This area was absolutely full of weeds so when the digger was around I got the guy to scrap it all back and put a thick layer of bark on top to help suppress some of the weeds. The problem is that loads of the weeds came through again. I've since removed most of them.
The area is covering a septic tank, and I don't want to have to maintain it. Is there anything I can do? I was even thinking of just putting a black tarp on top for now so I don't have to deal with the weeds again come spring.
by straightouttaireland
15 Comments
1. Keep it covered – tarp
2. Plant some perennials on it that will outcompete the weeds
3. Leave weeds as they provide food habitat for insects/birds. Once a year give it a mow
if soil is exposed to sun and rain it will always grow something eventually.
you can establish a grass/clover lawn which will stop it growing wild. or if you’re ok with it being totally sterile and barren then you can throw a tarp over it and optionally cover with gravel or something
Fruit Trees and grass.
There’s better suggestions than I can offer in other comments, just want to say I adore your stone wall. Such a soothing feature with the natural backdrop.
Tarmac
Concrete
Just get some seeds balls and native seeds and let it go wild
[removed]
I would go with comfrey for now, until spring/summer. You can use the comfrey for plant feed next year or just mulch it into the soil when you’re ready to plant something else. Comfrey is a vigorous grower, even in winter and will crowd out weeds. Maybe some trees would be the best option next year, they’re great for wet areas like septic tanks. Just be careful not to plant over or close to waste pipes or drains, the roots will wreck them.
Plant something fast growing and tall that will shade out any weeds. I’ve had good experience with planting flax as a placeholder for bare patches. Looks great when it flowers too.
Hire a gardener
Tarp or textile is a good temporary solution but a bit of a disaster in the long run. It becomes exposed eventually and flaps appear. Eventually you’ll need to either dig the flaps back into the ground and re cover, or else remove the stuff altogether – very difficult. Also weeds will grow on the material that covers it, and if anything with a mat of fibrous roots like scutch grass takes hold, it knots into the fabric and is really hard to remove. It also makes life difficult if you want to move or plant new stuff there in the future. Plus it’s non biodegradable plastic.
I used to use textile a bit myself, but never again. I think it was a quick solution 20 years ago but I hope we’ve moved on. A better solution is to use a very thick layer of mulch, a foot deep if you can and pull it back away from the trees. It’s easy to weed then. If you get to know a local tree surgeon tell them that they can dump their wood chip in your place any time they’re passing, that’s what I do. It’s good stuff.
Either clover, or moss. I love a good moss lawn
Why not plant herb bushes? Everyone benefits from them. The insects, birds and you. Rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, lavender etc.
Putting down a black tarp is a good short-term solution, as it will block sunlight and help prevent weeds from regrowing. For a more permanent fix, you might consider a heavy-duty landscaping fabric underneath the bark mulch, which will be more durable than a tarp and allow some water drainage. Another option could be adding a thick layer of gravel or crushed stone on top, which will further reduce weed growth and is low-maintenance. Just make sure that whatever you choose won’t obstruct access to the septic tank if maintenance is needed in the future.