Trying To Control Weeds? Avoid One Landscaping Fabric Alternative At All Costs

Unless you are the rare gardener who actually enjoys spending hours pulling the little pests out of the soil by their roots, weeds are one of the most annoying parts of gardening. For most of us, it's one of those unwanted chores, like doing the dishes. Luckily, there are several great strategies for removing weeds in your lawn and garden. Landscape fabric is one common material that can prevent weeds from growing in your garden beds. It allows moisture and airflow through but keeps light from reaching weeds as they come up, while giving your plants just enough room to grow. 

In an effort to find an affordable alternative to landscape fabric, gardeners have tried a recycling solution that could be detrimental to both plants and soil. Some people believe that tar paper can be used instead, because it is a flexible, waterproof material. Also known as roofing felt, it is used as a moisture-blocking underlayment on roofs. However, just because it can be used to control weeds doesn't mean it is safe for your garden or your soil. When it comes down to it, this particular material is one you should avoid at all costs.

If you are considering using tar paper to get rid of weeds in your garden, don't. It may seem like a convenient alternative to landscape fabric if you have some left over after a recent renovation project. But the problem is, if you're growing edible plants, what you put in your garden inevitably will have an impact on your food. Tar paper is a material designed for construction projects, mainly roofing, and is likely not a suitable material to use around food or other plants.

There aren't any specific studies to confirm the effects of tar paper on your garden (probably because tar paper is not intended to interact with soil). But experts highly advise against it. Tar paper contains petroleum-based chemicals, such as liquid asphalt, that are not safe for human consumption. There have been studies that show that asphalt pavement can leach contaminants into nearby soil and groundwater. Some tar paper also contains fiberglass. 

In addition, the waterproof nature of the material is not ideal for garden use. Landscape fabrics are designed to allow water and air through, and restricting that could cause more harm to your plants. At the end of the day, if there is even a small chance that using tar paper could damage or contaminate your plants and do harm to you and your family, is it really worth it? Your plants care about what's really in your topsoil, so if you go adding materials that are known to contain harmful chemicals, you're not doing your garden or your lawn any favors.