Question
Hi Sean, I would like to add stamped concrete to my back yard since all there is, is dirt. There has been some rain here in california and weed started to grow in the dirt. I want to know if the weed needs to be removed prior to adding concrete? if so, is there something that will kill it for it not to grow again?

Answer
No you don't need to kill one little weed before putting down concrete if you only have one or two. The concrete will kill everything under it. However, if you have sod or a whole bunch of weeds in masses then you do want to remove them with a shovel and expose bare dirt,because these are organic materials and will break down and rot under the concrete creating gaps which could lead to cracking.

PS any home store will have weed killer such as round-up.

Best of luck

Sean J Murphy, LA, ISA, LEED AP
see my websites on landscaping information and tips.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com