Howdy folks: Cliff Notes: This question is whether if anyone knows a way to permanently kill vegetation and that nothing grows there again. Extended Version: I live on a large, rural property and want to have certain sections be permanently devoid of weeds, grass, raspberries etc. Every year the stuff grows, every year I spray it with Roundup and every year stuff grows back three months later. For flaps sake, I don't know how the weeds etc effortlessly grow in the face of herbicide but I can't get grass seed to germinate. In any event, one method mentioned on the interwebs is spraying salt water, another is throwing water softener salt pellets, another is to use an herbicide called Ground Clear. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Look into 'Pre-Emergents'. Most seeds laugh at herbicides. The stuff that works is probably pretty regulated.
Ground clear works for about 3-4 months...it's says "up to 6" but the more rain you get, the shorter that time actually gets. The one thing I've seen clear the ground bare for years is oil, specifically hydraulic oil. The neighbors haybine blew a line and he forgot to lock it in the transport position before removing the hose...so when he took the hose off the cylinder blew it's load everywhere...totally bare for years.
What the need for bare dirt? I get not wanting weeds, but I don't see any reason for bare dirt....not that isn't one...just don't see it. If I wanted something devoid of vegetation I'd probably put down white rock and spray it with Hyvar or the like once a year.
Most of the area surrounds my wood stacks. Dang weeds grow so high that they block sunlight from hitting the wood. I have no idea where the seeds come from.....I kill everything with Roundup, it goes to bare dirt and the following spring they grow again as if someone planted them.
Permanent vegetation killer would be rather hard on ground water & would likely seep to other areas. I use this stuff on driveways & pathways in the local cemetery. It works for up to 12 months, it will seep/run if you mix to heavily or it rains a lot after application. You might try salting the area. Roundup seems to require multiple applications throughout the season. I have found that just mowing around the stacks works best with an occasional pass with the weed eater.
Can't you spread bark and debris from your wood processing around? I do this and it does help keep the weeds down, especially if I processed some black walnut. You may have a much larger area then I have though. Other than that, wood chips pine needles or mulch would work to an extent. It's not going to a be all and end all solution but would be more natural. I'm not sure what your location is which needs to be taken into account..
This stuff works and only requires once a year application. Unfortunately I tried to buy some at Tractor Supply a couple months ago and was told they couldn't sell it to me.
Might be a cali thing or maybe it’s became restricted use since last year. I bought mine at a Bomgaars ( similar type supply chain as TS ).
Rats....I looked at this stuff and it was available in my local Tractor Supply about two months ago. It's gone now. The stuff is available on @m@z0n but I don't know if they will ship it to NJ. I still have an unopened gallon of 41% Glyphosate and will probably just use that up first.
Judges 9.45: "All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it." Spreading salt could be a lot less toxic than weedkiller. And cheaper and not regulated. Google AI says: Yes, salting the earth can kill weeds, but it's not a sustainable solution and can damage the soil. Salt disrupts the plant's water balance, causing it to dry out and die. However, high concentrations of salt can also make the soil infertile for years. Here's a more detailed explanation: How it works: Salt increases the concentration of ions in the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb water. This creates a hypertonic environment where the water inside the plant cells is drawn out, leading to wilting and eventual death. Effectiveness: Salt can be effective for killing weeds in specific areas like cracks in driveways or walkways where other plants are not desired. Limitations: Salting the earth can have long-term consequences for the soil's ability to support plant growth. It can also be ineffective for certain types of weeds or in areas with high soil moisture. Alternatives: Boiling water, vinegar, or even just removing weeds by hand can be effective and less harmful alternatives.
