Using plastic to kill crabgrass roots

Question

I am turning an area where a tree stump was ground out into a flower bed.  I've defined the edges but there are crabgrass roots all through it.  Would think black plastic covering it for a few months kill the roots?  If so, where does one purchase it?

Douglas Hunt · Answer

You don't need plastic. Put several thicknesses of cardboard over the area, then a layer of mulch over that. Some people cut holes in the cardboard and plant immediately, but I would wait a few months and then work the decomposed cardboard and the mulch into the ground. You'll have a fine bed for flowers.

Sheila Lynn · Answer

Thanks for that Douglas. I think we will try that instead of the plastic. Last time I was doing this I used old carpet and left it for quite a long time. Worked great but wasn't pretty. LOL

Sheila Lynn · Answer

I do have another question tho - should we use wood chip mulch or grass clippings?

Douglas Hunt · Answer

You can use either, or both, Sheila. You'll want to make sure the wood chips are fairly small so they break down more readily.

Sheila Lynn · Answer

Ok. Thanks so much. Been running about getting LOTS of cardboard. LOL. Have lots of clippings that aren't compost yet too.

Sheila Lynn · Answer

Hi again. So in JUly we covered the whole area with think newspaper and cardboard with mulch over the top. had a fantastic rain storm and now this is growning on the mulch. Is is a problem? I'm sure it's fungus but not sure if good or bad.

Sheila Lynn · Answer

Picture didn't show up on the last post so... here is photo.

Using plastic to kill crabgrass roots

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Using plastic to kill crabgrass roots

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