The Cool Down
Expert issues warning after discovering homeowner's 'fatal' landscaping mistake…
Landscaping fabric is one of the worst approaches to weed control, one that causes more problems than it solves.
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Common Gardening Mistake: Weed Fabric Linked to Tree Deaths, Arborist Warns
Atlanta, GA – An expert arborist has issued a warning to homeowners about a common gardening practice that can prove fatal to trees. Certified arborist, known online as 'Speaking for the Trees,' recently highlighted the case of a large water oak tree suffering from severe drought stress and an ambrosia beetle infestation, both linked to the use of weed fabric. According to the arborist, the tree's yellowing leaves were a clear indicator of distress. "This tree has been suffering from lack of water and nutrients," she explained. The underlying issue was the installation of weed fabric beneath a layer of mulch. While seemingly beneficial for weed control, this fabric prevents essential water and nutrients from penetrating the soil and reaching the tree's roots. The stressed tree then became vulnerable to ambrosia beetles, which are attracted to weakened trees. These beetles carry a fungus that clogs the tree's vascular system, effectively cutting off its internal water and nutrient supply. "The problem isn't the tiny little hole that you can't even see," the arborist stated, referring to the beetle's entry point. "The problem is the fungus that they carry on their back." The arborist strongly advises against using weed fabric, emphasizing that it literally kills plants by depriving them of vital resources. She urged viewers to "not use weed fabric" to ensure the health and longevity of their trees.
