[Graspher]

I have two large kidney shaped areas (containing trees/bushes) that are bordered and filled with medium size pine bark mulch. Anywhere from 1 to 4 inches deep.

I've been struggling with weeds for months. They won - I lost.

I don't want to use a weed barrier mat, newspaper or cardboard under the mulch.

Is there a chemical (been trying to avoid that but at this point I don't care anymore) that I can use that won't harm the tree/bushes but will kill weed growth?

Or do I just keep pulling hoping for the day when there will be no more weeds?

Any other suggestions?

Thank you.