Decomposed Granite Doesn’t Always Mean Weed Free

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Decomposed Granite Doesnt Always Mean Weed Free
Decomposed granite, commonly referred to as D.G.,
is a small, fine material that is best used for
ground cover on walkways, pathways, driveways,
and garden trails. Their sizes range from 3/8
inches down to rock dust and this mixture of
sizes allows for the correct blend of large
particles strength, medium sizes space
filler, and fines binders, to come together
for a stable surface once wet and
compacted. They can be the preferred option for
ground cover not only because of their attractive
design and style but also because of the low
maintenance they provide. Because of this, D.G.
is an excellent option to install as a xeriscape
ground cover where little-to-no irrigation is
needed, especially crucial for dryer,
drought-prone areas. 
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Decomposed Granite Doesnt Always Mean Weed Free
When it comes to style, there are plenty of
options that will best suit the landscape design.
The color scheme chosen will further enhance the
design with the most commonly used colors being
gray, like our Cloud Nine, a reddish hue, like
our Sunset Red, or the tan browns, like our
own California Gold.
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Decomposed Granite Doesnt Always Mean Weed Free
However, even the most stylish D.G. installments
can be affected by elements like wind, foot
traffic, and even blowers that can create messy
nuisances from the fine D.G.. A rule of thumb
when applying D.G. ground cover is to always
install an edging around the border to keep paths
contained and free of contamination from other
ground coverings.
It is key to install a sturdy border capable of
withstanding the lateral forces of the compaction
process. Anybody that installs D.G. will rest
easy knowing that it is a stylish,
cost-efficient, and low-maintenance option for
ground cover paving.  On top of all the benefits
that come with D.G., many think that because
there is very little organic matter in D.G. that
weeds will not grow in it.
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Decomposed Granite Doesnt Always Mean Weed Free
However, that is not always the case in the long
term. D.G. is porous and able to provide drainage
to an extent, which in turn allows the ground
below to receive moisture. For example, the
recent rains in Southern California have already
caused all the wind-blown weed seeds to begin
sprouting. This includes seeds that have settled
on or in your D.G. ground cover or pathways.
While only a small percentage of these weeds will
live long enough in your nutrient-poor D.G. soil,
some will take root and make it to maturity
before beginning the cycle all over again and
releasing seeds of their own. This is especially
likely to happen if landscape fabric is not
placed as a weed blocker between the native soil
and D.G..
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Decomposed Granite Doesnt Always Mean Weed Free
The best time to get rid of these small weeds is
when the soil is still damp, which makes them the
easiest to pull up. An alternative option is to
also apply the herbicide of choice before they
become tall and unsightly. There is no doubt
that decomposed granite is a great,
natural-looking ground cover option for
maintaining a stylish design and eco-friendly
xeriscape. However, the natural exterior forces
at play like rain, sun, and even air will find
ways to stimulate weeds and grass seeds below and
cause them to sprout up. When that happens, it is
best recommended to take immediate action to
maintain all D.G. looking as stylish as possible.
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Thank You