Need some help fellas

[Kansas Cockshutt]

Looking into adding to a wind break around the house this spring since all of Allen's in NE snow keeps blowing across here.

The extension service can provide the trees at a discount;

however the trees are not the expensive part. The "fabric weed barrier" is big $$$

Last windbreak rows I put in, the ground was disked, then I mulched after planting the trees with free mulch near by town gives away (and even load onto your trailer for free). Ended up with nice rows that I could work or mow along and the trees took off well.

The "fabric" is supposed to do as good a job as the mulch (supress weeds and retain moisture) but is high dollar $.

I am worried about my free mulch supply, "free time", and my back pitching all that mulch.

My question to all of you is:
a. Is there a place to get the "fabric" cheaply? I tried all local sources, seems the places in town that do landscaping are really proud of it. Even big $ on ebuy.
b. What is the difference in the "fabrics" noticed the cheaper ones are out there but are paper thin compared to the expensive and thicker ones. Can you skimp here and get results?
c. Is there a good substitute for the fabric that can be obtained cheaply?

I am looking at putting in approximately 3000 feet of additional windbreak, about 4 foot wide. Need either 4 foot by 4 squares or just a straight run of 4 foot by 3000'.

Thanks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I buy tons of the stuff. I buy rolls that are either 12 or 15' wide and 400+ feet long. They are easy to cut with a sharp utility knife.

I get most of mine from Brock-White which is basically a construction supply house. I can check prices if you would like.

 

[Hotflashjr]

I have found that even when you put that down, if you do not put some type of "mulch" on top it just blows around and makes a mess. We had some thin stuff at our house and it rotted away in about 5 years. I would stick with the free mulch and get your kids, grandkids, nephews/nieces, to help your back out.

 

[Spritzer]

Use a ground-driven manure spreader to spread the mulch----Lots easier than off-loading with a shovel or silage fork.

 

[Rob in Ore]

If weed suppression is your main goal how about Caseron granules? I've used it with good results.

 

[Kansas Cockshutt]

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like I will polish up another pitch fork handle slinging termite food.