Is pulling weeds by the root the only way to stop them from coming bac

Yes, pulling weeds and including the root is the only way to eliminate them. You can also use a spray to kill the weed and that might make it easier to pull and get the root- be certain to wear gloves as many sprays are toxic.

When i was growing up my father would put rock salt on the weeds and sprayed it with water to desolve the rock salt so it got to the roots and the weeds never came back

trouble with using salts is you change the ph of your soil there is no permanent way to rid your garden of weeds you could try pavers. but really even when you get the root ball that only means you got rid of that one. best l've found is on your bare dirt put a thick black plastic then, add wood chips which come in a few different colours. please dont spray with any thing that isnt orangic. weeds get carried by the wind by birds by other small animals. here in Australia possums spread weeds around they poop out some cotteneaster seeds now 20 yrs later its a beautiful tree that l love good luck if you find away please let me know.

" The War of Weeds"

Try boiling hot water.

For all weeds: 1 gallon vinegar, 2 cups epson salt and 1/2 cup Dawn detergent.