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Silver Back



Member Since: 11 Jun 2015
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 405

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Coniston Green
+1 for the membrane.

I excavated down around 300mm then laid the membrane, followed by the MOT Type 1, rolled with a 5 tonne roller and laid the 20mm split flint gravel to a depth of around 50mm. You don't want too much otherwise you'll constantly be raking out ruts.

I also excavated for curbs and concreted these in to a depth of around 300mm.

Did mine around 15 years ago and still looking good. I do have to rake it level occassionally if I want to keep it looking nice. Plus a few applications of weedkiller during spring and summer to keep the weeks down. I only apply weedkiller to some areas of the drive as I have overhanging trees. Generally speaking the membrane keeps it stable and is not designed to suppress weeds at that depth.
Post #881301 27th Jan 2021 1:58pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16943

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Since Paraquat was outlawed, Glyphosate is probably the best. It's not a good idea to use diesel since you will probably end up with a substantial fine (or even a free holiday on a small room) when someone reports you, plus your drive will stink (and so will your house after a while).

As noted above, get agricultural/industrial strength Glyphosate and use carefully, it is still quite nasty stuff.
Post #881304 27th Jan 2021 2:15pm
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donmacn



Member Since: 07 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1829

There's not much chance of my using diesel - red or otherwise!

Just over the garden fence, between us and the forest, is an open drainage ditch/stream and quite apart from a personal conviction to do no more environmental damage than I can help, I've no interest in SEPA inspectors tracing a pollution incident back upstream to our driveway!

I like the idea of a 'proper' base and membrane job - but I like the idea of the finished job much more than I do the thought of the work and upheaval to get there. I'll consider it a bit further, but more likely is the weedkiller and fresh gravel approach. I'll see if the local farmer's supply place - a branch of Harbro - will stock the Glyphosate. Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...
Post #881317 27th Jan 2021 3:03pm
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Silver Back



Member Since: 11 Jun 2015
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 405

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Coniston Green
Hope you get it sorted.

Here's the weedkiller I have used. Good stuff, but as others have said, use with care.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5L-GALLUP-XL-SU...%3A2334524
Post #881323 27th Jan 2021 4:11pm
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donmacn



Member Since: 07 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1829

^^^ Thumbs Up Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...
Post #881366 27th Jan 2021 7:19pm
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Harry.O



Member Since: 25 Jul 2014
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 706

United Kingdom 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi ST Nato Green
For weedkiller, Gallup Hi-Activ is pretty lethal, it is about the highest glysophate content you can get but it will leave a slight orange stain to things like light coloured paving slabs if you mix it too strong/depending where you apply it. As others have said however, do not use on a windy day or contaminate other areas with your shoes etc, not much will grow there for 6 months + 2005 Td5 110 Hardtop
1989 300Tdi 90 Soft top
1992 200Tdi 90 Truck cab with Land Cruiser axles
Post #881384 27th Jan 2021 8:10pm
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htb2



Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: aberdeenshire
Posts: 510

Scotland 
6 mths without weeds, I dont think so its not a residual herbicide. I do a lot of weed control for utility sites. 1st visit April/May overall spray, 2nd in July spot spray and 3rd spot spray Sept/ Oct and thats in Scotland.
Post #881396 27th Jan 2021 8:32pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7876

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
Haha I learnt the hard way with the footprints, was being so careful too! Rolling with laughter

As for drive, as the song goes... it's all about the base! If it was a new driveway, excavate down to sub soil, compact, terram, hardcore, top lay 50mm. We did our drive like this with just planings on top, 18 years ago and still looks good. Just spray weeds 2 or 3 times a year.

Helps if you can get water away, if anything sits wet/boggy it will deteriorate.

However, as your drive is already there, just degrade and new top layer. My parents tar and chipping there driveway, gives a lovely finish but does need redoing every 5-8 years. James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers
Post #881444 27th Jan 2021 9:59pm
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Chopperone



Member Since: 13 Nov 2016
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 396

United Kingdom 
I use Round Up a fair bit.
At my supplier it is called Buggy.
When you apply it l always put about an egg cup full of washing up liquid in 50 Ltrs when spraying & it acts as a surfactant and makes it work much better.
Guy May your life be like toilet paper ; long & useful.
Post #884077 9th Feb 2021 8:44am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7712

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
https://www.progreen.co.uk/weed-control/to...nity-label

I use this and buy from them regularly. Does my driveway and anything around the house plus the margins on the off road site. Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop
Post #884279 9th Feb 2021 10:29pm
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