How to Use Landscape Stone and Mulch to Reduce Weeds before Fall

As summer winds down, many homeowners start preparing their yards for fall. One of the smartest late-summer landscaping moves is using mulch and landscape stone to reduce weed growth. These materials don’t just add visual appeal, they serve as highly effective weed barriers when used correctly. Whether you’re tackling flower beds, tree rings, or garden pathways, now is the time to make a move that will save you hours of work down the line.

Here’s how to use mulch and stone to protect your landscape from a fresh wave of weeds before autumn hits.

Start with a Clean Slate

Before laying down any mulch or stone, remove as many weeds as possible from the area. This step is crucial, covering over existing weeds may seem like a shortcut, but persistent ones can push through your new layer, especially if it’s thin. Use a garden hoe or hand pull weeds, making sure to remove the roots. In some cases, a non-toxic weed killer may help for larger infestations.

Also, consider using landscape fabric or weed barrier cloth under your mulch or stone. While some gardeners prefer going without it (to allow for better soil moisture exchange), many homeowners find it helpful for high-weed areas.

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Use Bulk Mulch for Organic Weed Control

Mulch acts as a natural weed suppressant by blocking sunlight and creating a barrier that young weeds struggle to penetrate.

To be effective, your mulch layer should be about 2 to 4 inches thick. Too thin, and it won’t block sunlight well enough; too thick, and you risk preventing moisture from reaching the soil. Around trees, flower beds, and shrubs, a thick layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, improve moisture retention, and cut down on weeding dramatically.

Bulk delivery of mulch makes this process easier and more cost-effective, especially if you’re covering large spaces. Ordering in bulk means fewer plastic bags and more consistent coverage.

Landscape Stone for Long-Term Weed Suppression

Unlike mulch, which needs to be refreshed yearly, landscape stone is a more permanent weed-fighting solution. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas, dry zones, and garden paths. River rock, pea gravel, and limestone #10 screenings are popular choices that offer great aesthetics with the added bonus of long-term functionality.

While landscape fabric is especially helpful under stone to keep it from sinking and mixing into the soil, the stones themselves also provide enough weight and shade to discourage weed growth. A 2-3 inch layer of compacted stone can drastically cut down weed emergence without sacrificing drainage.

Think Ahead! Fall Weeds Are No Joke

Late summer is when many fall weeds begin germinating. Common invaders like crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit start to take root as the temperatures cool. By applying mulch or stone now, you’re blocking out the conditions these weeds need to take hold. You’ll also be better prepared for winter and next spring, when weeds usually return in force.

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Proactive Landscaping Pays Off

Taking the time in August to address weeds with mulch and stone doesn’t just clean up your yard, it saves you time, stress, and effort in the months ahead. Whether you’re going for a rustic natural look or something more polished, Lammon Brothers has a wide range of bulk mulch and stone options available for delivery in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Landscape Stone and Mulch Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What type of mulch is best for weed control?

A. Hardwood or bark mulch is a great choice. It breaks down slowly and provides dense coverage to block sunlight from reaching weeds.

Q. Should I use landscape fabric under mulch or stone?

A. It depends on your goals. For long-term weed control under stone, landscape fabric is highly recommended. For mulch, it’s optional, many homeowners skip it to let the mulch enrich the soil as it breaks down.

Q. Can I use mulch and stone together?

A. You can, but it’s best to separate them by project area. For example, use mulch in garden beds and stone along walkways or borders. Mixing them usually isn’t practical and can complicate maintenance.

Q. How much mulch or stone do I need?

A. Use Lammon Brothers’ online material calculator or give us a call. We’ll help you figure out the right amount based on your square footage and coverage depth.

Q. Is bulk delivery available?

A. Yes. Lammon Brothers offers bulk mulch and stone delivery across the region, perfect for homeowners looking to save time and money.

Ready to take control of fall weeds and freshen up your landscape?

Whether you’re looking for high-quality mulch or durable landscape stone, Lammon Brothers makes it easy. We offer bulk delivery throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, so you can get the materials you need, right when you need them. Give us a call at 419-825-5956 or visit lammonbros.com to calculate your material needs and schedule a delivery.

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