This type of mulch not only helps eliminate weeds, but it deteriorates over time and feeds the garden. On the other hand, inorganic mulches such as landscape fabric, gravel or sand, do a good job of preventing weeds without adding additional nutrients. These materials work well around shrubs or plants already adjusted to the soil. Landscape fabric, a popular choice for new gardens, is a porous material used to block out light, preventing weeds from growing. It will, unfortunately, also prevent plants from reseeding themselves.
Newspaper can be a successful weed controller.
Place dampened sheets of newsprint around the base of trees and shrubs. To keep it in place, cover with additional inorganic mulch. In an established bed, hand weeding is often the best method. It is easy to spot weeds as they sprout through the mulch. Most weeds can be hand plucked by gripping the base and pulling up the entire root.