Full Yard Gravel Conversion: Weed Fabric vs. Herbicide, Raised Beds, and Maintenance

11×6 m backyard in weed-infested soil: gravel with fabric is better long-term than herbicide alone. Raised beds for plantings.

Two Approaches

Option A: Herbicide Only (Short-Term)

• Glyphosate, wait 2 weeks.
• Spread gravel.
• Spray weeds every 2 weeks forever.

Option B: Fabric + Gravel (Recommended)

• Glyphosate first.
• Black plastic (paint dept, cheap) or woven fabric over entire area.
• Metal staples every 2-3 ft.
• 2-3" angular gravel.
• Raised beds for plants (cut X's in fabric, build up soil).

Why Raised Beds?

Native soil likely poor. Raised beds with imported soil/compost give instant success. Fabric underneath prevents weed migration up.

Maintenance

• Annual: top-dress gravel, check fabric edges.
• Weeds on fabric: spot-spray glyphosate gel.
• No mowing, watering, fertilizing lawn.

Fabric + gravel + raised beds = lowest maintenance yard.