How to controll weeds?

kipee

Hi, 

I rent a place and it’s got a small backyard. The owner had put the weed mat and wood chips to control the weeds. However, the weeds have been growing uncontrollably. For few times, I have got away with pulling them with my hands but they come back again so quickly. Looked into few grass trimmers but I am not sure if they would work. Could you please recommend anything to control them? Would purchasing a grass trimmer be a good option? Thank you for your help!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @kipee. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about weed control.

It sounds like the weed mat and wood chips aren't providing the level of control you need for the weeds in your backyard. Weeds can often find their way through these materials, especially if there are gaps or if they aren't thick enough. They can also germinate in the layer of mulch, above the weedmatting. While a grass trimmer might help with cutting back the weeds temporarily, it won’t address the root cause, and the weeds will likely come back quickly. To get more long-term control, you might want to consider a combination of strategies.

First, I’d recommend improving the weed mat and wood chip layer. You can add another layer of wood chips or mulch to help smother the weeds more effectively. Be sure the weed mat is properly installed with no gaps or areas where weeds can sneak through. For extra protection, consider using a thicker, heavier-duty weed mat.

For immediate control, you could try a herbicide like Yates 3L Ready To Use Path Weeder. This product is designed to target weeds and prevent them from re-emergin for up to 12-months.. Make sure to follow the directions carefully, a spray all the mulch.

For ongoing prevention, a grass trimmer can help keep the weeds at bay, but it’s not a long-term solution. Regular maintenance—such as cutting back weeds before they flower or seed—will help reduce their spread. You could also try adding ground cover plants that will help choke out the weeds and make it harder for them to grow.

If the weeds are persistent and difficult to control, it might be worth discussing a more effective approach with your landlord, as it could involve reapplying the weed mat or using more permanent landscaping solutions.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell