Weed fabric question when putting around roses?

I recently install the weed fabric around my roses and I added mulch about 2 to 4 inches on mulch. My question is everything that I add goes thru the fabric right? Also how closes can the fabric be closes to the base of the roses? Can I be real closes and it won’t harm it.

Weed fabric question when putting around roses?
Lower the fabric into a funnel shape around the base of the rose bush, that way the water will run towards the bush. :-)
Reply:The fabric itself is harmless. There are no chemicals in the weed mat. The matting just makes it hard for weeds to penetrate to get roots down.



Unfortunately, weed mats don't work. Weeds and grasses can still get a grip on the mulch or gravel and grow.



It does however make it easier to pull small weeds out since the roots at only at the surface.



Weed mat is usually rolled out, staked down and openings cut just big enough for the plants to fit through.



Hope this helps. You can find out more by searching "weed mat".
Reply:I have a very strong dislike for landscaping fabric. Grass will grow through it and then is very difficult to pull out. It also keeps working itself deeper and deeper into the soil and will eventually have to be removed which is a lot of work. It never decomposes and, so, it is just adding another piece of stuff to your soil.
Reply:Hi. Yes, if you used the black cloth fabric than that is the best stuff. You can cut it right up close next to the rose plant if you want. That is what I have done. I then place some potting soil, mulch (mixed) on top of the fabric and some cedar chips on top of the soil/mulch mixture. I tend to give my roses rose food 3 times during the summer. Simply sprinkle around the base of each plant. If you want to use the liquid stuff that is good too. I usually give it once in the spring after I unwinterize them, once in mid-summer and then once in the fall. I don't winterized until I know it will freeze nightly. You want to water your roses when there is no direct sunlight on them if you can. The water tends to burn the leafs otherwise. Yes, to your question, water and liquid food/fertilizer and nutrients from mulch will bleed through the fabric to the roots. It is great stuff! I have had roses now for 11 years and I haven't lost any yet and I do have a weed-free rose bed. The other things you might concider.... it is a lot of work however but gives excellent results.... dig down about 12 inches and get rid of all the rocks and weeds out of your chosen rosebed area. This will make it tougher for the weeds to multiply and also will allow the soil to be broken up so that the roses don't have to fight to grow. This is essential for clay soiled areas. You can mix a bit of mulch and potting soil in with the dirt that you remove to make it a richer soil as well. These are just suggestions not rules. Good Luck! :)