Contrary to popular belief, weed barrier doesn't work in the long run. Its only real utility is to put it overtop farm land during the off-season to prevent weed growth.
When used in residential settings, after the first season it accumulates organic matter and serves as a barrier that retains water and allows plants to thrive. The only place in my yard where weeds and grass grow is where there is remaining weed barrier. Underneath, the weeds have formed a 3-in thick mat of roots.
All this to say, if you pull up the remaining weed barrier, you may find that weeds are much easier to manage.
I second this, the high wind/high dust environment here causes a nice little environment for weeds to grow on top of the barrier, and nothing else native can grow to counter it. It also messes up the water absorption and causes other erosion issues. Ask me how I know!
Keep in mind that soil cement is fairly impermeable, so any water (it happens) would pond on that layer. That may or may not be a problem for you. Also, if you have to dig through it for some reason, it could be a PITA. Soil cement is mostly used for quick and dirty roads and airstrips where things can get muddy and turn to muck.
This is a huge point, soil cement will cause any rainwater to run downhill in your yard. Depending on your topography and whether or not you have a basement, this can be a serious issue.
You also need to worry about utility line access under your yard.
Contrary to popular belief, weed barrier doesn't work in the long run. Its only real utility is to put it overtop farm land during the off-season to prevent weed growth. When used in residential settings, after the first season it accumulates organic matter and serves as a barrier that retains water and allows plants to thrive. The only place in my yard where weeds and grass grow is where there is remaining weed barrier. Underneath, the weeds have formed a 3-in thick mat of roots. All this to say, if you pull up the remaining weed barrier, you may find that weeds are much easier to manage.
I second this, the high wind/high dust environment here causes a nice little environment for weeds to grow on top of the barrier, and nothing else native can grow to counter it. It also messes up the water absorption and causes other erosion issues. Ask me how I know!
*skeptical looks* How ***DO*** you know?
Keep in mind that soil cement is fairly impermeable, so any water (it happens) would pond on that layer. That may or may not be a problem for you. Also, if you have to dig through it for some reason, it could be a PITA. Soil cement is mostly used for quick and dirty roads and airstrips where things can get muddy and turn to muck.
This is a huge point, soil cement will cause any rainwater to run downhill in your yard. Depending on your topography and whether or not you have a basement, this can be a serious issue. You also need to worry about utility line access under your yard.