Well I guess we can conclude to some degree that all weed management/mulching is local.
My Fort Knox is kinda similar to yours but on a much smaller scale, and so far has narrow weed block around the perimeter of the bed, topped w/landscape timbers, with holes drilled to stablize 1" chicken wire supports. One of the supports is a long piece of rebar to ground the chicken wire in anticipation of putting a hot wire around the perimeter which will be isolated via pvc supports. This last year, in addition to doing this around the perennial beds, I converted the fruit trees from an open vase structure (read come on varmints I got fruit) to a trellised system where I can more easily support the fruit and protect it from birds.
As far as mulch is concerned, I used to sheet mulch, but decided to save that up for my compost capsules. Since we live in the eastern rain forests and leaves are abundant, I collect and use those instead of wood chips and veggie waste for mulch and I find them a much better sun block to discourage weeds. The disadvantage is that they could blow away, but, that is the second function of the chicken wire - to corral the leaves. Come fall, the grandkids and I just dump the leaves inside the chicken wire. Works great.
Cherries.
Apples.
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