Have you ever seen a deck surrounded by weeds? It’s not a pleasant sight. Weeds can be difficult to control, but with a few proactive steps, they can be kept at bay.
Doing some planning, such as what to put under the deck to prevent weeds in the first place, is key. Before you hammer in the first nail, think about preventing weeds. It will make your life and job easier in the long run.
Weeding out the problem (pun intended) starts with understanding how to effectively keep them away in the first place.
Understanding Weed Problems
Weeds are a common problem for homeowners, but they don’t have to be. Knowing the types of weeds that find their way under decks, as well as preventive measures you can take, will help keep your yard and deck looking great.
Annual varieties such as crabgrass and nutsedge show up with warm weather each year and often require repeated treatments throughout the season. Meanwhile, perennial weeds like dandelions come back year after year unless treated aggressively and properly.
Planning For Weed Prevention
Now that you’ve identified problem areas in your yard, it’s time to plan for weed prevention. There are a number of steps you can take to make sure weeds don’t come back again and disrupt the beauty of your outdoor space:
- Install landscape fabric or an attractive decking product under or around any structures on your property
- Make sure grass clippings and other organic matter is disposed of properly away from the house
- Pull out visible weeds as soon as they appear and apply mulch over bare spots when needed
- Use natural herbicides such as vinegar or salt water instead of chemical ones whenever possible
- Installing gravel boards also helps create physical barriers between soil and vegetation so roots stay deep underground.
- Mulching heavily acts like armor.
Mulching Strategies
Mulching is an effective and easy way to prevent weeds from growing beneath your deck. It’s also a great way to add aesthetic appeal, especially if it’s easy to see under the deck. There are two types of materials you can use in this situation: organic or inorganic.
Organic mulches
Wood chips, bark, straw, and leaves, help with weed control while providing insulation for the soil at the same time. They also break down over time and provide nutrients to the surrounding soil. However, they need to be replaced often due to decomposition and weathering, which can be difficult after your deck is built.
Inorganic mulches
Pebbles, gravel, stones, rubber nuggets, and landscape fabric last longer and make it difficult for weeds to grow. While these options may require less maintenance than organic material choices, they don’t offer any benefits other than preventing weeds from sprouting up under your deck.
No matter which type of mulch you choose for your project needs, it’s important that you apply a thick layer (2-3 inches) so that sunlight won’t reach the surface below where weed seeds could germinate. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll have beautiful barriers between your deck, and weeds will find it impossible to grow!
Landscape Fabrics
Another known weed barrier is landscape fabrics. They are easy to install and maintain as well as used in a variety of ways, making them incredibly versatile. Let’s take a look at what makes landscape fabric the ideal choice for keeping those weeds away.
Landscape Fabric
FLARMOR Non-Woven Landscape Fabric
- Reduces maintenance & prevents weeds from growing.
- Environment-friendly weed block fabric
- Easy installation
- Use landscape cloth or barrier to remove weeds & grass, & protect your landscaping roots.
- 100% Satisfaction BEST PRICE
Advantages
- Allows water & air through
- Easy installation & maintenance
- Prevents weed growth without chemicals
Disadvantages
- Can become clogged with dirt over time
- Less attractive than other solutions such as mulch or bark chips
- More expensive option than using traditional mulch or rock coverings
When it comes to installing landscape fabric, you’ll want to lay it out flat on top of the soil beneath your deck. Be sure to overlap the edges several inches so no weeds can creep through. You can then add some decorative stone or gravel above the fabric layer to give your outdoor space a more polished look while allowing water and air to pass through easily. Additionally, if any debris falls onto the surface of the fabric, it is easy enough to rake away – meaning less hassle when it comes time to clean up.
Plus, because landscape fabrics don’t require chemical treatments, they provide peace of mind knowing that you’re doing your part in protecting our environment. Landscaping cloth proves itself invaluable when trying to keep weeds out of hard-to-reach places like underneath decks, where regular maintenance may not always happen otherwise. It’s an economical way to enjoy beautiful results without sacrificing quality or safety.
Plastic Sheets And Tarps
You can use plastic tarps beneath your deck to prevent weeds from growing through it. They are also easy to install and replace when needed. Here are 4 advantages of using plastic sheets or tarps under a deck:
- Low-cost – Plastic sheeting is much cheaper than alternatives like gravel and concrete pavers.
- Resistant – It is resistant to moisture, which makes it an ideal material for outdoor decks where rain and snow often occur.
- Durable – The material is durable enough to last for several years without needing any major repairs or replacements.
- Lightweight – Unlike some heavier options, such as stones and bricks, plastic sheets are lightweight and easy to handle during installation and removal processes if necessary.
The biggest benefit of using plastic sheeting or a tarp underneath a deck is its ability to block out weed seeds so they have no place to grow in the first place! You can even get creative with different colors or patterns.
Gravel And Pebbles
Gravel, pebbles, and stones are an effective way to keep weeds away from your deck. Not only do they look great (especially for decks up high enough to see underneath), but these materials also provide a practical solution when it comes to killing off vegetation. With their many shapes, sizes, and colors, there’s sure to be something that fits the aesthetic of any outdoor space – plus, they can help you cut down on maintenance time!
Gravel and pebbles are of the most popular options for preventing weed growth under decks. They’re relatively inexpensive, so you don’t need to break the bank in order to get good coverage. Plus, installation is easy and won’t take up much time if done right.
Gravel
Landscaping Gravel
- Landscaping rock and stone
- Safe to use in any application
- Inexpensive and easy to install
Simply lay out enough gravel or pebble between each board in order to form a thick barrier without leaving gaps or holes where plants could grow through. Make sure you use larger pieces rather than small ones as this will give better coverage.
Materials to Build Your Deck out of
Before worrying about what will go under your deck to prevent weeds, consider what you’re building your deck out of. Some materials like concrete, pavers, and pressure-treated wood are naturally going to inhibit the growth of weeds.
Concrete And Pavers
If you want something that will last for years, concrete is an option – it’s easy to install and maintain.
Pavers are another choice, as they provide similar protection against weeds. If you build your deck out of pavers, you’ll find a variety of colors and shapes to choose from.
Patio Pavers
Whether you choose brick, stone, or tile pavers, they will give your deck a unique style that stands out in the backyard. Pavers can be laid in multiple patterns so you can get creative with how you design your deck flooring.
No matter which material you decide on for your deck weed-barrier layer, both options provide long-lasting results with minimal fuss.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
A popular material that creates a weed barrier and makes a beautiful deck is Pressure-treated lumber. Not only does it provide an effective barrier, but its long-lasting durability ensures that your deck will look great year after year. It’s also versatile in that you can paint or stain it in a variety of colors.
Advantages
- Durable and rot resistant
- Inexpensive material option
- Easily accessible at home improvement stores
Disadvantages
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent mold growth
- Can be difficult to install due to the weight
- Contains chemicals that can be toxic if not treated properly
Pressure-treated wood is initially cheaper than other options, such as pavers. However, it needs more frequent maintenance in order to keep looking good over time. It also requires special care when installed because of its heavy weight. Additionally, pressure-treated wood contains toxins that can leach into the soil around the deck unless you take proper safety precautions during installation.
Overall, pressure-treated lumber offers many advantages, including affordability and longevity, though some drawbacks need to be taken into account before choosing this material for your project. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber while keeping weeds away from your decking area.
Non-Toxic Garden Chemicals
If you have an existing deck, it may be difficult to place tarps and stone pavers. You might need to think about using non-toxic garden chemicals.
Use a weedkiller or herbicide that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Rely instead on active ingredients such as vinegar, citric acid, clove oil, and other natural chemicals that can safely kill weeds. To maximize their effectiveness, apply them when it’s hot out.
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Weed & Grass Killer
- Eliminate any type of weed in just a matter of hours.
- NO cancer-causing chemicals. Glyphosate-free. 20% formula is four times stronger than traditional table vinegar. Made strictly from ethanol distilled from corn grain.
- Perfect for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural use.
- 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a safe way to manage weeds under your decking, consider non-toxic garden chemicals or composting solutions – both great options for keeping your outdoor space healthy and beautiful!
Combining Options For Maximum Effectiveness
When it comes to keeping weeds from your deck, you’ve got a few options. To maximize effectiveness and make sure weeds stay away for good, we recommend combining two or more of the following solutions.
First, consider adding a layer of weed-blocking fabric beneath the deck’s surface boards. This material will help keep sunlight out while also preventing any new growths from sprouting up in between planks. It’ll take some time and effort but is well worth it when you won’t have to worry about pulling weeds later on.
Next, use an herbicide specifically formulated for outdoor decks. Simply spray down the surface with a garden hose attachment and watch as it quickly kills existing vegetation and keeps new ones at bay. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully before applying!
Finally, top off these techniques with regular maintenance such as sweeping away debris, removing leaves and dead plant matter, and occasionally spraying down organic debris that may be trapped underneath the decking boards. Keeping up with routine cleaning not only ensures maximum protection against weeds but also helps maintain the beauty of your deck over time.
Problems in an Existing Deck
If you already have a deck, there are still some things you can do to be preventative.
- Start by inspecting your deck for any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in between boards or around posts. This material provides ideal conditions for weed growth, so make sure to remove all visible evidence of this type of build-up. If left untouched, these areas are likely to become breeding grounds for unwanted vegetation.
- You should also look out for any signs of standing water near the deck’s foundation. Standing water will attract more pests like mosquitoes, bees, and lizards and increase the chances of weeds taking root. To avoid this situation altogether, use drainage solutions such as gravel or plastic grids beneath the structure to divert moisture away from vulnerable spots on your decking surface. Taking preventative measures now can save you time and money down the line!
- Use organic sprays regularly to keep the weeds away.
Professional Assistance
If your weed problem is out of hand, you may need to consult a professional. Landscaping professionals can provide advice on under-deck treatments, such as mulch and gravel, that will prevent weeds and pests from taking over your outdoor space.
Hiring an expert is worth considering if you don’t feel comfortable tackling a project yourself or need outside input in order to make decisions about materials, design, budgeting, etc. With their knowledge and expertise, they can maximize the lifespan of your deck while helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
To keep weeds from growing under your deck, you need to plan ahead and use a combination of methods. Preventing the growth of weeds is easiest before the deck is built – you can place landscape fabrics, concrete, gravel, and even plastic tarps to prevent weeds from ever growing. You can also opt for building your deck out of materials such as pressure-treated wood and stone pavers that are weed resistant.
If your deck is already in place and it’s more difficult, but not impossible, to prevent weeds. You can mulch with wood chips and use organic sprays – either bought or made. Mulching is also an important part of any weed prevention strategy.
If all else fails, professional assistance may be necessary to get rid of stubborn weeds in hard-to-reach areas. With these simple steps in place, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about weeds taking over.