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How to get rid of weeds under pebbles?

My small front area with pebbles for at least 10 years no problem until lately. This area has sun from mid day. Lately I notice green "fungus'?? creeping between and under pebbles. Why and how to fix? Should I spray like weed spray and fill up more new pebbles?

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MitchellMc

Hi @MYC,

It appears to be a small plant that has grown in the soil between pebbles. I don't believe adding more pebbles would help resolve the issue. I'd recommend spraying the plant and surrounding area with a path weeder, which will kill it and prevent it and other weeds from returning for up to 12 months.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Dave-1

Hello @MYC

Depending on the area these stones cover Id almost be tempted to dig them/rake them out of the area and rinse of the excess dirt/silt that has collected over time. Then put down a fresh weed mat and put the stones back. Id usually try @MitchellMc suggestion but for me I worry I will kill more then just the weeds (as in runoff)

Dave

MYC

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/27057#Comment_27057

Thanks Mitchel. Will try. I thought the wet weather caused it. Another part of the garden has same problem but much worse. See photo.

MYC

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/27061#Comment_27061

That's what I was thinking too, Dave. I just wonder if it was caused by wet weather. Will let you know how I go. Thanks to both of you, Dave and Mitchell

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/76186#Comment_76186

It's likely a slightly damper spot in your pebbles, and the plant has taken advantage of that @MYC.

Mitchell

MYC

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/76185#Comment_76185

Hi Mitchell and Dave,

From the second photo as above, this part of the garden is outside the garage window, where the plants keep multiplying that even couldn't kill them.

But my problem is the tiny damp weeds on the soil multiply so much faster than I can get rid off the.

This part of the garden only has a little morning sun but mostly shady, where the New Guinea Impatient shurb and hebe doing well. I want to get rid of the arium lily which self spreading underneath as well.

Question: How should I solve this area for easy maintenance on the long term? What can I plant? How to solve the damp weeds like swam? If I clean up and dig all up, then would it help to put perlites for better drainage better soil, but what is best to plant there, hydrangea??? Help.

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101979#Comment_101979

@MYC

How about dig it up (yeah I actually like doigging) then go for some sort of plants that like wet conditions but pot them. Put down weed mat and place your plants. Then backfill the area with clean pebbles by at leastt 7cm depth. That way something would be using any water in that area and also no dirt for the weeds to grow so easily?

Dave

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101979#Comment_101979

Hi @MYC

Planting Hydrangea in that spot should be ideal. You get a little bit of sunlight in the morning and incidental light during the day. However, I strongly recommend preparing the soil before you start planting.

Since the area is not very large, I recommend manually removing all the weeds by hand. However, if you wish to use a chemical product, I suggest having a look at Richgro 1L Beat-A-Weed Natural Weedkiller. It contains natural weedkilling products and works by dehydrating the weeds.

Please note that this product will eliminate any plant it comes into accidental contact with.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask. Make sure to follow the safety instructions behind the bottle.

Here are some handy guides that should help:

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MYC

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117974#Comment_117974

Yes, Dave, hard work but that's the best solution. Just to persevere to sieve all the weeds between pebbles. There's no plant there, just a footpath where I put some slabs for walking. As no plants on pebbles, I could gently spray the weed killer on a calm weather day, might be quicker too. Will keep updated how I progress. Thanks.

MYC

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117976#Comment_117976

Thanks Eric. Yes, this part (not the pebble part) is outside the garage window where very little sun but mostly light morning sun. The big while Arum lily and New Guinea Impatient keep multiplying spreading to this area, even how many time we tried to dig them up. Now the tiny weeds, looks like what you see in the swamp. My plan is to remove everything there, then put some perlite and new soil, and plant low maintenance plants that survive that area. I heard that Hydrangea could be difficult too. Unless I just let the New Guinea Impatient continue to spread to that area?

mich1972

@MYC Looks like Lichen which is a type of fungal / plant microorganisms. It’s thriving because the area must be constantly damp. You will also find lichens on old rotting timber and deadwood. I personally would not destroy it. People use lichen / moss for their bonsai planters ( as a ground cover ) in terrariums as well.
Why not carefully scrape it out, place in some takeaway containers and give them to people who will enjoy them. Just a thought. It will always pop up if there’s plenty of moisture in the soil .

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127324#Comment_127324

Hi @MYC

I leave the choice up to you, the good part of the New Guinea Impatient is that it has shown you that it is capable of growing in the soil that's currently there. That's one less thing to modify in that area, aside from removing the weeds.

I am in total agreement with @mich1972's proposal of propagating the lichen and moss to those who need it. It's not every day that you get a natural source that continually re-news itself.

Eric

robchin

Just following up on this one.

Do be careful using a path weeder on this sort of thing. What you have here is Liverwort, like a moss. Likely not coming from underneath the gravel but coming in from the top. If you use a path weeder you won't be able to plant back into that bed for 12 months at least - which is fine if that's what you want but not otherwise. A simple contact herbicide will do the job - like this one: Yates 1L Ready To Use Nature's Way Organic Weed Killer Spray - Bunnings Australia

You often find weeds on the edges of pathways because the soil and other muck from the path drains into that area and provides an ideal bed for germination.

Same for the area in with the second photo.

Liverworts/Mosses and the types of weeds shown in that photo do have very short life-cycles so will go to seed very quickly and germinate before you know it. You have to be diligent and persistent with these sorts of things.

Always remember that weed mat will only help you stop weeds that are coming from below - these ones are coming from the top - so may help but certainly won't solve the problem.

A final note - every time you disturb the soil - you will be promoting weed growth. Turning the soil exposes it to light which actually triggers weed seed germination.

Keeping weeds down is a mult-pronged approach.

Good luck.

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