DIY Network

Can someone tell me if I can use layers of newspaper as landscape netting or fabric? I thought I read somewhere that you can deter weeds by taking several layers of newspaper and laying them down in a garden bed then spray with water to get moist. Then you either put down rocks, pebbles, or mulch to cover up.

Is this possible? I have a HUGE weed problem and am willing to do anything to get rid of all the bindweed we have that is destroying our day lilies and blueberry bushes.

Hi Dan,

I too am having a huge problem with bindweed this year. Generally you can't suffocate bindweed with layers of newspaper because of it's extensive root system. This site has some really good info on bindweed. I don't use the toxic chemicals they recommend with one exception and that is glyphosate. Here's how I use it.

Put about an inch of Round Up Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate (you could also use Brush B Gone) in a clear plastic container with a tight fitting lid like you might get at the deli with potato salad. Cut a slit in the lid and insert the tips of the vine in the solution when in active growth (has leaves on it and the leaves need to be in the solution). Leave the vines in the solution for 48 hours and then cut the vines near the lid. To remove the vine from the lid, be sure and take the container to a safe place so that no solution splashes on anything precious. You can reuse the solution until it is all absorbed. Everytime I find a new sprout I do this same procedure. You can also use this method to get rid of vines such as wisteria, Campsis radicans (trumpet vine), etc.

Good luck!
Newt

Newt,

Great thanks.

So can I ask. Can one use newspapers as a landscape net/fabric? My neighbors used rolls of this black fabric under their mulch and it prevented weeds. I have a huge area in my property that we want to mulch and prevent other weeds as well. Could I re use my newspapers instead of composting or recycling them? It would save us tons of money too since the fabric is synthetic (not eco) and costs about $30 a roll.

Dan,

The newspapers will work however, keep in mind that they usually only last a couple of years at best. The newspapers will decompose naturally. This method works great in areas that either will be reworked each year or those that are planted with spreading species to take over as ground cover. I use newspapers in all my flower beds & gardens, but if you're wanting to rockscape I wouldn't use paper. I use a synthetic fabric for that so I wouldn't be pulling weeds & grass out each year. The older I get the heavier the rock is to move when the fabric needs to be replaced. I never realized that rock gains weight at the same rate I do each year.

Well, as I wipe that embarrassed look off my face, I not only forgot to mention the fact that the newspapers will break down over time and aren't an effective long term weed barrier, but I also forgot to add the link with the info about bindweed!
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7462.html

Thank you CYTCapital for answering that for me.

Landscape fabric is more expensive then weed block. If all you want to do is block weeds, I would suggest you use that instead. Landscape fabric is used to hold soil in place and allow water to drain through in projects such as behind a retaining wall or around a French drain. Dampened newspaper is best used in flower or veggie beds. And btw, dampen them as you go or the slightest wind will have you chasing them all over the garden like I did. Gave the neighbors a good giggle though.

Newt