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California Gardening

How do I kill grass/weeds around tree without harming the tree?

10 years ago

I have a big Jacaranda tree in my back yard and am currently hardscaping to remove all the lawn (really just lots of weeds at this point) and put down beach stones instead. I don't want weeds poking up between the stones around the base of the tree, but I'm concerned about using glyphosate close to the root system. Any suggestions on how to ensure the (extremely tenacious) weeds stay away without harming the tree? Thanks!

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Comments (4)

mrcaballus_usda9b_ca
10 years ago
Pull, burn, dig up what you can. Put a heavyweight weed barrier fabric down, then cover with rock. Anything that does grow should be easy to pull.
Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
10 years ago
Use a grass selective postemergence herbicide.
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rfkavanagh
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks to you both!
cakbu z9 CA
10 years ago
I have used Roundup around the base of many trees and it has never harmed the trees. I would never (again) use a weed barrier like plastic. I believe the rule-of-thumb for mulching around trees is no more than 6" deep around the tree.

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