Even in my own garden, I saw that plastic sheets were placed just below a small layer of topsoil and mulch where some shrubs and flowers were being grown. What is this layer of plastic used for?And if I wanted to suppress an invasive species (English Ivy) with this layer of plastic, would it work?
It is more then likely landscape fabric. The commercial grade stuff is more like a tarp plastic. The purpose of the stuff is to keep weeds from growing under it but letting water and other nutrients get in. In most cases mulch is placed in a thick layer on top to help stop the weeds from growing above the fabric. In a garden situation when dirt is placed on top you will still get the weeds but it can help if you place sterilized dirt on top as it will have less weed seeds. Most fabrics will give you a good couple of years of protection depending on the quality. The better the fabric the longer it will last. Also if you are placing a mulch on top make it thick layer. 3 to 4 inches to stop a lot of weeds from growing. As to the English Ivy you have to watch out because it is very invasive. If you are willing to use chemicals to help along with the fabric and also hand weeding you may get some control over it. Good luck The Lawn Lady
This is used to stop weeds from growing and hold in water you can also use several layers of old news paper for the same purpose place layers of soil on top and mulch this is great for a new flower bed but sometimes weeds will make their way out
Weed barrier and moisture retention
We use them to keep out weeds. Its much easier than pulling regularly
Landscaper's Fabric? There's also some type of weed-stopping material. The Landscapers Fabric is used to keep out bugs and animals from coming up underneath and digging down. I'm not sure about the Ivy, it depends on if its a runner or not.
