Abstract: A single layer ground cover (10) preventing weed growth comprising a fabric (12) providing at least one degradable portion (16) running lengthwise of the fabric and having opposed edges (18,19); and a non-degradable portion (20) adjacent the opposed edges of the degradable portion, wherein the degradable portion comprises from about 5% to about 75% of the area of said ground cover, and wherein the degradable portion substantially degrades before said non-degradable portion after exposure to ambient conditions. A method for facilitating tree growth and preventing weed growth comprises providing a ground cover comprising at least one degradable portion and at least one non-degradable portion; locating the ground cover on a section of ground to be planted; cutting a hole in the degradable portion of the ground cover; planting a plant within the hole; and covering the ground cover with soil sufficiently to at least bury it.