Better Roads Magazine
April 2006
Excerpt from the "Special Feature" section, page 30

Recycled Plastic.
Universal Weed Cover is a panel made of 100% recycled plastic. Panels interlock around guardrail posts to form a weed barrier. This products is being tested around existing guardrail at one site near Shasta Lake, north of Redding [California].

"The plastic panels are fairly easy to install because they are formed to fit between the guardrail posts, so you just snap each panel together as you go," says Dobson. "That's one of the reasons it seems to have promise - because it's so basic that just about anyone can install it."

There have been some concerns about the fit around the post, but the panels are currently being redesigned. A new collar is being developed by the contractor/manufacturer to ensure a better foot around the post.

"He has a good concept because it's a recycled product," says Dobson. "The mil is thick enough that, if the panels are hooked together with an overlap, they'll keep all weeds from growing through."

The University of Northern Iowa
January 26, 2006

"In the year 2000 the University of Northern Iowa purchased 500 feet of Universal Weed Barrier and installed it under the chain link fencing at an outdoor track facility. The product has performed very well during that time. It has reduced the amount of man hours needed to manually weed eat and has reduced the costs of using herbicides to control weeds and grass growing along the fences.

In the fall of 2005, the University purchased several hundred feet of redesigned Universal Weed Barrier and also installed it at the University outdoor track facility. This product offers a wider range of versatility.

I would highly recommend using Universal Weed Control Barrier to others. Our plans are to utilize this product on upcoming projects."

Terry Sheerer, Manager, Ground/Landscaping Dept.

Iowa Department of Transportation
December 20, 2005

"The Iowa Department of Transportation has investigated several fence underlayment products for use under chain link fences along Iowa's freeways. The Weed Defence product appears to meet many of our selection criteria. We are currently in the process of reviewing field tests of this product and, if successful, we plan to specify the product on future projects.

I would encourage others to consider this product when looking at weed control option for fencing."

Mark Masteller, Chief Landscape Architect

Cedar Falls, Iowa
Department of Human & Leisure Services Park Division
September 13, 2005

"Approximately six year ago, the Cedar Falls Park Division purchased approximately 1800 feet of the Universal Weed Cover for a fence line adjacent to Pheasant Ridge gold course. The product has proved to be durable and has saved operating costs related to labor and materials. We no longer have to spend a lot of staff time string trimming the fence line nor chemically treating the ground below the fence.

We are in the process of purchasing another 2700 feet of the Universal Weed Cover for our softball complex located at Birdsall Park. We anticipate it will further lower our operating costs related to routine maintenance along the fence lines of the outfields and foul lines."

Mark Ripplinger, Manager, Park Division