Hey everyone! I've been battling a variety of really stubborn weeds and brush that just won't seem to go away, even after trying different weed killers multiple times. My dad suggested that there are stronger brush killers, but I'm not sure which one is the best for such cases.
The thing is, I'm hoping to plant something in these areas eventually. I can wait a year or so if it means using something effective like Roundup 365, which prevents regrowth. My ultimate goal is to completely clear the area before mulching it. I also have some already mulched spots that have weeds peeking through, which I'd like to spot-treat.
Because of this, I'm looking for a non-selective killer that works on all plant types. I prefer using concentrates that I can mix myself, rather than cheap sprayers or hose attachments, but I'm willing to consider the latter if the product's great. Thanks for any advice!
3 Answers
Identifying the specific weeds you have is crucial. Different types respond better to specific treatments. For example, Roundup is often effective but check if hard water is affecting it. Using ammonium sulfate can help the glyphosate work better. A call to your local extension service could also help you identify the weeds and determine the best course of action for your situation.
If you're planning to replant, you might want to avoid anything that poisons the soil long-term. When I cleared my garden, I cut everything down to the ground and laid cardboard over the area, securing it with bricks. Leave it for about a month to smother the growth - it's cheap and breaks down naturally, making it easy to top with mulch later. I’d steer clear of weed fabric; it never works as hoped and ends up being a hassle in the long run.
If you're tackling a large area, glyphosate is a recommendation since it's been widely used by farmers for its effectiveness. Just make sure you get the older formula of Roundup, which typically works better than the new 'healthier' alternatives. Just be aware that it takes a couple of applications over a few months to really clear everything out, especially for tougher bushes. After a couple of months, it's usually safe to plant something new.