Killing weeds in rock beds in West Texas (Austin, Midland: landscaping, maintenance)

[pammybear]

So a couple of years ago we replaced our front yard with river rock (landscape fabric was laid underneath) and I swear I have more weeds now than I did with grass (we went to rock after several years of severe drought) anyway, the weeds are constant. I think many are airborne which is why the landscape fabric doesn't work. I have read in other places, white vinegar and rock salt work. What has worked for you in West Texas (Midland area) ! Thanks, Pam

[Cathy4017]

Pam, I put down either a pre-emergent--or else I go over the whole yard with Round Up.

I also go out in the mornings and pick them as they come up--if you stay on top of it like that, it doesn't get so overwhelming.

[Mdlx]

As already stated, spray the weeds that are there now with round up, and then apply a pre emergent twice a year. Spray the first application of pre emergent in a few weeks, and then another in the fall before the winter grass appears. As you found out, landscape fabric does nothing after a few seasons of leaf litter creates enough soil for weeds to grow. Terrible to work with planting new plants too.

If you're apposed to round up, mix up some Epsom salt and white vinegar for an organic herbicide. You can get a specific recipe on Google. Works fairly well. I've never tried anything organic to stop the weeds from germinating though. Good luck.

[CptnRn]

Solarization works really well to kill of weeds, seeds, and other plants without using chemicals.

Check out the instructions on how to do it here http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/def...aintenance.pdf

More good landscaping guides here Grow Green Resources | Watershed Protection | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

[Cathy4017]

The problem with solarization is that it kills EVERYTHING--including most grass.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Cathy4017

The problem with solarization is that it kills EVERYTHING--including most grass.

Which is exactly what this OP wants to do in those rock beds.

And yes it kills grass, which is why its recommended for those people who want to replace a water hungry St. Augustine grass lawn with something that is more drought tolerant.

[Slowpoke_TX]

I second the previous suggestions of Round-Up. It killed everything when I was growing up in West Texas.

[MarkFromSea]

Depending on the circumstances, adjacent foliage, wind, a weed burner works pretty good for me, but roundup lasts longer and would save some time. With a weed burner, you're not looking to burn green leaves, ya just cook em. PM if ya need clarification.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Which is exactly what this OP wants to do in those rock beds.

And yes it kills grass, which is why its recommended for those people who want to replace a water hungry St. Augustine grass lawn with something that is more drought tolerant.

That's right. It should also work very well on gravel and rock landscaping.