The best answer to your problem is to use the mortered rock. The rock will
be cooler than the granite and cheaper than maintaining the granite by
chemical or other means.
I have used a torch numerous times and am pleased with the result. However
the chance of a fire is great.
Call me if you would like a quote on mortered rock.
293-3989
As for R.C.


"Andyd" wrote in message
...
Hi:

I have a fenced in garden area (to keep out the deer) with flowerbeds.
Right now I have decomposed granite for the paths between the beds.
However, I am finding the weed problem on these paths is horrendous,
and I need some recommendations for options. My thoughts so far a

1. Leave the decomposed granite and just weed- I don't have the time
to do this, and the weeds are numerous, various sizes, and out of
control. I need to restrict my weeding to the beds as my available
time is so little, and the paths are so bad.

2. Leave the decomposed granite and just use Roundup or equivalent-
Although not totally against chemicals, I'd much rather avoid the
poison, and besides, even if I Roundup the walkway I eventually have
to pull up the dead plants anyway. Plus it looks cruddy with dead
plants all over it. This isn't really a consideration.

3. Leave the decomposed granite and try a pre-emergent- Again, I'd
rather avoid chemicals. I tried corngluten and it was pretty much
useless. It appears I have just too many things germinating over too
wide a range of time to nail with a pre-emergent, at least a
non-chemical option like corngluten, which has a effective window of 2
weeks (or so I am told). I guess I could go out and sprinkle
corngluten every 2-3 weeks all year.

4. Remove all decomposed granite, dig out dirt to a flat surface, put
down weed barrier fabric, and replace decomposed granite- The problem
with this is the area is on a slope, not severe, but enough that the
granite does wash off a bit. I probably need 2-3" of granite I am
guessing on top of the landscape fabric.

5. Remove the decomposed granite and replace with mortared in
limestone- My mom cautioned me on this by noting that the pathway
might get very hot (it isn't sunny, but a partial sun area) which
might not be great for the plants. Is this true?

Any other options? Any help would be appreciated. What do places
like the Wildflower Center do to keep their decomposed granite
pathways weed-free?

Thanks.

andyd