Controlling Weeds in Mulch Beds?

Question

Will putting a Preemergent under my mulch prevent or at least help control the growth of grass/weeds in my mulch?

Answer 1

A preemergent herbicide will stop weeds germinating from seed where ever the seeds are in contact with the herbicide. If you have weeds in your mulch then either the mulch is not deep enough (if should be 2 inches deep) or the mulch has weed seeds in it. The simplest way to get rid of weeds in mulch is to disturb the surface of the mulch with a hoe and expose the roots of the weeds to the air. They will die soon enough.

Answer 2

When I do serious jobs for owners willing to do it right I use weed barrier and use 4" to 6" mulch.The thick mulch smothers the weeds,however a few on those pesky things do get thru.

I'm in the bizz and some owners just don't understand,there's always basic maintenance.Good planning will help prevent a huge amount of work in the end.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Temporarily. I use round up when weeds emerge. They always do. I even have plastic under the mulch but weeds still show up.