Although our diverse styles of landscaping range from the elaborate, with tons of trees, flowers, and shrubs, to the modest, with little vegetation, all of us enjoy using our backyards, for playing games, relaxing on our patio furniture, and having cookouts at our picnic tables. Another thing that we all have in common is that, no matter how big or small our yards are, we want to keep them looking nice.In order to achieve this, however, we are constantly trying to get rid of weeds, by pulling them up, digging them out, spraying them with herbicides, or laying down weed barriers. It’s hard to say which method is best, because they each have advantages and drawbacks, and, since every garden is different, what works for one may not work for another.If you’re thinking about putting down a weed barrier, you may be trying to decide between fabric and black plastic. These materials control weeds by blocking the sunlight from their seeds, and preventing them from putting down roots. Fabric barriers allow a certain amount of moisture and air through to your plants’ roots; but if weed seeds land on them, they can take root right through the fabric, become tangled, and tear it when you try to extirpate them.On the other hand, as black plastic is impervious to the weed roots, it is equally impenetrable by the water, sunlight, and oxygen that your plants need. If you put holes in the plastic to benefit your plants, you break down the barrier for the weeds as well. Another disadvantage of black plastic is that even moderate rainfall can wash away the mulch that you put over its slippery surface. Usually, it’s best to use the fabric for flower beds, and the plastic in areas that you wish to keep 100% weed-free.Using mulch is another good way to inhibit the growth of weeds. Besides being effective, it comes in many varieties, which can add color and texture to your landscaping. Furthermore, it insulates the soil, protecting delicate roots from being compressed by foot traffic, keeping bulbs from flowering too early in the season, and conserving moisture, by slowing evaporation.Mulch should be applied in four-inch layers over the entire bed, with the areas around plants thinned to about two inches. Keep it from direct contact with your house, and tree trunks, because it encourages decay. Like everything else, it needs some maintenance. Because mulch erodes and blows away, it has to be replaced every so often. You must also remove leaves from mulched areas in the fall, and keep grass clippings from shooting into it when you mow your lawn. Otherwise, they will decompose in the mulch, inviting weeds to seed and breed – indeed!Fortunately, when it’s time for a cookout, you can have a picnic table that requires little or no upkeep. AllPicnicTables.com has an incredible selection of decay-resistant cedar, pine, oak, teak, and cherry tables, as well as aluminum, thermo-plastic coated steel, polywood, and vinyl tables that are maintenance-free, virtually indestructible, and available in a rainbow of bright, stylish colors.In addition, at AllPicnicTables.com, you’ll find an impressive collection of outdoor furniture in colors, styles, and materials to complement the décor of any porch, patio, or gazebo.AllPicnicTables.com also has design consultants and customer service professionals who are always ready to answer your questions about picnic tables. To contact them, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@allpicnictables.com. For gardening advice, ask at your local nursery, or keep reading our articles.