Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 27th February 2025, 9:21 am

Hi @wendy

This is the biggest problem with using weed membranes and fabric weed materials in the garden; they cook and kill off the soil, especially in hot summers.

The best way to improve soil after such a weed membrane or ground cover has been used is to dig in plenty of organic matter, like peat-free compost or leaf mould, along with well-rotten manure.

This video on improving soil should help!

https://youtu.be/xHWb0-hnzR8

Why weed membranes are harmful in the garden

Weed membranes, while often used to suppress weeds in gardens and landscapes, can have several negative impacts on the soil and wildlife.

Here are some key reasons why they can be harmful:

1. Soil Compaction: Weed membranes, particularly plastic ones, prevent natural air and water movement into the soil. This can lead to soil compaction over time, making it harder for plant roots to penetrate and grow properly. Compacted soil also restricts the movement of earthworms and beneficial soil organisms, which are essential for soil health.

2. Water Drainage Issues: Because these membranes block water from penetrating the soil directly, they can cause poor drainage, leading to water pooling on the surface. This water stagnation can suffocate plant roots, and in areas with heavy rainfall, it may lead to erosion or root rot.

3. Reduced Soil Fertility: Over time, weed membranes prevent organic matter, such as leaves or grass clippings, from naturally decomposing and enriching the soil. This limits the soil’s ability to maintain healthy nutrient levels, ultimately affecting plant health and the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.

4. Impeded Soil Aeration: Healthy soil requires oxygen for the survival of organisms like bacteria, fungi, and insects that help decompose organic matter and contribute to nutrient cycling. By blocking airflow to the soil, weed membranes can disrupt these essential processes.

5. Toxicity from Chemical Coatings: Some weed membranes, especially plastic varieties, contain chemical additives that can leach into the soil. These chemicals can be harmful to soil organisms, potentially poisoning the soil and negatively affecting plant growth. These chemicals might also contaminate groundwater.

6. Harm to Soil Microbes: Healthy soil teems with a variety of microorganisms that play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and plant growth. A membrane that blocks water and air can stifle microbial life, harming the soil's overall health and its ability to support plant growth.

7. Wildlife Disruption: Weed membranes can be harmful to wildlife in several ways. Small animals may become trapped under the material, unable to escape. Birds and insects, which rely on the soil and plants for food and shelter, may be discouraged from entering or using the area. Additionally, when plastic membranes break down, they can contribute to microplastic pollution, which can infiltrate local ecosystems and harm wildlife.

8. Non-Biodegradable: Many weed membranes are made of plastic or other synthetic materials that do not break down naturally. Over time, these materials accumulate in the environment, contributing to long-term waste and pollution problems. This also means they need to be manually removed and disposed of, adding to environmental impact.

9. Impaired Plant Growth: While they block weeds, weed membranes also restrict the movement of nutrients and water to the plants you want to grow. Plants may struggle to get the nutrients they need, especially if the membrane is used in combination with minimal soil amendments or organic matter.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja