If you are planning to install a barrier to prevent weeds in your garden or under your decking, you might be asking, ‘Does weed membrane let water through?’. Weed membrane can be a great way to keep weeds down. It can enhance the look of your garden and prevent weeds from growing underneath your decking, poking through the gaps in your decking boards and potentially damaging the structure.
You certainly don’t want water pooling under your decking or elsewhere in the garden, as this could be potentially damaging to both your decking and other parts of the garden. In this guide, we’ll determine whether weed membrane is waterproof, and set your mind at rest if you are considering installing this useful and eco-friendly product.
Article contents
- What is Weed Membrane?
- What is Weed Membrane Made From?
- Does Weed Membrane Let Water Through?
- Pros and Cons of Weed Membrane
- FAQs
- Weed Proof Your Garden
What is a Weed Membrane?
A weed membrane is a piece of fabric that is laid underneath a surface such as soil, gravel, stones or decking to prevent weeds from coming out of the ground. It does this primarily by blocking the light that weeds and other plants need to grow, but it also provides a physical barrier that can prevent roots and stems from passing through.
It is under the surface, which means it doesn’t spoil the aesthetic of your garden and can protect the plants that you want to grow while allowing air and water to get through to keep the soil healthy.
What is Our Weed Membrane Made From?
Dino Decking’s weed membrane is crafted from 100gsm heavy-duty, UV-stabilised woven material that is engineered to resist tearing and withstand harsh weather conditions. It is a heavy-duty mesh that offers long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance thanks to its durable material and design.
Does Weed Membrane Let Water Through?
The fabric that weed membrane is made from is a heavy-duty, permeable mesh that allows water to pass through it. This enables the soil and any plants below it to get the water they need. It also means no blockage or build-up of water could damage or drown nearby plants, while the light-blocking properties of the membrane mean that weeds can still be discouraged or stopped.
It’s worth noting that weed membrane will stop other plants besides weeds from growing. The best way to grow plants that you want to keep is to cut holes in the membrane around existing plants or where you intend to plant new ones.
The Pros and Cons of Weed Membrane
Pros of Weed Membrane
- Weed membrane is very effective at stopping weeds from growing.
- Its permeable material means that water-logging isn’t an issue.
- Weed membrane can cover a large area and is therefore great for wide spaces and gardens, as well as installation underneath decking.
Cons of Weed Membrane
- Wear and tear may eventually fray the ends of the membrane or create holes that could let some weeds through.
- Although damage is rare with Dino Decking’s heavy-duty weed membrane, some maintenance may be required to ensure it performs optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Lay Weed Membrane?
First, you should prepare the ground, getting rid of any sharp stones and existing weeds. Get the ground as flat as possible and cut your membrane to size, leaving an overlap at each edge and in places where different pieces of membrane meet. Cut holes in any areas where you want to grow other plants. Spread out the weed membrane and secure it with pegs around the edges. Finally, cover it with your chosen surface, such as gravel, stones, mulch or decorative aggregates. See our blog on how to lay weed membrane for more detail.
Can You Put Weed Membrane Over Weeds?
You can place a weed membrane over existing weeds and other plants, but it is always best to remove existing weeds first. This will help to prevent regrowth and ensure the most effective weed suppression.
Are Weed Membranes Effective?
Due to their heavy-duty nature, durability and permeability, weed membranes are highly effective at blocking even the most persistent weeds while keeping the soil healthy and allowing other plants to thrive. Weed membranes can cover a large area with ease, making gardening a lot easier.
Can You Water Plants Through a Weed Membrane?
Yes, you can water plants through a weed membrane thanks to its permeable properties. The membrane will block light to all plants underneath it, however, and it may prevent roots from establishing themselves if you have a layer of soil above the membrane. It is best to cut a hole in the membrane if you want to grow certain plants in the area.
Weed-Proof Your Garden With Premium Permeable Weed Membrane
Does weed control membrane let water through? You can rest assured that it does, and this means it can help keep the soil underneath healthy and avoid pooling or standing water from rain or deliberate watering of the area.
Check out our full range of composite decking boards, infrastructure and accessories, including our permeable, heavy-duty weed membrane to make sure you have everything you need to design and install your ideal outdoor spaces.