I am really struggle how to "permanently" eliminate
this type of weed on my brick patio.
Using the weed killer called ROUNDUP
does not really work --- it only makes some of
the leaves turned yellow, and then the young ones come back in a day or so.
What is interesting is that I actually put some landscape fabric on
before we laid the bricks. It sounds like the grass pokes thru the fabric !
Please see the image on the link below:
http://tinypic.com/537zqsm.jpg
http://tinypic.com/6767nl1.jpg
Does anybody in this forum know a better way to solve
the problem?
Thanks in advance
JIMMY
Jimmy, the grass didn't "poke through the fabric;" dirt has settled in the
cracks (on top of the fabric) and seeds have taken root. Two of the
reasons why the grass has not grown from under the fabric: no sun to
encourage germination, not able to grow through the fabric (providing you
didn't damage the fabric when laying the bricks).
The "young ones" are different seeds that were ready to start when you
sprayed; Roundup does not affect anything that has not sprouted; it acts
on the foliage.
Cement would have helped quite a bit but not eliminated the issue since
cracks soon start happening and soon the weeds are there to greet you.
This is a time to use your tea kettle. Pour boiling water wherever you
see the grass appear.
Another solution is vinegar.
There are other things also but are either toxic and/or harmful to the
soil; some would have worked if applied prior to the fabric and only for a
year.
The big thing people miss when using landscape fabric, bark dust, etc., is
that the current vegetation might be addressed but there is dust/dirt that
accumulates on top and settles down for a place for seeds to take root.
Weeds are successful because they can grow in minimally "desirable"
conditions. Surely, you have seen something growing in a crack on the
side of a building and definitely in the cracks of sidewalks.
If all trace of dirt/dust/soil could be kept out, those common weed seeds
would have no place to take root. That is qualified with "common" because
there are plants which need no dirt.
Of course, you could let them grow to tall enough to pull them, water the
bricks to loosen the soil and pull the weeds by the roots - a solution for
someone with more time on their hands than most of us have and certainly
as exciting as watching snails race.
Keep pouring the boiling water which will be more effective than the
sprays; it will cook the about-to-sprout plants as well as those sprouted
and perhaps cook the seeds as well. Unfortunately, the problem will be
ongoing as dirt will collect and seeds will be scattered. We welcome it
with our lawns and hate it with our sidewalks and drives; contrary lot are
we humans.
Good luck. I feel badly for you, all that work and now the weeds; it
stinks!
Glenna
snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com writes:
It looks to be nut sedge that would grow through any plastic...it even
comes through hard plastic kiddie pools and the toughened liners of
above ground swimming pools if left in one place for the summer.
Nut sedge will be coming up from the "nuts" under ground, probably not
from seed.
the boiling water will only kill the exposed vegetation and not really
do anything for the under ground part of the plant, especially under
patio pavers.
Boiling water pretty much sterilizes the soil killing any beneficial
organism in it...vinegar probably is a close second to the damage along
with possibly changing the PH of the soil itself..
Lar
Yesterday, I tried to remove one of the bricks, and sure enough, the
weed actually "poked" thru the landscape fabric from the under side!
Sounds like it is not going to be easy to solve.
However, it I continous to attack with ROUNDUP regularly, will it be
eventually eliminated?
Please share your comments,
JIMMY
It probably will be in your case. Most people fight nutsedge in lawns or
gardens so round up usually isn't the tool of choice along with it is a
tough weed to kill with many other weed killers (can't say I have ever
tried round up on nutsedge). There are a couple of products that work
well for nutsedge called Image and Manage but they would be costly for
using it just for a small patio.
I went to the local Homedepot and bought a gallon
of a "new flavor" of roundup called Entended Protection.
I cost about $19 (I think it is a stronger version).
I applied to ALL gaps along the bricks. For few days now
I have not seen any young weed emerged !!! . According the
the product label, it should control upto 4 months. I am keeping
my finger cross now and hope this works, even though it is not
a cheap way to do.
JIMMY
I am really struggle how to "permanently" eliminate
this type of weed on my brick patio.
Using the weed killer called ROUNDUP
does not really work --- it only makes some of
the leaves turned yellow, and then the young ones come back in a day or so.
What is interesting is that I actually put some landscape fabric on
before we laid the bricks. It sounds like the grass pokes thru the fabric !
Please see the image on the link below:
http://tinypic.com/537zqsm.jpg
http://tinypic.com/6767nl1.jpg
Does anybody in this forum know a better way to solve
the problem?
Thanks in advance
JIMMY
----------------------------------------------------------
Roundup worked for me for about 2 months. Used 2 applications as the
Bermuda grass was being stubborn. Followed directions, including sunny warm
day criteria. Location: gravel driveway. 4" sub-base, and compressed.
Local weeds are beginning its takeover, Bermuda grass is still brown.
Dave
Someone thought it might be a nut sedge. Here is a rhyme for you to be
sure.
Sedges have edges, rushes are round.
Nut sedges are sorta triangular and have edges. Pick a leaf and feel the
leaf to see if it has any edges. If it does you will see what I mean
right away.
You should try to pull up as much of a plant as you can and take it to
your local greenhouse or garden center and ask for help. Don't go to a
department store. They don't know what they are doing there!
A prety sugestion for you to do could be to pull out all you can then
plant creeping tyme.It does'nt mind being walked on and looks/smells
good. Also, if your patio is shaded you could grow moss in the cracks.
Collect some moss in the woods thats on rocks and break it apart into
little pieces. Get some whole milk and let it get real sour. Mix the
moss and sour milk in the milk jug and shake real good. I like to let it
set over night. In the morning pour the mixture in a pail and paint it
in the cracks being sure you get moss in the cracks. Some people say to
put the mix in the blender but I don't.
Once a month or so feed your moss sour whole milk till you see it
growing. It really looks nice once it gets growing.
The sour milk does smell.
Hope I helped.
Eddie
Just noticed this message; goes back a way; you may
have solved your problem.
In case not, I suggest pouring boiling water on the weeds.
They'll turn yellow and die with a few days, and -- in my
experience -- will not come back.
Be carefully handling the H2O.
Persephone.
hello m8 ive just joined and i am a profesional block paver by the loo
of the photo the joints havent been filled with kiln dried sand thi
realy needs to be added as it prevents any seeds etc. getting into th
joints that act like a breeding ground . ithink i would sweep som
sodium chlorite into the joints first then add the kiln died sand i
possible run a compactor plate over the area before its swept off a
this vibrates the sand into the joints if not just sweep it in bu
leave some on top a let the rain wash it down into the joints hope i
helps
--
dave n cally
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