Weeds coming up through membrane

Suzkin

Hi,

A few months ago, I laid membrane onto bare soil and then overlaid this with pea-shingle. The reason was to keep weeds at bay in my large garden.

To my horror, the weeds are still growing through!

Rather than start again from scratch, would it be okay to spray lots of weed killer onto the shingle/membrane to kill off the weeds?

I'm wondering whether this approach will erode the membrane and the chances of the weedkiller actually reaching the soil, what with shingle on top, as well?

Any suggestions, welcome. Thanks

JimmyTheWig

I seem to remember being told not to use weedkiller with a membrane.

We've got something similar but with play bark rather than shingle.
The good news is that the weeds pull out really easily.

flea72

are you sure the weeds are coming up through the membrane, and not seeds that have dropped in the gravel, and then rooted?

If coming through the membrane, then you have bought a type, that isnt up to the job.

Flea

mr_vampy

I've had the same problem in that the weeds are growing on top of the membrane. Be careful with pulling the weeds out as if like mine the roots has gone through the membrane, and when trying to pull it out the membrane can easily tear.

Atelier

Over time, dirt, leaves etc will fall on the gravel and will create an environment where weeds will grow.

These are growing in the gravel, although the roots may go down to the membrane and spread out. You cannot stop this but just need to keep an eye out and pull them up when they are small. As they get bigger then the roots will attach to the membrane and will pull on it when tugged out.

A little weeding but often is best.

Alternately you could put some more gravel down. The deeper it is then the less weeds you seem to have :-)