Im going to lay down paving slabs in me garden,i took up all the grass then put down the hardcore,should i?

Question

have put down some plastic membrane first? As it is now the hardcore thats on the ground is VERY solid and hard as with traffic on it, it has compressed it into the ground fairly well.The slabs are 2FT X2FT

Answer 1

No need for the membrane, just spray some weed killer (Round-up) on the hardcore then this should soak down and kill the roots of the weeds anyway! cheeper than the membrane.

Answer 2

i would put down a landscape fabric. some people think it is a waster of time because weeds are so prolific. but the fabric will help keep the weeds that germinate above the fabric, in between the pavers from establishing deep roots. every time you see a commercial job being done they are using fabric. you know they would not use it if they could spray weed control on the dirt first and get the same results. so for i have not found a product that will kill weeds for more than one season.

if you can get the fabric. it is cheap and it does work.

Answer 3

There is absolutely no reason to put down a "membrane" other than for some modest attempt at weed control, and over time weeds find a way anway.

   It certainly can't hurt to lay a barrier.