If you’ve spent any time gardening or landscaping in the Pacific Northwest, you know one thing for sure—weeds are relentless. Thanks to our region’s abundant rainfall, rich soil, and moderate climate, everything grows fast. Unfortunately, that includes weeds. Whether you’re in Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, or even drier climates like Bend, OR, it can feel like a never-ending battle. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners turn to weed barriers as a solution. But should you use them?

Weed barriers, often made of fabric or plastic, are placed beneath the soil or mulch with the hope of stopping weeds from sprouting. On paper, they sound great. People are drawn to them because they promise low-maintenance landscaping. But let’s dig deeper—are they really the best long-term solution for our region?

Why GRO Doesn’t Use Weed Barriers

At GRO, we take a different approach. Simply put, we don’t use weed barriers—and there are good reasons for that. First, weed fabric often becomes exposed over time. Between heavy rain, erosion, and foot traffic, the barrier peeks out and becomes unsightly. Even worse, weeds eventually grow on top of and through the fabric, especially as debris and soil accumulate over it. The result? You’re right back where you started—pulling weeds.

Moreover, weed barriers make future planting a chore. Want to change your design or add new plants? You’ll find yourself fighting through a tough layer of material to do so. As professional landscapers in Portland, OR, we want your yard to be both beautiful and flexible—not boxed in by a frustrating layer of fabric.

What We Do Instead

Instead of using ineffective weed barriers, our team at GRO focuses on proven, sustainable strategies for weed control that work with the natural environment.

1. Mulch: Nature’s Weed Blocker

One of our top tools? Mulch. We use a thick layer of high-quality mulch in every landscaping project in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, and Bend, OR. Mulch blocks light, which prevents weed seeds from germinating. Plus, it adds nutrients to your soil as it breaks down and helps retain moisture during dry months. Win-win-win!

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2. Targeted Herbicide Application

We also use safe, selective herbicides when necessary. But here’s the key: we don’t spray—we drip. By dripping herbicide directly onto the weed, we minimize overspray and avoid damaging nearby plants. This method is especially useful in dense plantings or around delicate landscaping features.

Of course, safety is paramount. Our landscapers wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. We also follow all environmental guidelines to protect your family, pets, and the local ecosystem.

3. Hand Pulling (Only When Needed!)

Finally, when all else fails, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Hand-pulling is labor-intensive, so we save it for isolated trouble spots. But when done correctly, it’s highly effective—especially for large or mature weeds.

The First Year Is the Toughest—Stick With It!

Here’s an important thing to know: the first year of a new landscape is always the most weed-prone. That’s because weed seeds are already in the soil, just waiting for the right conditions. However, each year gets easier. As we stop new weeds from going to seed, the overall population drops. By year three, most of our landscaping clients in Bend, OR, Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR report minimal weed issues.

Ready for a Weed-Free Yard? Let’s Talk!

To wrap it up—weed barriers just don’t work well in the long run, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Instead, GRO uses a combination of mulch, precision herbicide application, and hand-pulling to manage weeds sustainably and beautifully. We understand the unique needs of every landscape in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, and Bend, OR, and we’re excited to help you love your yard—without the constant battle.

Need help creating a low-maintenance, weed-resistant landscape? Or just want some advice from experienced landscapers in Portland, OR and beyond? You can Get Started Here. We’re here to help every step of the way!