This guide provides instructions on the proper use of weed matting in commercial horticultural settings. Weed mats are an essential tool for controlling weed growth, improving water retention, and enhancing soil health without the use of harmful chemicals. By using this guide, farm managers and workers will understand how to effectively install and maintain weed mats, ensuring optimal crop yields and healthier, cleaner farming environments. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits of using weed mats, including reduced labour costs, improved crop quality, and long-term soil preservation. 

Materials Needed:

  • Weed Mat: Choose a durable, UV-stabilised weed mat appropriate for the crop type and farm size. 
  • Ground Staples or Pegs: These securely fasten the weed mat to the soil and keep it in place, even in windy conditions. 
  • Utility Knife or Scissors: For cutting the weed mat to the desired size and shape. 
  • Measuring Tape: To accurately measure the area where the weed mat will be installed. 
  • Landscape Pins/Clips: To secure edges or overlap sections of the weed mat. 
  • Gloves: For handling the materials safely and protecting hands from sharp edges. 
  • Hammer or Mallet: To drive in the ground staples or pegs if the soil is hard. 
  • Shovel or Hoe: For clearing the area of existing weeds and debris and for levelling the ground before laying the mat. 

Good Prep Practices Before Installing Weed Mat:

  • Clear the Area of Weeds and Debris: Remove any existing weeds, rocks, or debris from the ground to ensure a smooth surface for the mat. 
  • Level the Ground: Make sure the soil is even and compacted to prevent gaps under the mat where weeds could grow. 
  • Allow for Irrigation Planning: Ensure your irrigation system is in place before laying the weed mat to avoid damaging the mat during later installation. 
  • Measure the Area: Accurately measure the plot where the weed mat will be installed to cut the right size and avoid wastage. 
  • Pre-cut Planting Holes (if needed): Mark and cut holes for plants in the weed mat before installation if you’re working with pre-planted crops or seedlings. 

Safety Precautions:

  • Wear Protective Gloves: Protect hands from cuts when handling sharp tools like scissors, utility knives, and staples. 
  • Use Eye Protection: If cutting or working in windy conditions, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. 
  • Handle Tools Carefully: Ensure all cutting tools are used with caution and stored safely when not in use. 
  • Lift Heavy Materials Safely: Use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy rolls of weed mat to prevent back strain. 
  • Secure Loose Clothing: Ensure no loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in tools or materials. 
  • Ensure Adequate Ventilation: If working in enclosed spaces or tunnels, ensure good ventilation while installing the weed mat. 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION GUIDE

Step 1: Prepare the soil
  • Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris.
  • Level the soil if necessary, using a rake to create an even surface.
Step 2: Lay the Weed Mat
  • Position the weed mat over the prepared area, ensuring it covers the entire space you want to protect.
Step 3: Insert staples
  • Use Empak Weed Mat Pins to secure the edges of the weed mat to the ground. Place pins every 1-2 feet around the perimeter.
Step 4: Cut holes for plants
Step 5: Put plant/seeds in the hole
Step 6: Cover with bark, soil, or pebbles

For added stability, you can cover the weed mat with a layer of mulch or soil, which helps with moisture retention.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular Inspections

  • Periodically inspect the weed mat for any signs of wear, tears, or displacement. Check after strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme weather conditions. 
  • Look for areas where weeds may be growing through or around the mat and address them promptly. 

Weed Growth Control

  • Weeds may grow around the edges of the mat. Regularly trim or remove these to prevent them from spreading under the mat. 
  • If any weeds break through small holes or gaps, manually remove them and patch the mat if necessary. 

Proper Cleaning

  • Keep the surface of the weed mat free of debris, such as fallen leaves, branches, and dirt, as these can decompose and create a medium for weed growth. 
  • Use a broom or light blower to clear off any buildup regularly. 

Reinforce Fastenings

  • Over time, the ground staples or pegs securing the mat can loosen. Check them periodically and re-secure or add additional fastenings as needed, especially at the edges and corners. 

Repair Tears and Holes

  • If the mat gets torn, repair it promptly by patching the affected area with another piece of weed mat and securing it with pegs or landscape pins to prevent weeds from growing through. 

Watering and Irrigation

  • Ensure that irrigation systems are functioning properly and not causing waterlogging in areas under the mat, as this could lead to soil erosion or mat damage. 
  • Avoid excessive water pooling on top of the mat, which can wear it down over time. 

Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic

  • Limit foot traffic or equipment movement over the weed mat as this can cause wear and tear. Use designated walkways or install temporary protective coverings in high-traffic areas. 

Reapply Fasteners After Soil Movement

  • If the soil beneath the weed mat shifts due to planting, harvesting, or other activities, recheck the tightness of the fasteners and reposition the mat if necessary to ensure it remains flush with the ground. 

Rotate Mat Placement (if applicable)

  • If your farm employs crop rotation, consider rotating the weed mat’s location to prevent soil compaction or degradation in one area, while also prolonging the mat’s usability in different sections of the farm. 

Conclusions

Using weed mats effectively on commercial horticultural farms can greatly enhance crop productivity by reducing weed competition, retaining soil moisture, and minimising labour costs. By following the steps outlined in this guide—preparing the soil, selecting the right materials, ensuring proper installation, and maintaining the mat regularly—you’ll ensure long-lasting performance and a cleaner, more efficient growing environment. 
 

For any questions or if you require further assistance with the installation of weed mats, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you get the best results for your farm.