This Weed-Free Gravel Landscaping DIY Isn't Perfect. But Is It Worth It?

Nothing mars a lovely gravel driveway faster than a whole bunch of unwanted and unsightly weeds. If you've tried spraying, hand-pulling, and most everything else, you might be tempted to try a cheap DIY strategy: black plastic sheeting rolled out beneath the pebbles. But should you? There are both benefits and downsides to consider.

It's easy to see why plastic sheeting seems like a tempting strategy. Landscaping cloth, a mesh made out of polyester and other plastics, blocks light that weeds need to grow. It also helps the ground retain moisture, a helpful bonus in hot and dry regions. Some like it because they prefer to kill crabgrass or dandelions without using harsh chemicals. 

But there are downsides to using sheeting, too. It can starve microorganisms in the soil that make the ground rich. That means any plants growing near your gravel driveway or path, like trees or shrubs, might suffer. While these barriers do prevent weed growth, they're only effective for a year or two. Some strong plants will manage to find a rip or tear in the cover and grow right up through it. Also, plastic degrades over time, leeching microplastics into the soil. These eventually make their way into garden fruits or vegetables. So, if you're asking yourself, should you use black plastic under mulch or gravel or not? The answer is: Maybe not.

Instead of using a plastic barrier, why not try the natural alternative to landscaping fabric for a weed-free garden? Burlap works well, since it blocks much of the light that weeds need to germinate seeds. It's made of fibers from the jute plant, so it will naturally decompose, unlike plastic. Some prefer the natural tanned look of burlap as well, and believe it feels like a more natural element in the yard than black plastic. 

Newspapers can be another great alternative to plastic tarps when laid beneath gravel. As both newspapers and burlap break down, they add nutrients to your soil, making it richer. Both improve dirt texture, too — a win-win. Of course, neither newspaper nor burlap is a permanent answer for clean-looking, weed-free gravel. They'll likely fight unwanted plants for an even shorter time than plastic. Jute disintegrates within 24 months, and newspapers faster than that. Burlap can fight soil erosion, though (like landscape fabric) while newspaper can't.

You can try a number of different eco-friendly solutions, however. Boiling water or a vinegar solution might help. Salt also kills weeds, but it can kill other plants, too. Corn gluten meal helps stop root growth before it even starts. You can also get rid of weeds in a gravel driveway with a tried and true solution that works, and also might just be the most fun approach: Use a weed torch and watch them burn!