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
Hi Jack, I would spray the vegetation first with glyphosate herbicide.  That should give you 100% kill on weeds and is safe to use in and around your water.   Woody brush may require a second application.  Once dead, cut it to the ground and spread your crushed limestone.  I would not put down plastic.  Six inches will stop almost anything from coming up through it but you may still get weed seed to germinate on top, so an occasional spot spray with glyphosate will keep your area clean.  We do exactly the same thing at the garden center I work at, but we cover the gravel with landscape fabric to help keep the weeds down.  Jim