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Hey, need some advise please.
Have just recently cleared this space between the shed and fenceline. Was piled with tree waste and tall weeds.
I have placed this cardboard down for the interim but l want to lay a thick layer of gravel over it does get sun but the area gets patchy growth and l would like to keep it easy to maintain.
if l lay gravel should l use something between the ground and the gravel. From previous researching l heard that geo fabric is rubbish - but l have seen some type of geo tile with holes. Towards the end there is a downpipe that runs into the bed so thought the tile might be a good idea but is it necessary.
Hi @Sminimori
Good job clearing that area out. 
You need to put a layer between ground and rocks so they dont blend together and become a muddy mess.
Laying cardboard and or newspaper is Great (I some times used to go to the news agent shop and collect all there out of date newspapers and spread them around 5 thicknesses as a guide ) A great low cost enviroment friendly solution.
This will last at least 5 years inhibiting weeds to grow through the thicker the layers the longer
But Black plastic is the best to sterilize the area under the stones 1 layer, (weeds will still grow ontop of the black plastic so just pull em out as they will be short rooted.)
Geo cloth and any breathable and water transmissable cloth is used around plants so water can get to there roots etc and allow worms to live and do there good bit. This also limits weed growth .
You are on the right track you can just use the cardboard.
Hello @Sminimori
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about covering your back area with gravel.
It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. Cardboard is good solution but is not long lasting, black plastic as Jewelleryrescue said sterilizes the soil which technically kills everything underneath and when the plastic breaks down it makes it difficult to separate from the soil and pebbles. Geo cloth will last longer than the cardboard, but not as long as the plastic.
Among the three the Geo cloth provides the best environmental cover. It allows water to go through, allows friendly organisms to thrive in the soil and it limits weed growth. Even if you use the non-woven type, it will still provide an approximate 5 to 10 years of service depending on the conditions present.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 AND @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Morning @Sminimori
I have used cardboard to control weeds before and it takes about a year for it to break down. (it was old computer boxes from work so quite thick in cardboard size) I had around 5-7cm bark mulch on top which helped it break down fast. I wanted the cardboard to break down so it was a planned obsolescence Under gravel I wouldnt suggest to use it as it will also break down resonably fast and then the weeds will be back fast.
How deep were you thinkiong of having the gravel? The reason why I ask is the only thing I have found to slow weeds and scraggly growth is the depth of mulch and going around every couple of weeks and pulling out any wanaabe weeds
The thicker the gravel plus scalping the top of the lawn/weedy area by 4-5cm then gravel 100mm would be the best way to stop weeds reappearing. The height of teh gravel will stop sunlight and by removing the existing soil/weed zone it will take longer for them to re-establish.
Last part, whichever way you go I would consider drainage and the height of the finished product against the fence and your house. better to factor that in so you can mitigate anything before you start.
Dave
