Hi everyone! I'm dealing with a major weed issue on my gravel drive, which is about 300 square meters. Every year, I find myself constantly digging out various weeds and grass—sometimes up to five times in a season! I've considered using a strong weed killer but a tree surgeon cautioned me that it might be absorbed by the roots of my walnut tree, potentially harming it. I've also tried natural remedies like vinegar and salt, but they haven't made much difference. We're semi-retired, so I'd prefer not to spend excessive time digging up the drive. Does anyone have suggestions that won't involve spending a fortune on completely redoing the drive with weed membranes or tarmac? Thanks! Cheers, Peter from Cheshire.
2 Answers
Flamethrowers can actually work pretty well for getting rid of weeds on gravel, though they sound extreme! You can look for garden ones made for this purpose. Just be careful! Also, consider controlling the weeds around your drive, like mowing grass next to it, so they don’t go to seed. It could help a lot in the long run.
You know, weed killer won't actually kill your tree unless you're spraying it directly on the trunk, so you should be fine using it. A treatment with glyphosate a few times a year can really help control the weeds without harming the tree. Just make sure to apply it carefully and avoid doing it when bees are active. Also, if you're worried about wildlife, applying it in the late evening can help minimize any impact on them. By the way, a weed gun can also be super useful on gravel. You can find those at garden centers too!
Thanks for the info! How would I go about finding someone to spray the drive for me?