How to Keep Weeds From Growing Through the Pea Gravel
Building a patio, path or driveway out of pea gravel is a process that adds a rustic quality to the look of your home. The look of the gravel, however, can be ruined when weeds begin to creep up between the rocks. If left untreated, the weeds can quickly take over your gravel path and make your yard look unkempt. Before laying the gravel it is important to take steps to prevent the likelihood of weeds growing up through it.
Dig at least 1 foot in the area you will place your path or walkway. Digging 1 foot in depth will remove any weeds and roots already in the area, and prevent them from posing a problem once you have laid the gravel.
Cut pieces of landscaping cloth to size with a utility knife and lay them in the trough you dug previously. Be liberal with your application of the cloth. Make sure no dirt is visible below the cloth. If you apply a double layer of cloth, you will have less chance of weeds coming through the gravel. Secure the fabric in place by placing landscape fabric stakes every few inches along the edges.
- Building a patio, path or driveway out of pea gravel is a process that adds a rustic quality to the look of your home.
- The look of the gravel, however, can be ruined when weeds begin to creep up between the rocks.
Cover the cloth with pea gravel. If you wish to save money, buy larger gravel, which typically is less expensive than pea gravel. Fill the trough with the large gravel and spread the pea gravel over the top 1 to 2 inches.
Weeds From Growing Through The Pea Gravel
Remove the pea gravel with a shovel. Set it aside since you will put the pea gravel back later. Don garden gloves, and pull out and discard all weeds from the tilled soil. Cover the mulch with a single layer of weed block fabric.
- Cover the cloth with pea gravel.
- Cover the mulch with a single layer of weed block fabric.
Tip
Monitor the gravel for weeds. Though the landscaping cloth should prevent the weeds from growing up through the gravel, seeds from a germinating weed can land on the gravel and begin to grow. Pull up any weeds you see and/or regularly spray the gravel thoroughly with a weed killer to keep the area looking tidy.
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Tips
- Monitor the gravel for weeds. Though the landscaping cloth should prevent the weeds from growing up through the gravel, seeds from a germinating weed can land on the gravel and begin to grow. Pull up any weeds you see and/or regularly spray the gravel thoroughly with a weed killer to keep the area looking tidy.
Writer Bio
Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.
