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There are several ways to kill poison ivy permanently. The trick is to keep it from coming back. Herbicides and natural remedies are highly effective for killing existing poison ivy plants. However, plant and root parts left behind can easily create new sprouts that turn into full-grown plants. The only way to permanently get rid of poison ivy is to be patient and diligent until all traces of the plant are dead and gone.

Weeds can grow through rubber mulch, but it depends on if you removed all the weeds in your garden beforehand. Weeds already in the soil can grow even when using rubber mulch. However, that doesn’t mean that your garden will be littered with rubber and weeds, but it does mean that the occasional weed might still pop up. Another way you can increase your weed suppression is by using landscape fabric as a second layer. 

You should add 1 to 4 inches of mulch, depending on your garden type and needs. Keep in mind that no amount of mulch can completely prevent weeds, but a heavier coverage (closer to 4 inches) can suppress weeds enough that you are only seeing them sprout every few weeks. Finer mulch prevents weeds more effectively than large mulch, so if you’re using mulched leaves or shredded bark, 1 to 2 inches will likely suffice, while 3 to 4 inches is best for larger mulch, like bark chips or straw.

Due to its slow growth, Bahia grass does not generally take over weeds. In fact, the opposite can be true. Young Bahia grass is susceptible to being taken over by weeds. 

Likewise, in the cool season, Bahia grass goes into a dormant state that can allow weeds that thrive in early spring to get the upper hand. If you want to prevent weeds from taking over your yard, remove them by hand or apply a Bahia grass-friendly pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn before weeds have a chance to appear.