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greenacarina
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 01:40
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Seems simple enough. I am clearing an area of heavy brush and skinny trees to make a parking area for 2 vehicles. Just a rectangle of crushed rock. My concern is preventing things from growing back up through my gravel. I didn't figure that conventional weed block would be durable enough and I don't want to use chemical herbicides. Any suggestions?
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stickbowcrafter
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 07:11
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You can put down heavy duty plastic, get the thickest mil you can find.
-Brian
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 15:35 - Edited by: bldginsp
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There's a type of poly vapor retarder plastic sheet called 'Stego Wrap' which is very thick and tough. It is specifically marketed for job site situations where a vapor retarder will be abused after installation, as in large slab pours where they have to drive machines over the gravel after the vapor retarder and gravel have been laid, before the concrete. So it's made to be puncture resistant. It would work well for your situation, but it doesn't come in small pieces, only 100 foot long rolls. I got enough for my project (roof vapor barrier) by buying just what I needed from a contractor who had a roll. Thin plastic will work for a while, but eventually it starts to deteriorate and fall apart.
But why not use the weed block? It lets water through so it won't pond.
Another alternative is drainfield filter cloth, you can get at irrigation or septic plumbing supply stores. You can buy it by the foot, only get what you need. I'd double it up.
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TheCabinCalls
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 16:04
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You don't need anything under if you use the right material. In fact, a seed only needs an inch or less to start growing so plastic under won't make a difference.
Our experience has been great. We used #57/#67 gravel as a base and then used an inch or two of screenings or #411s - basically the smallest crushed gravel then we water it in and drive over it or use a compactor. Has been 4 Years and no weeds to start yet.
We use it on a large slopped area too and it really compacts and prevents the gravel from washing away.
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TheCabinCalls
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 16:08
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I will add there was an area we had to disturb and we didn't get around to compacting it again...this area had a few weeds, but all the areas where it was compacted has had absolutely no growth whatsoever.
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greenacarina
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 21:34
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Great advice! I am just learning about sizes of crushed rock and whatnot, so this is very helpful! My progress on my land has been slow but I am really enjoying the process and learning as much as I can along the way.
Thanks!
Chris
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2014 22:44
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I used what is commonly called 5/8ths minus. Its gravel with smaller stuff down to sand. It all packs and holds the gravel in place. As for keeping things from growing, a slight sprinkle with casoron granules will do it. Treat it yearly.
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leonk
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2014 12:29
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I'd clear and kill all vegetation with roundup, lay down geotextile and place the gravel on top, doesn't matter what kind.
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BaconCreek
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2014 12:15
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Spray the area with a mixture of 1 lb salt, gallon of vinegar and 1/4 c. dawn. I mix this in a sprayer and spray the gravel paths. Nothing will grow in the area. Works great and is cheap.
Things grow back with roundup. This pretty much prevents things from growing forever.
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greenacarina
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# Posted: 6 Apr 2014 00:37
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OK, the salt/vinegar/dawn doesn't sound too chemically awful. Want to keep the weeds down in that area without creating a toxic disaster.
Thanks for all the great tips!
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MJW
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# Posted: 6 Apr 2014 13:45
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Quoting: greenacarina OK, the salt/vinegar/dawn doesn't sound too chemically awful.
If Roundup only stops them for a while and this stuff stops them forever...it sounds pretty awful to me. hahaha
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