Frequently Asked Questions

1.What are DuPont Weed Control Fabrics?

DuPont weed control fabrics are scientifically engineered non-woven fabrics manufactured in a unique patented process in which continuous filaments of polypropylene are spun into a multidirectional web that is thermally and mechanically bonded. This process results in a uniform product with superior strength and durability, and excellent properties for air and water permeability.

2.What are the benefits of using DuPont Weed Control Fabrics?

Excellent properties for permeability allow water, air and nutrients to pass through the fabrics, while helping to prevent most weeds from growing through. This helps to promote a soil environment conducive to healthier plant growth, while providing low maintenance weed control. DuPont weed control fabrics’ superior properties for strength and durability assure long-term performance and satisfaction.

3.a.I see some weeds growing in Plantex® tooped areas. How is this possible ?

Over time all types of top covering will fill up with an organic layer which facilitates growing of airborne seeds. However these seeds cannot get their roots down through Plantex® into the soil , so their removal is very easy. To reduce the possibility for airborne weeds, you should:
1) chose right from the beginning a good quality mulch (e.g. bark) or an non-organic top cover (e.g. gravel)
2) do not overdo the thickness of the mulch layer, to allow it drying out during the warm days. Mulch decomposition is faster when always wet.

3.b.Will DuPont Weed Control Fabrics prevent all weed growth?

DuPont Weed control fabrics are effective against most weeds. Only difficult-to-control perennial weeds such as couch grass and horsetail may require additional measures. In the case of couch grass, a doubling up of the mulch layers should reduce most instances (e.g. 10 cm). For horsetail we recommend either a hand full of lime placed around the infected area and then lay a double thickness of Plantex® before finally covering with a double layer of mulch or use DuPont™ Plantex® Gold. Furthermore, weed seed germination in any mulch on top of the fabric is not prevented.

4.Can herbicides be used with the fabric?

Yes. The use of an herbicide may be desired for improved performance under difficult-to-control weed conditions or for weeds that have germinated in the mulch on top of the fabric. Be sure to consult and thoroughly read the herbicide manufacturer’s product label for recommended and approved uses.

5.How long will DuPont Weed Control Fabrics last?

DuPont weed control fabrics are UV stabilized and, in the absence of direct sunlight, will last many years. As long as Plantex® has been laid correctly with the correct depth of mulch covering, it will last for 20 years. If used uncovered, or with insufficient cover, the ultra violet rays in sunlight will, over time, reduce its tensile strength. Plantex® Gold is guaranteed 25 years if covered correctly.

6.Water appears to run off the fabric. Is the fabric really permeable to water?

Absolutely! The fabric must be "wetted-in" to overcome water surface tension. Once the fabric has been covered with a top-dress mulch, the fabric will readily "wet-in" and allow water passage.

7.Can I fertilize my plants through the fabric?

Yes. Any liquid or water-soluble fertilizer will readily pass through and will not adversely affect the fabric.

8.Are DuPont Weed Control Fabrics safe to use around water and/or a fish pond?

Yes. DuPont Weed Control Fabrics are inert and will not contaminate the water or harm fish. Plantex® can even be used to plant pond baskets and act as a filter layer in fish tanks.

9.Are DuPont Weed Control Fabrics harmful to children or pets?

No. DuPont weed control fabrics are inert and will not cause adverse affects to children or pets. Be sure, however, to dispose of product packaging, particularly plastic wrapping, to prevent possible suffocation or ingestion by children or pets.

10.Which way up do I lay DuPont Weed control fabric?

Any way! Plantex® and Plantex® Gold can be laid with either side facing the soil. For vertical applications e.g. preventing weed invasion from a neighbouring property, DuPont™ Plantex® RootBarrier should be considered.

11.Can I lay DuPont weed control fabrics around existing beds?

Yes, although slightly more fiddly than a new bed, DuPont weed control fabrics can be cut around the base of your plants. Remember to allow a 10 cm overlap, when laying more than one piece.

12.How much overlap is required between overlapping lengths of fabric?

In general, 10 cm is sufficient.

13.What type of top-dress mulch is recommended?

Any type of organic (wood) or inorganic (stone or rubber) mulch may be used. For long-term durability and performance 5 cm of mulch is recommended. The mulch layer should be of good quality, dry and not too thick. A thick mulch will not dry out and will decompose faster, resulting in humus substrate for air-borne seeds.

14.Can I use DuPont Weed Control Fabrics without mulch?

DuPont™ Plantex® Gold and DuPont™ Plantex® CocoMat can be used without being covered by any type of mulch. Plantex® Pro weed control fabric must be covered to guarantee durability.The DuPont™ Plantex® product range offers three weed control fabrics: DuPont™ Plantex®, Plantex® Gold and Plantex® CocoMat

15.Can I walk on DuPont™ Plantex®?

Yes, but the soil must be firm enough to support you. Otherwise Plantex® may get folds and any overlaps may be reduced or even torn up.
Be aware when walking on Plantex® that it is more slippery than natural soil.

16. Can I walk or drive on pavement that was underlined with Plantex® ?

Plantex® is used under footpaths in public parks, pedestrianised and landscaped areas, under golf bunkers, turfed sports surfaces and many other applications.
However, for driveways or places where vehicle movements are likely to take place we would suggest a heavier grade material that is designed for the job.

1.Can I drive on DuPont™ Plantex® GroundGrid®?

Yes, once the grid cells have been filled, vehicles can drive over the grid.

2.Can I lay DuPont™ Plantex® GroundGrid® on a slope?

Yes, DuPont™ Plantex® GroundGrid® can be used on slopes but :if you plan to drive on the grid, then the slope is limited to 5° if no vehicle traffic is foreseen, you may install it on a slope up to 20°

3.Which size product should I use?

If using gravel to fill DuPont™ Plantex® GroundGrid® cells, this determines which grid to use. 10-14mm aggregate = 55 x 50mm or 55 x 100 mm 20-35mm aggregate = 110 x 50mm 110 x 100 mm If using turf or grass seed we recommend the 55 x 50mm grid Size 110 x 50mm should not be used for traffic

4.Can I use any type of gravel for the infill material?

No, only crushed, angular gravel must be used to fill the cells. Pea shingle or cobble type products may only be used as a decorative surcharge on top of the grid.