Every year, it’s the same nightmare. The weeds come back faster than we can pull them out. Gravel paths, vegetable gardens, or borders: no area is spared. However, landscapers have a simple, natural, and above all, sustainable method to tackle them. There’s no need for chemicals or spending your weekends weeding.
What they do before gardening changes everything. This pro secret can transform your outdoor space. Imagine a tidy garden all year round.
Why Weeds Always Come Back
Weeds are incredibly resilient. They grow quickly and in various places. Even if you pull them out, they often return. Why? Because their roots remain in the soil. As long as the roots are there, the weeds will regrow.
The wind also brings seeds. They land in the garden and germinate when it’s warm and humid. Sometimes, we think that gravel is enough to block weeds. But that’s a misconception. Light passes through the stones.
The water does too. And the seeds find a perfect spot to grow. The soil remains moist beneath, acting like a cozy bed for the weeds. Without protection, they settle in and won’t leave. Therefore, a different approach is necessary.
What Landscapers Do Before Installing Gravel
Landscapers are garden professionals. They know that everything depends on what happens before laying down the gravel. First, they remove all the weeds, including the roots. They thoroughly scrape the soil and then compact it a bit.
This prevents water from being trapped in the soil. The less water there is, the fewer weeds can grow. This preparation work is vital. If it’s skipped, the weeds return quickly.
Next, the landscapers lay down a special layer to block regrowth. This step stops the roots from finding a suitable location to thrive. The result: a cleaner and easier-to-maintain garden.
The Secret Weapon: Geotextile Fabric
Geotextile fabric is a type of very strong cloth. Landscapers place it on the soil right before adding gravel. This fabric has a magical quality: it blocks light while allowing water to pass through.
Without light, seeds cannot grow. And since water drains well, the soil doesn’t stay soggy. This fabric forms a barrier that weeds cannot penetrate.
It also prevents roots from growing upwards. To ensure it works well, the fabric strips need to be overlapped. Then, a good layer of gravel is added on top. Thanks to this, the surface stays clean for a long time.
Simple Steps for a Tidy Garden All Year Round
Even with fabric, a little maintenance is beneficial. Don’t wait for the weeds to grow. Simply run a rake over the surface from time to time. This will disturb any small shoots trying to emerge.
Additionally, it’s important to remove dead leaves. Otherwise, they create a wet layer where seeds can germinate. Another idea is to plant small ground-cover plants. They grow along the edges and block the arrival of weeds.
They also help keep the gravel in place. These simple, regular actions will help maintain a clean garden. You won’t need to weed constantly, and your path will look beautiful all year round.
