When doing landcaping, it is better to put down plastic or mesh to keep the weeds out?

Question

I have an area that I want to plant a few shrubs and accent with small daylillys. I will top with mulch. Is it better to put down sheets of plastic or to put mesh down to keep weeds out?

Answer 1

i prefer mesh. newspaper works just as good too

Answer 2

Use landscape fabric you don't want to use plastic or it won't allow water to drain through.  The weeds will still grow in the top layer of mulch so if you want to keep a lot of the weeds away use Preen in addition to the landscape fabric.

Answer 3

I don't like to use the plastic, even thought it will kill the weeds.

My plants do better with nothing under the mulch or with the mesh, at least the mesh lets the ground breath and allows for better water penetration.

Answer 4

I prefer newspaper as it is free and breaks down naturally.  Plastic tears and makes a big mess years later.

Answer 5

plastic is not a good thing, as it will make the soil under it 'go sour' from lack of air.. the trapped moisture under it would mold to high heaven!.... and STINK!!!....