Rock landscaping is a popular choice for property owners because it is low-maintenance, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. However, weeds can still find their way through the rocks and become a nuisance. There are several common reasons why this happens, including an insufficient or the absence of a weed barrier and gaps in the rock coverage that give weeds space to grow. Additionally, there may already be weed seeds in your landscape before the rocks were laid down. Fortunately, you can keep weeds away from your rock landscaping in Colorado by investing in a professional rock weed control service!

An Insufficient Weed Barrier or None at All Can Cause Weeds to Sprout in Your Rock Landscape

One of the most common reasons why weeds sprout through rock landscaping is due to an insufficient weed barrier or none at all. A weed barrier is a type of landscaping fabric that is placed underneath the rocks to prevent weeds from growing through. It is your rock landscaping's first line of defense against weeds. It keeps weed seeds from ever sprouting by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil.

However, not all weed barriers are sufficient and effective. The material could be low-quality, break down easily, tear quickly, or not be installed properly, allowing these invasive plants to take root and grow in your landscape. Sometimes, there isn't one installed at all! Without it, weeds can easily sprout and take over your landscape, making it look messy and poorly maintained.

Gaps in Rock Coverage Can Leave Room for Weeds to Surface

Black, blue, and pink rocks in a front yard in Grand Junction, CO.

Another common reason why weeds sprout through rock landscaping is due to gaps in the rock coverage. If your landscape bed has a rock ground cover but the coverage is thin or uneven, weed seeds can still reach the soil, and sunlight can easily sneak through and allow them to grow. Weed seeds are persistent landscape invaders and can continue to grow even with minimal sunlight. Because of this, you'll want to make sure your rock ground cover is evenly installed and has complete coverage for effective weed suppression.

Additionally, rocks can shift over time and create gaps. Sparse coverage makes it easy for weeds to continue to germinate and eventually sprout. To prevent this from happening, you should regularly check your rock landscaping for any gaps and fill them in as needed.

You can have your landscape rocks replenished every few years to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage.

Weed Can Surface in Your Rock Landscape if Seeds Were Present Before Installation

Weed seeds that were already in the soil before the rocks were installed can also be a reason why they sprout through rock landscaping. These seeds can remain dormant in the soil until they find the right conditions to grow. When the ground is disturbed during landscaping, these weed seeds can be brought to the surface and start growing. To prevent this from happening, you should make sure that the soil is weed-free before installing the rocks. You can do this by removing any existing weeds and implementing a solid weed control plan to keep these unwanted plants away.

Enroll in a professional rock weed control service to keep weeds at bay.

Weeds can detract from your rock landscape's curb appeal, but tackling them doesn't have to be a struggle for you. Enrolling in a professional rock weed control service is the solution to keeping weeds away from your landscape! This type of service typically involves applying high-quality weed control treatments to target pesky weeds trying to invade your rock landscape.

Professionals will use pre-emergent weed control to add another layer of protection in your landscape that will prevent weeds from sprouting. They'll also use post-emergent treatments to control existing weeds and eliminate them before they spread further. What's more, a professional rock weed control service puts your landscape on a schedule with well-timed applications to ensure consistent protection against these invasive plants.

Call us to schedule our rock weed control service!

If you don't want your pristine rock landscaping to be covered with unappealing weeds, let our professionals take over. Here at Mesa Turf Masters, we offer a rock weed control service that will protect your rock landscape from weeds throughout the year. This service involves regular visits from February until November to administer pre- and post-emergent treatments to your rock landscape. We offer this service to property owners in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and surrounding areas in Colorado. Call us at (970) 434-5440 to schedule this service today!