Michigan Gardener

SIGN UP for our Free E-Newsletter!
We will send you occasional e-mails with valuable gardening tips and information!

Digital Editions

Click on the cover to read now!
Sponsored by:

  • Home
  • Departments
    • Ask MG
    • Books
    • Clippings
    • Garden Snapshots
    • MG in the News
    • Janet’s Journal
    • Plant Focus
    • Profile
    • Raising Roses
    • Thyme for Herbs
    • Tools
    • Tree Tips
  • Garden Event Calendar
    • Garden Event Calendar
    • Submit a Calendar Listing
  • Resources
    • Alternatives to Impatiens
    • Garden Help
    • Soil and Mulch Calculator
    • Public Gardens
  • Web Extras
  • About
    • Publishing Schedule – 2023
    • Editorial Content
    • Bulk Subscriptions – 2023
    • Where to pick up Michigan Gardener
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Advertising
    • Print / Web / E-Newsletter Advertising
    • Classified Advertising
    • Material Specs & Terms
    • Make a Payment
Home Ask MG Keeping weeds out of natural paths

Please note that Michigan Gardener has a new schedule in 2023. We will publish one Print Magazine in the spring. This Spring issue will be in stores in early May 2023. We will also publish 10 E-Newsletters from spring through fall. Click to sign up for our free E-Newsletter.

Keeping weeds out of natural paths

March 30, 2009   •   

A couple years ago when I created a walking path through my garden, I put down black plastic and covered it with wood chips. The chips are now breaking down and forming a compost that is spouting weeds and plants in the path.  If I remove the growth and replenish the wood chips, I’m afraid the same thing will keep happening. Grass is not an option due to the confined area.  Do you have any other suggestions for a natural path?

In our opinion, a plastic weed barrier should not be used under an organic mulch. This is especially true if a shredded wood mulch is used, as these mulches tend to break down fairly quickly.

This generally does not pose a problem when used as a mulch around trees and shrubs. In fact, the decomposition of the shredded bark aids in improving the soil. The mulch itself is an effective weed barrier if it is replenished regularly and maintained at a depth of 3 to 4 inches.

The plastic weed barriers are useful in preventing weeds under inorganic mulches such as pea gravel or crushed stone. Perhaps these could be considered for your pathway. Another option to consider would be decorative stepping stones.

Filed Under: Ask MG

Previous Post: Pruning Clematis
Next Post: Moving spring flowering bulbs
Copyright © 1996-2023 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved.