This spring and summer, we have installed lots of bulk mulch in Overland Park and nearby areas. Occasionally, we run across a flower bed with landscape fabric under the mulch. The reason people have installed this is to prevent weeds from growing. While the goal is noble, we do not recommend it. Here’s why:

• Landscape fabric prevents the mulch from breaking down, and incorporating into the soil. It defeats one of the primary purposes of mulch.
• With landscape fabric underneath, the mulch more easily washes away. Not ideal.
• Weeds and roots can grow and get enmeshed in the landscape fabric. That is a real mess.
• Landscape fabric prevents growth of the shrubs, bushes, and plants that you want to grow and expand.
• Landscape fabric encourages the soil below to become compacted, which inhibits growth of your plants.
• Landscape fabric is not natural. We are fans of incorporating natural materials into your lawn and garden. More on this:

Natural materials include compost, organic fertilizers, organic soil amendments, grass clippings, mulch, etc. A thick layer of mulch will greatly reduce the weeds from germinating, as they will struggle to get the daylight that they need. You may need to pull weeds or spray them with an organic weed killer occasionally. That’s okay, it’s the nature of having a beautiful, dynamic lawn, flower beds, and garden. Enjoy your time outside with beautiful plants, a lush lawn, and natural elements!