Weed Control Discs 18” Round

The better you make the growing conditions for your crop, the better the weeds grow.  RootCap Weed Control Discs by RootMaker® are ¼” thin, but tough, weed barrier discs manufactured of UV-resistant, recycled synthetic fibers. The discs are designed to be a snug fit directly covering the media surface inside production nursery containers.  The physical barrier that is formed prevents weeds from penetrating while being permeable enough to allow for water, air and nutrients to pass through. The RootCap weed control discs are easily cleaned by simply spraying with water.  With proper storage and use, the discs will last up to 10 years.   

Weed Control Discs are an alternative weed control method used in weed management practices that aim to:

1. Eliminate chemical use on plants, especially those sensitive to herbicides
2. Reduce overall costs for weed management which includes herbicides, labor for application, and hand weeding (estimated to cost over $4,000 per acre).

Weed Control Discs are the best method of controlling weeds in any container grow environment including nurseries, vineyards, and orchards.  The RootCap Weed Control Disc also traps evaporation which may lead to reduced water usage.  When totaling up the cost savings of herbicides, labor, and water, weed barrier discs pay for themselves in the first year of use.

How do I determine which size weed control disc is needed?  Choose a diameter equal to, or up to ¾” larger than the diameter of the container where it will be placed.  You want the edges to hug the inside of your container and sit below the rim of the pot.

Is drip irrigation placed on top of or below the barrier disc?  Above.  You want to place the disc directly on the media to form a barrier.

How are the discs installed?  There is a narrow, precut slit from the center of the disc to the outside edge.  Simply flex the disc open to expose the center, place it around the trunk/stem of the plant, and press into place.

How do the weed barrier discs keep from blowing away in the wind?  While the ¼” discs are ‘lightweight’, they still have a sufficient amount of weight to keep in place.  In very windy locations, some growers choose to staple the edge of the disc to the container at about six locations using an Arrow P-35 stapler.

Is there a benefit to using synthetic fibers vs organic fibers as weed barrier disks?  Yes!  Organic fibers can wick moisture to the surface and become covered with algae.  Algae is not a problem on synthetic fibers.