Weeds creep in like little green invaders, pushing their way through every crack and crevice in your landscape rocks.
You rake, you pull, you curse a little under your breath but a week later, they’re back. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever looked at your once-pristine gravel paths, stone garden borders, or decorative rock beds and wondered how weeds manage to win the battle every time, you’re not alone.
Getting rid of weeds in rocks feels like a never-ending task.
But here’s the good news: with the right tools, methods, and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can reclaim your space and keep it weed-free for longer.
Read more: Say Goodbye to Weeds with This Easy Homemade Spray
Why Weeds Love Rocks So Much
You’d think rocks would be inhospitable, but in reality, they create the perfect hideout.
Organic matter like dust, leaves, and broken-down mulch sneaks in over time and builds a soft, moist base underneath the rocks, essentially a hidden compost bed.
Even if you laid down landscape fabric, over time it can degrade or tear, giving roots just enough space to push through.
Once weeds get established, they can be surprisingly tough to pull, thanks to all the cracks and coverage that rocks provide.
Step-by-Step: Getting Rid of Weeds in Rocks
1. Start With Manual Removal
You grab a weeding tool or a narrow trowel and start pulling from the base.
It’s tempting to rip off the tops and call it a day, but if you leave the roots behind, they’ll be back faster than you can say dandelion.
This step is especially important if you’re dealing with deep-rooted weeds like thistle or crabgrass.
Pro tip:
You should do this after a rain or give the area a good soak as wet soil makes root removal way easier.
2. Try a Natural DIY Killer
You skip the synthetic herbicides. Instead, mix up a simple weed killer using ingredients you probably have in your kitchen:
- 1 gallon white vinegar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Spray directly on weeds during a hot, sunny day. The vinegar and salt dry them out, and the dish soap helps it stick.
But just be careful as this combo can kill anything it touches, so aim precisely.
3. Use a Weed Torch
If you want to feel a little like a superhero while gardening, a weed torch might be for you.
These propane-powered tools zap weeds at the root It’s quick, effective, and oddly satisfying. Just be cautious near mulch, dry grass, or anything flammable.
Keeping Weeds From Coming Back
Once you’ve cleared the space, it’s time to prevent a future takeover. Firstly, refresh your rocks. Over time, debris builds up between stones.
Rake or shop-vac the area to remove loose organic matter. If needed, consider removing and washing the rocks, then relaying them on a fresh barrier layer.
Secondly, you need to replace old landscape fabric. Choose a commercial-grade fabric that allows drainage but blocks light.
Finally, weed maintenance isn’t a one-and-done job, but a little effort throughout the year can save your sanity in the long run.
Keep an eye out after storms or windy days as debris brings seeds, and seeds bring headaches.
