Gro-Sure Smart Cover Bark Alternative

Bought this to help with a small rosebush that kept being over taken by grass and weeds. We have a young rosebush that only ever managed one or two roses that only last a few days. We put down a small circle border around it, dug out all the weeds and grass, and covered it with the smart cover. We were a bit skeptical as its weird fluffy stuff that didn't seem like it would be better than bark chips, but our rose bush is absolutely thriving now, with no weeds or grass coming up, despite several frosts we have had 4 or 5 roses bloom, and they haven't gone sickly after a few days like usual.If using this, we found it was best to put down a layer, saturate it with water, pack it down a little, and repeat. We did fine that after a couple of days we had to put more down due to gaps appearing where it starts to settle and compact down, but since then its kept consistent coverage around the roses.

I have given four stars because I have only just received and applied to the garden . It is not as attractive as bark but once wet the colour changes from a grey-ish to more of a soil colour . I have three dogs and it seems to stay where it's put , they don't scatter it or stick to there paws. Only time will tell if it restricts the weeds.

Did not like the feel of this product. I did use some of it in my pots, and it does work, but won’t be using on my garden. It’s too soft, not enough substance - sorry.

I use this a lot and it is the most effective mulch I have found.It is nice to handle and dry when laid but when watered in the bits join together and form an effective barrier for weed suppression, nothing will stop all weeds but this is better than most.It is also good at retaining moisture, it is worth preventing it drying out as in the nesting season the birds will use it for nesting material, I don't mind that but it is the reason why holes suddenly appear in it.

quick delivery and does as it says on the bag

I bought this hoping it would do what it says on the tin; prevent weeds. I chose this over bark, despite it being more expensive due to it's USP that it covers more area than bark of the same volume. Bag says it covers 5 Square Meters but the area I covered was substantially smaller and 2 weeks later and it's covered in weeds. It doesn't look nice and is like a feathery material. It did seem to matt together as it was supposed to but clearly not enough as there's weeds poking through everywhere. Don't waste your money.

Lightweight, easy to handle and clean. Keeps the dog from getting all muddy and looks nice and tidy. Still get some weeds, don't think anything can put an end to ground elder or couch grass, but I'm happy with this and will use again.

needed bark to mulch rose garden thought this would be easier to use as it is lighter but the texture is more like old dusty paper and grey in colour will have to go back to normal bark not my choice but others may like it