can i use an old plastic rug as a weed barrier?

[Anonymous]

i had one of those plasticy rugs on my deck but it had a little rust on it from my chair so i got a new one. kind of like https://www.amazon.com/SAND-MINE-Reversible-Outdoors-Backyard/dp/B091YMYV7Q/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LXQJAS2Y2IMZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AKX23JkOnpAWl1o4D_ntvVyi9rK7fUj4Aa4zdt1cxHE0ylGtL8FXdYonuB6FdLx8QxLSuAUd7Uv8NNV57DzKVBQ__MHj-51315qpP7WXyzT9mNa88pbQt4pnXwNwjCHan-fdgojTbzrdnYROUyFNTHo6LY4A6lFgDktfrUVjC1JL_K8J0-cX2ncoEJ3e_mrrDkZ_Fbi2J_owCX79II_X2k8PD5MtetVQTzEwQ4N5OH3lRUzq09Z4A6sUw1A83E_N_NWqmAmXtnvPqCYskIzOO3jSNTarHq0v-k-5vGD93Ec.SFBhi7vqFsuZwWUbTkHvjYEjyT3z7lTDZbupG3EkzVE&dib_tag=se&keywords=plastic+rug&qid=1715701438&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=plastic+rug%2Clawngarden%2C73&sr=1-4

So, i was wondering, can i cut this in strips and use in a bed as a weed barrier under river rocks? Do you think it is permeable enough to not retain water to breed mosquitos?

[Anonymous]

Please don't. It will break down over time, and you will end up with a plasticky mess, same as those landscaping fabric.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you should do that. Landscaping fabric is bad enough—that rug will be a mess for decades. Damp newspaper or clean cardboard works really well.

[Anonymous]

I've had one of those plastic rugs outdoors and eventually it gets brittle and falls apart.

[Anonymous]

The weeds will just grow on top. It will then look horrible. Don’t do it.

There is no weed barrier. The wind blows the seeds into your beds. Landscape fabric and preen help a little but I still get weeds. It’s less and manageable but I walk around every week and pick weeds for fun. It’s weirdly satisfying when the beds are clean.

[Anonymous]

Chiming in to say don't do it. It may be fine for a year and then it'll be a huge hassle.

[Anonymous]

Cardboard is a better option.

[Anonymous]

No, it will not work and will become a nightmare.