I'm really frustrated with the weeds that keep coming back in a section of my yard that I cleared years ago. I had put down a weed barrier and covered it with decorative stone, but despite my efforts, weeds still pop up every summer, making it look like a jungle. I've tried Ortho Ground Clear in the past, but it only kills the weeds temporarily; they're back within a few weeks. I recently applied RM34 and honestly, it seems like the weeds are thriving even more now! Is there any effective way to kill off these weeds and prevent them from returning?
3 Answers
You really aren't gonna find anything that lasts! Most herbicides, like glyphosate, are short-lived, and even if you manage to kill off the current weeds, new seeds will just blow in. It’s all about staying on top of it with consistent applications, but remember that they often take a couple of weeks to kick in. Timing is so crucial; apply when the weeds are really growing, usually in mid-spring, and stick to the instructions closely. If you're seeing weeds quicker than that, the herbicide likely hasn't been given enough time to work!
Nothing seems to offer a permanent solution here. If you're using weed barriers, investing in a high-quality, thick one can make a difference, but even those can allow some weeds to sneak through eventually. A trick some people use is to torch the area with a roofing propane torch to clear out weeds and debris for a clean start. It's not foolproof, but it can work!
You hit the nail on the head with the weed barrier—it doesn’t always live up to its name! Honestly, you'll struggle to completely stop weeds without super intense measures like using salt (which I do NOT recommend) or completely paving over the area. Your best bet is to hand-pull weeds as they pop up, especially right after it rains when the roots are loose. Pre-emergent herbicides can help if you time them right, but you’ll have to be vigilant!