Prevent Weeds From Taking Over Your Gravel Driveway With One Simple Task

Once weeds work their way into your gravel driveway, it can be hard to fight back. There are many ways to prevent weeds from growing in your gravel, but the real issue isn't just the weeds themselves, it's how they end up there in the first place. Weeds might have already existed prior to gravel installation or the seeds can blow in from nearby lawns or gardens, settle into the gravel, and start to take root. Without a proper barrier, these weeds can thrive, sending their roots deep into the ground and making removal a constant chore. Pulling weeds by hand can also disrupt the gravel itself creating bare areas for new weeds to get into.

One great way to help protect your gravel driveway is proper edging. When weeds root into the gravel, they can take over quickly and come back over and over again. Rain or foot traffic can then push organic matter deeper into the rocks, creating the perfect environment for weeds to take hold. Before you know it, a few stray weeds become a full-on takeover. The best defense for this is creating an air barrier, along with installing some edging to stop the grass and weeds by drying out their roots before they have a chance to start.

A solid, well-installed edge will create a physical barrier between the gravel and surrounding soil. This prevents grass and weeds from creeping into your gravel while also keeping your rocks contained. Metal or plastic edging works well here; simply bury it with a slight lip above ground to block the nearby plants. For a more natural look, you can use wood or stone edging, but make sure you keep the borders together tightly. For some extra protection, you can add a layer of landscape fabric to keep weeds at bay beneath your gravel. This will not only help prevent weed seeds from getting into the soil, it will also deprive the plants that already exist below your gravel from getting any sunlight.

Maintenance is simple — two or three times a year, just inspect the edges for gaps or shifting. A quick trim along the edge of the lawn with a string trimmer also helps prevent longer grass from bridging over your edging. If you've already got an infestation on your hands, there are some easy ways to get rid of weeds in your driveway. Combine those with proper edging, and you'll keep your gravel weed-free with minimal effort.