Grass Growing Between Rocks

Encouraging Grass Growth

• If you wish to encourage grass to grow between stones, fertilize and water it as usual. You may also want to consider a groundcover plant, such as moss pink or creeping phlox, to achieve a green look between rocks. This will provide a dense mat of green, while also providing the benefit of spring flowering. Another option is moss. Blend moss into a slurry in a blender, along with an equal amount of water, and pour or paint the mixture in cracks and crevices in or between rocks.

Preventing Grass Growth

• A pre-emergent herbicide will help prevent the growth of grass in areas where it is not wanted, recommends Jerry Goodspeed, a horticulturalist with the Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Apply these herbicides to the area you clear for your path before grass appears. Another option is a weed barrier, a plastic or cloth layer that you can purchase at home and garden stores and put down underneath a rock path to prevent the growth of grass. Replace this barrier every few years.

Removing Grass

• If you already have grass growing between rocks and you want to remove it, Goodspeed suggests trying non-selective herbicides. Apply these herbicides to the existing grass via a spray or pump. Removing grass from a small strip near rocks also will help ensure that the grass does not return to encroach upon the rocks.

Considerations

• If you want grass to grow between rock pavers, it is a good idea to plan the design to accommodate the grass. For example, a lattice-type pattern will work well. There also are pavers made specifically to accommodate grass growth in between, which you can purchase at home and garden stores. These pavers have holes in the center to allow the grass to grow.