Last winter, I paid a contractor $3000 to install a weed barrier and gravel beside my house, because I was overwhelmed by the weeds there. I wanted a solid solution, and they assured me I'd be satisfied with their work. However, spring is here, and I'm back to square one with weeds everywhere! It seems like they used a thin, ineffective fabric that doesn't stop persistent weeds from growing through it. I realized I should have asked about the type of barrier they used, but I thought I was clear on what I needed. What can I do now to handle this issue?
3 Answers
Unfortunately, this is pretty common with weed barriers. They can work in the short-term but often fail after a while due to wind-blown dirt and seeds that find their way through. If you're serious about stopping those weeds, a preemergent treatment could help. I live in a weed-prone area too, and I hire a service for a yearly spray that keeps them at bay for a while. Might save you some hassle!
Honestly, weed barriers aren't foolproof. Weeds are cunning little things, and they often come from seeds blowing in from above or even poking through if they have roots ready in the ground. Some people suggest using a ground cover instead to outcompete the weeds. You might also try salting or vinegar, but that could harm any existing plants near it!
That's what I meant! If there are seeds in the dirt already, then yeah, it makes sense the barrier isn't doing much.
Wait, salt and vinegar? Will it really kill everything? I have a rock area where weeds are popping up; should I just dump it all there?
Looks like you might be dealing with a tough weed called sedge, which can definitely stab right through those flimsy barriers. A product called 'sedgehammer' could help you tackle it effectively. It might be worth checking out!
Yep, that sounds about right! Getting rid of it should stop more from popping up. Definitely get that sedge killer.
Yeah, I can relate. I've had gravel with a barrier and it was a mess after just a year. Might just end up spending on treatment going forward.