I hired a contractor to clear out a thicket filled with weeds on my property, aiming to make it a safe, usable extension of my yard. However, what I got was a simple weed whacking job that left sharp stems sticking out about 4 inches above the ground. This makes the area dangerous to walk through. When I asked the contractor what could be done, they suggested covering it with topsoil, but I'm concerned that weeds will just grow back through it. They mentioned applying a product that would prevent regrowth after a few mowings, but I'm not sure if that's enough. What should I do?
3 Answers
Honestly, one would assume you’d be wearing shoes in that area! But I get it, sharp sticks can be a hazard. Just be cautious, and maybe reach out to another contractor to see about getting the area properly cleared.
I totally get your frustration! Weed whacking often just makes the problem worse because those weeds can come back even stronger. If the stems aren’t too thick, consider running a lawn mower over them to cut them down further, then maybe apply some herbicide. Or, you could till the ground and then manual pull the weeds out.
It sounds like your contractor may not have met your expectations because 'safe enough to walk through' can be pretty vague. You might want to clarify what you mean beforehand next time. As for your situation, using a tiller to break up the soil first, then clearing out the debris, would probably have been a better approach than just weed whacking.