I'm planning to spread mulch around some areas of my yard next week, but I have a few spots with weeds. Should I lay down landscape fabric before adding the mulch to keep the weeds at bay, or would it be better to just cut the weeds down and throw the mulch on top? What do you think?
2 Answers
When dealing with weeds, I usually grind them down or pull them out, then cover the area with cardboard before adding mulch on top. This helps with weed suppression. If you're worried about future weeds and want to be proactive, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide like Preen after laying down your mulch. Just make sure to measure first so you know how much mulch you need!
I recommend pulling as many weeds as you can by hand before applying a solid 2-3 inches of mulch. Using a small pitchfork or weed fork can help loosen the soil and ensure you get the whole root out. Honestly, fabric is kind of a waste; as the mulch breaks down, it can lead to weeds growing through the fabric down the line. Just go with mulch directly!
I haven't measured yet, but there's a local yard that will fill my trailer for $20. I plan to get as many loads as I need.