Gravel has many uses in a landscape such as lining pathways, covering driveways or patios, creating borders, and mulching landscape beds. If not managed, weeds can easily take over gravel covered areas.
Monitor
Monitor gravel and adjacent areas for weeds and make note if you see a novel weed. Proper identification is key to good weed management and helps you select appropriate management techniques.
Keep these tips in mind when monitoring your landscapes and gravel:
- Monitor and control weeds of gravel edges.
- Take note of vegetatively reproducing weeds along edges. They may spread under and grow through gravel.
Prevent
Prevention can be the most effective type of weed control. Maintaining a thick layer of gravel and regular raking will help curb weed growth. Consider applying a new gravel layer every few years. Regular raking is effective at preventing weeds by:
- Minimizing soil accumulation.
- Preventing weeds from rooting and establishing in soil between and below gravel.
If possible, preventive weed management should be executed before you have a weed problem. By getting ahead of the problem, you will save time and money associated with controlling already established weeds.
Control Options Details
Mechanical Control
A harrow looks like a section of chain link fence with a claw at each intersection. It is most often dragged behind a tractor or ATV and works by catching on and uprooting weeds. Harrowing is an effective way to control weeds on gravel surfaces. It is most effective when weeds are small and early in development. The following should be considered when using this method:
- Requires gravel to have a loose surface layer and compact base layer.
- Large weeds should be carted off after harrowing to minimize reestablishment risk.
Thermal Weeding
Flame weeding can be used on gravel. It best controls annual broadleaf weeds, but can be effective against perennials with repeated applications.
For instructions and tips for flame weeding, please visit the Thermal Weeding page under Pesticide-free Control Options.
