Weedcover

Weedcover is a term used in horticulture and landscape management to describe the practice of suppressing weed growth by covering soil with a layer of material. It encompasses organic mulches, inorganic films, woven or nonwoven fabrics, and living covers that block light, physically prevent germination, or outcompete weeds.

Materials and methods used under the Weedcover approach include organic mulches such as straw, wood chips, and leaves; synthetic options like black plastic or landscape fabrics; and biodegradable films made from starches or other compostable polymers. Living covers use cover crops or dense ground covers to shade the soil and outcompete weeds. Installation typically involves preparing the bed, laying the covering material to fully enclose the soil, and securing edges to prevent wind displacement. Overlaps and cutouts must be carefully managed to accommodate irrigation, plants, and drainage. Removal or modification of the cover is usually needed when crops are established or flowering is required.

Applications of Weedcover range from home gardens and nursery beds to orchards, vineyards, and public landscapes. Benefits commonly cited include reduced weed emergence, improved moisture retention, lowered soil erosion, moderated soil temperature, and potential reductions in herbicide use. Limitations include initial material costs, disposal considerations for non-biodegradable covers, possible impacts on soil organisms and drainage, and the need for ongoing management to prevent gaps where weeds can reestablish.

Historically, mulch and plastic coverings have been used for weed control for decades, with ongoing development of more sustainable and easily managed options within the Weedcover framework.