• they keep weeds from competing for nutrients and water
• they retain moisture
• they absorb heat for early season growth
• they reduce the risk of surface water erosion of disturbed soil
• they reduce the risk of damage by animals and disease
• Forestry Commission research shows that even the cheapest options increase survival chances and promote more rapid growth in young trees

What types of weed mat are there?

Black UVI Polythene This is the most economical and will last about three seasons to give trees a really good start after which they are degraded by UV light to form small fragments. It is not permeable. Recommended peg - copper coated steel mat staple (C719) Woven Black Polypropylene Much stronger, this material will last about five seasons before it is broken down by UV light. It is water permeable but still blocks 99.5% of light which will smother most weeds. Recommended peg - polypropylene weed mat peg (C703)

Importance of pegs and staples

Mats of all materials must be well anchored to avoid wind lifting which allows weeds to propagate. Pegs are efficient to use as they save having to dig corners in. At least one peg will be needed to seal the slot in the mat which can leave space for weeds to grow close to the stem.

CODE	DESCRIPTION	MAT SIZE CM	MATERIAL THICKNESS	MATERIAL	MATERIAL WEIGHT G.S.M.	QUANTITY	PH LEVEL	WATER RETENTION %	PRICE
C704	Black UVI Polythene	60x60	125 MU	LDPE	0	100	7	0	£11.43
C705	Black UVI Polythene	100x100	125 MU	LDPE	0	100	7	0	£21.73
C706	Black UVI Polythene	100x2000	125 MU	LDPE	0 0	200m roll	7	0	£30.87
C707	Woven black UVI polypropylene	50x50	300 MU	Polypropylene	105	100	6.82	4.2	£17.95
C708	Woven black UVI polypropylene	100x100	300MU	Polypropylene	105	100	6.82	4.2	£54.07

	Polythene		Polypropylene
	Size C704 60cm x 60cm C705 100cm x 100cm C706 1m x 200m roll		Size C707 50cm x 50cm C708 1m x 1m

Weed Mat Accessories

CODE	DESCRIPTION	SIZE CM	MATERIAL THICKNESS	MATERIAL	QUANTITY	PH LEVEL	PRICE
C701	Heavy Duty weed mat staple	15x10cm	0	0	100	0	£21.14
C702	Plastic weed mat peg	15	0	Polypropylene	200	6.8	£10.29
C717	Weed mat staples	15x4	0	0	100	0	£7.64
C710	Heavy Duty weed mat peg	20x2	0	0	100	0	£10.29
C718	Metal weed mat peg	20x2	2mm	Copper coated steel	100	0	£6.04
C719	Metal mat staple	15x10	2mm	Copper coated steel	100	0	£8.49
C700	Galvanised staples	23x10	0	0	100	0	£12.26
C715	Galvanised staples	15x10	0	0	100	0	£9.56

	Pegs		Staples
	Type C718 100 metal C702 200 plastic C710 100 Heavy Duty Metal		Type C717 100 15cmx4cm C719 100 15cmx10cm C700 Galvanised 23cmx10cm C715 Galvanised 15cmx10cm C701 H/Duty 15cmx10cm

Bulk order - weed mat pegs

C703

15 cm

Polypropylene

2000

pH level 6.8

£72.02