Covering Landscape Plants with Burlap Textile Material
Burlap landscape fabric, a coarse and woven cloth made from natural fibers, has become a popular choice for gardeners seeking a natural, breathable, and biodegradable solution for protecting plants, suppressing weeds, and conserving soil moisture.
A Protective Barrier for Plants
Burlap acts as a shield against various environmental factors, providing a protective wrap for trees and shrubs. It allows air and water to pass through, shielding plants from wind, frost, and pests, promoting healthy root growth, especially for newly planted or transplanted trees.
Weed Suppression and Soil Erosion Control
By employing burlap fabric as a natural weed barrier, gardeners can block sunlight, reducing weed germination while permitting water and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This makes it effective under gravel or in garden beds with light foot traffic. In addition, burlap landscape fabric serves as a physical barrier against weeds, reducing the need for chemical weed control methods.
Burlap fabric also plays a crucial role in soil erosion control, preventing soil particles from being washed or blown away during heavy rain or wind.
Moisture Retention and Soil Health
Burlap helps moderate soil moisture by reducing evaporation without waterlogging, supporting healthier plants and reducing irrigation needs. It also helps in moisture control by allowing water to permeate while reducing evaporation, efficiently distributing water to plant roots.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Burlap is an affordable, reusable, and sustainable choice compared with plastic landscape fabric, which can leave non-biodegradable waste. This makes burlap a popular choice for those who prioritize eco-friendliness in their gardening practices.
Best Practices for Using Burlap Landscape Fabric
When using burlap landscape fabric, it's essential to consider its biodegradability. Some burlap today may be synthetic and not fully biodegradable. For planting ball-and-burlap shrubs or trees, it is generally advised to leave the burlap on but loosen and cut it away from the top to avoid restricting growth and root expansion.
Before wrapping plants in burlap fabric, prepare the planting area by removing existing weeds and debris, and consider amending the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its structure and fertility. Burlap fabric is used in a gardening technique called sheet mulching, where it acts as a sturdy base layer in layered materials to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and enrich the soil.
Limitations
While burlap landscape fabric is effective in various gardening applications, it may last 3–5 years depending on exposure. It is not suitable for high-traffic or heavy load areas like vehicle driveways, where stronger synthetic geotextiles are preferred.
In summary, best practices for burlap landscape fabric focus on using it as a breathable, biodegradable barrier that protects plant roots, suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and supports sustainable gardening, while ensuring proper handling around plants during planting to avoid hindering growth. Burlap fabric's natural properties make it a valuable tool for gardeners seeking a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for their gardening needs.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Burlap Landscape Fabric: Uses and Benefits. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/burlap-landscape-fabric.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2021). Burlap Landscape Fabric: Pros and Cons. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/pros-and-cons-of-burlap-landscape-fabric-3188616
[3] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). How to Plant Balled and Burlapped Trees and Shrubs. [online] Available at: https://www.almanac.com/plant/balled-and-burlapped-trees-and-shrubs
[4] Fine Gardening. (2021). The Benefits of Using Burlap Landscape Fabric. [online] Available at: https://www.finegardening.com/the-benefits-of-using-burlap-landscape-fabric.aspx
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