Question
I wish to convert a weed & brush infested area into a hard weed free surface.  I wish to hack down all the growth which gets very intense.  And in turn lay down tons of "crusher run" which I hope will then solidfy as a then hard weed free surface.  I'm not sure of the best way to go about this.  If I hack down the thick accumulation of weeds and then cover the area with crusher run, will it then become solid and hopefully be devoid of weed growth?  How much crusher run to do the job?  6 inches?  Should I lay down a surface of black plastic, and in turn cover that?  I welcome any & all input on the matter.  The weed growth in in an area that is proximate to water and most prone to excessive growth.  You can almost "watch" the weeds grow to 6 ft. high.  Might there be an envirinmentally safe product that might be introduced to the soil to stifle growth.  Any and all suggestions will be most welcome.---Jack

Answer
Your question really has nothing to do with ponds aside from being close to water but I will tell you what I think.  Normally, to do what you want to do, try this.  Mow the area, till it if possible, lay down a few layers of newspaper (optional), lay down the black plastic that breaths (that lets water and air through), and cover with your crushed rock.  Six inches should be enough.  That will be weed free until wind blown weed and wildflower seeds blow over the rock and sprout (probably not until spring).  They will then root in it, and weeds will grow.  To kill them, you can go the toxic herbicide route as most do (not good especiall near ponds) or spray them with something more natural like vinegar.  Some people also burn them (which might get to the plastic if the rocks aren't deep enough).  If your "weeds" are growing 6 feet high, they probably aren't what I'd call weeds.  If they are cattails for example, they are really hard to remove.  Physical removal is very hard but works the best for cattails.  Aquatic plants near the pond may be pushing up from under the future black plastic and rock, in which case they could break through and out.  I would normally suggest letting the "weeds" grow as they wish but understand that may not suit your needs.  Good luck!