The Benefits of Weed Fabric
What is weed fabric, and why should you invest in it?
Weed fabric, also referred to as weed mat, is a ground cover made of a plastic-based woven material. This plastic sheeting can be used in an agricultural setting to prevent weeds. Nurseries and many types of plantings, including berries, primarily utilize it.
Weed fabric blocks sunlight from penetrating into the soil, which inhibits the germination of weed seeds. When it comes to irrigating crops, the woven material provides access to water, keeping the soil damp while preventing the growth of weeds. Due to their ability to steal nutrients from crops and plants, weed control significantly promotes the growth of fruits and plants. When weeds threaten their resources, such as water and sunlight, crops are more susceptible to disease, which can lead to plant stress.
Given how costly it is to spray weeds, growers can save time and money by installing weed fabric, which is an excellent investment that pays for itself. On average, weed fabric has a seven-year lifespan. However, this is dependent on a variety of environmental factors, including sunlight exposure, wind, and physical damage. Moreover, it resists UV light, increasing longevity.
In a commercial setting, weed fabric is typically installed with a special tractor attachment that slices the material into the ground. It is then folded and secured with metal staples into the soil. Although labor-intensive, weed mat can also be installed and trimmed by hand, and the edges can be burned with a torch to prevent fraying.
At Jim’s Supply, we service commercial growers. 48” x 1,000’ rolls are in stock, and other sizes may be available upon request.
