Clearing a Weedy Urban Backyard: Roundup, Mulch, and Pre-Emergent

Kill Existing Weeds, Then Prevent Return

1. Spray glyphosate (Roundup) on actively growing weeds. It's systemic—absorbed by leaves, won't harm mature tree bark.
2. After dieback, remove debris.
3. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (wood chips, stone) or plant groundcovers (Pachysandra, Liriope).
4. Apply pre-emergent herbicide (Preen) in early spring to stop annual weed seeds.

Reapply pre-emergent per label (usually 2–3 times/year). Mulch annually. This keeps the 10×30 ft area clean with minimal effort.