I'm trying to tackle this overgrown patch in my garden that's full of weeds, ivy, and brambles. After cutting back all the brambles and raking out as much of the weeds and ivy as possible, I'm wondering what the best way to use weed membrane is. If I lay the membrane over what's left, will it still kill off the stuff that's there and prevent new growth? Do I need to clear the area all the way to the dirt first? I'm a bit tired from all the work I've done so far, haha. Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
Honestly, I’d recommend cardboard over weed membrane. It’s more environmentally friendly. Plus, the membrane can get pretty annoying when it starts to break down. If you do decide to use it, make sure you secure it down well to avoid any issues later!
You can definitely just lay the weed membrane over the remaining weeds. If you want something heavier, consider using cardboard or old carpet, as they tend to block more light. Just keep in mind that some roots might still try to grow and may travel along the surface in search of light.
Sounds like a plan to double up on materials! Using both cardboard and membrane could help improve the effectiveness. I totally understand wanting to get rid of those pesky weeds, good luck!
Weed membrane is often just a nuisance to tough plants like brambles. Instead of relying on it, consider waiting a few weeks for new growth and then applying a systemic weed killer. If you prefer a non-chemical method, a weed burner could work, but you’ll need to revisit the area frequently this season.