grass and weeds on my decomposed granite

by Bruce
(LA)

I live in LA and put in decomposed granite as part of my garden. I love it, but I'm finding that grasses and weeds manage to take root?when I had thought that it would look like a path in a Paris park and be virtually no-maintenance.

I have sprayed with organic weed killer, and then Ortho weed killer, but I'm wondering if the French just have guys out there weeding and I didn't realize that, or if there is something one can do to make the dg less hospitable to weeds.

One other thing I have noticed is that when my dog pees on the dg, it holds that unfortunate smell much more strongly than if I get her to pee on the plants/dirt/compost areas (although not great for the plants, it's much easier on the nose).

Thanks for taking the time to consider my question?any insights are much appreciated.

Best, Bruce

ANSWER

Hi Bruce,
From what you are saying, I am assuming that you have used the loose DG. See my page on decomposed granite to read about the different types you can use.

I am guessing that the looseness of the material is allowing weed seeds to imbed themselves in the DG. At this point, spraying the weeds or pulling them out seems to be the more practical options. The firmer types of decomposed granite, such as with the resin or stabilizers, probably make it more difficult for this to happen. Perhaps this is what is in Paris...or as you guessed, they may have workers just pulling them out all the time!

I have used a product called Preen in my planting beds, which is a pre-emergent weed killer. It prevents them from growing. You might try this...it really works.

It reminds me of when I went to England, and the roses at Hidcote (famous English garden) had no blackspot whatsoever. Caretakers can make plants and paving materials look perfect!

I am not sure how much you have down, but you could also consider re-doing it with one of the other materials. If you contact Kafga Granite, they might be able to help you out further. They sell all of the different types of DG.

Regarding your dog...perhaps you could spray the area with something that is offensive to your pooch so that he will not go there...or periodically dilute the area with water.