a soil knife. You've motivated me to get out there and refresh my rose beds. 👍

[@chrisfindlay2393]

Fantastic and perfect advice , I have just created a large bed and within days it began being covered in pesky weeds , you have saved the day , Thankyou !

[@blackglama1]

Thank you, I agree the grasses and weeds still gets through . I’ll definitely use the cardboards from now on , I have plenty of it .

[@ayshab2105]

You are a saint. I just went out and got fabric for my garden bed. This is my first home so I'm looking at all kinds of videos. You literally are amazing thank you

[@marievanpeski196]

wished i had watched your vid before I laid fabric.... didnt even give the worms a thought! thanks for remin ding me to think !

[@user-gi2kq5iu5l]

Exactly the problem I had, not only I had roots growing on top of the sheet and the "top soil" but some genetically advanced weeds managed to penetrate through heavy thick plastic sheets... More work for me in the end. Finally took it all up.

[@janetcorey5102]

That happened to me. I am saving my cardboard. Hoarding boxes!

[@careyjamesmajeski3203]

Very much agree. The bit at the end was quite helpful. Thanks!

[@sandrac6373]

Thank you! I've been looking for an alternative to fabric and am so glad I watched your video. My daughter-in-law orders a ton online and my son always complains of having so many boxes to break down. I'll have an endless supply not to mention recycling in this manner will be much better for nature.

[@carinwiseman4309]

Very good. Very articulate. Thank you.

[@lawrencewheeler8868]

Called sheet composting! Great idea. Fabric good undet paths, patios, any hardscape. Great video!

[@Etuffly]

Lawrence Wheeler Yes. Rock “river beds”. There are areas where I don’t want anything to grow, so this idea doesn’t work for those areas.

[@vengefulvegan]

Thank you. You have totally changed how I’m going to replant our garden for the better.

[@gayleklein8890]

Wow! Awesome! I recently moved into a new home. Previous owners were not gardeners si it was landscape fabric and mulch, with a few plants! Being 65, and a Gardener, I was looking for way more plants and less grass! I have employed everything you talk about here and even though it will take some time, I am on my way! Keep up the good work