How to Keep Grass Out of Rocks
Rock and gravel mulch provides a permanent option for ground cover in empty landscape areas or those containing permanent plants, such as trees and shrubs. The rocks usually are spread over landscaping fabric or plastic, which prevents grass and weeds from growing in the mulch. Nearby lawn may encroach on the rock-covered areas, especially as the fabric or plastic begins to degrade as it ages. Keeping the grass out requires a barrier so the roots can't travel into the rock areas. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Push a flat-edged spade 4 inches into the soil, holding the blade of the shovel parallel to the rocks. Make the cut as close to the rocks as possible.
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Make a second cut with the spade parallel to the first one, but 2 inches into the lawn area. Lift out the soil between the two cuts, forming a 2-inch-wide, 4-inch-deep trench.
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Place the removed soil on a tarp or in a wheelbarrow. Continue to dig the trench around the perimeter of the rock area.
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4
Set metal, wood or vinyl edging into the trench. Use 6-inch edging so the top 2 inches is above soil level.
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Join the ends of two strips of edging together with a coupler strip. Two primary types of couplers are available: One slides over the two ends, securing them together; the other consists of a rod that fits into the rolled top of the edging, allowing you to fit the two pieces together.
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Fill the trench back in with the removed soil. Tamp the soil down firmly so the edging doesn't shift. The 2-inch lip on the edging holds the rocks in place and prevents grass from growing over the top and into the rock bed.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a glyphosate or similar herbicide spray to kill any grass that has already encroached on the rock bed. Spray it only on the problem grass, as the herbicide kills any plant it comes in contact with.
