How thick of a layer of rocks should be used to keep weeds from growing?

Question

I am putting rocks around my pond to keep the weeds along the edge under control and to make trimming easier. How thick of a layer of rock should I use and what size of rock would be best? It is about 200m or 600 feet around so I don't want to put it too thick as it would be expensive.

Answer 1

get the black landscaping fabric and put it under the rocks then use enough to cover the fabric

Answer 2

Yes, definitely use the landscape fabric (I think it's called Weed Block, you can get it at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.), but b/4 you do that, you may want to consider spraying the area with Round-Up as well. The fabric works for a while, but not forever. The better you prepare your soil, the longer your weed fabric will last. Also, with the herbicide base and weed fabric, you won't have to put your rock so thick either, saving you money there.

Answer 3

You are going to hate yourself for the expense and labor involved.

Rocks won't stop the weeds plus they make dangerous missiles when you get too close with the lawnmower.

You would be better off laying pavers close together directly onto the ground.

Answer 4

Use a weed fabric on the surface and then place six inches of rocks over that. But rest assured that weeds are pernicious.

Answer 5

The rocks do not prevent weeds all the way.  As soon as there is moisture they will find their way through.  You need a barrier between the soil/sand and the rocks.  Most home improvement places call it a weed barrier.  Some are fabric and others are perforated plastic.

If the base layer is not an option then ther are chemicals that can be used to kill all vegetation where applied.  These will last from a 6 months to a year, but if it is by your pond i would not recommend it.

6 inches is way to thick; no more then 3-4 inches.

Answer 6

You'd need a good 6 inches deep.  I wouldn't use the plastic as they excludes water and oxygen from the soil.  The landscape fabrics allow in water and oxygen.  Both however do not stop dust from blowing in and settling on top of the material and supporting new weed growth.  For that matter, dust can blow into the 6 inches and start new growth.  Nothing is permanent.