Weed Killer - Pet Friendly but works!

[countrykid]

Last year I cleared a small patch of ground that had grasses and brambles growing on it. Despite digging deep with a pick axe to get at the roots, and after much back breaking, the grasses and brambles returned. I have just repeated this exercise, but feel sure that unless I put some kind of weed killer down, it'll be back to square one again. I want to plant shrubs, but only after I can be sure the persistent weeds have been controlled. I know I can expect some regrowth of weeds, but hopefully I can eradicate them in the main. The ground is not fenced and is frequented by cats, and the occasional frog, so I want any weedkiller to be wildlife, pet and child safe. Any suggestions welcomed.

[Figi]

Please don't use weedkiller. Every time you see some sort of re-growth, dig it out as best you can. You will eventually win the battle.

[alan30]

Try anything with Glyphosate as the active ingredient. Relatively safe if used properly. Most garden centres sell something with their own brand name.

[andrea81]

You could try using a weed lining and re earth it on top. It stops any worry about weedkiller and is quite good. You need to get the proper stuff though, don't know what it's made of but looks like tapolin!

[countrykid]

Thanks to all. Couldn't reply until now, BT Internet access problem but that's another story!! Continual digging out is ok whilst the ground is clear, but once shrubs are plasnted and become established, it will be difficult to get at the base of brambles etc. The roots go deep down for seemingly miles. I was hoping there might be some kind of weed killer that I could "paint" onto the freshly severed root. I'll check out the local garden centre for the ones containing the Glyphos stuff I think. Cheers, advice appreciated.