Paved areas in the garden are generally easy to care for and undemanding. Until one day you notice weeds between the joints. The use of weed killers on paved areas is strictly prohibited, weeding is very laborious and the joint scraper is not a long-term solution. Perhaps this is why flame burners are enjoying increasing popularity because they can effectively and effortlessly remove plants from joints. In today's article we summarize the most important things about the topic of “flaming weeds”.
Flaming weeds: forbidden or allowed?
Burning weeds offers many advantages: you can remove the plants quickly, without chemicals and, above all, effortlessly. This method may be the best choice, especially for people with back problems, as you don't have to bend over.
Even more so – if not just during the gardening seasonFlowers and perennialsare blooming and weeds are spreading in the gaps between the paving stones, then you need to act quickly.
The use of weed burners is permitted by law. To be on the safe side, however, you should ask the local authorities when you can use the devices and what protective measures need to be taken.
On Sundays, only garden work that does not cause noise is permitted. So whether you can burn weeds on Sundays depends on the device. Most are very quiet and can be used without any problems.
Flaming Weeds: Are Weed Burners Dangerous?
For now: Weed burners are not dangerous as long as they are handled properly. However, the fire brigade and police repeatedly warn that the fire can quickly spread from the joints to nearby hedges, trees and even buildings.
So if you grab the weed burner straight away without first taking important protective measures and practicing how to use the weed burner correctly, then the whole thing can quickly end badly. If damage occurs due to a fire, it could quickly become expensive. On the one hand, because you then have to pay the operational costs for the fire department. On the other hand, because you are also committing a criminal offense. Arson is considered to be the commission of a crime.
Avoid the risk of fire: These protective measures are important
- Read the instructions for use and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating the device.
- Only use the weed burner on calm days. Otherwise, sparks can quickly jump from the treated area. The risk of fire is particularly high in summer, when it is hot and has long dry periods.
- Before you burn the paving surface, you should sweep it carefully.
- Children and pets should not be in the garden during treatment. This is how accidents can be avoided.
- Appropriate work clothing (long trousers, closed shoes) is an absolute must.
- There should be no other open sources of fire while you are using a weed burner.
- You should store the gas bottles in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, of course out of the reach of children and pets.
- Always have small fire extinguishers with you when you use the weed burner.
How do I properly burn off weeds?
There are two types of weed burners. The gas burners produce flames that heat the weeds to an average of around 800°C. The electrical devices, on the other hand, do not produce a direct flame, but rather heated jets of air. Above-ground parts of the plant die after a few days. The weeds then look wilted and not burned. Both the gas burners and the electrical devices are very easy to use. Their effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the weather and weed species. The weeds can be removed more quickly and easily during long dry periods. So choose a hot, sunny week to treat the patio or garden path.
OneSafely remove weeds, you should strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding operation. Unless otherwise specified:
- Sweep the work surface, remove grass clippings, fallen leaves or flowers.
- Choose a sunny, windless day and start work early in the morning.
- Be patient and hold the flame on each individual plant for a few seconds.
- Especially in late summer, there is a risk that new weeds will grow quickly after the fire has burned out. This is because most plants go to seed in August. Therefore, several treatments are necessary until you can permanently get rid of the plants.
Flaming weeds: Are the roots also burned?
In most cases, the treated plants die after several days and never grow again. But there are also exceptions. If it rained heavily the day before, the weeds will have soaked and are less susceptible to heat rays. The above-ground parts of the plant die, but the plants can sprout again after a few days.
Burning off weeds in the joints: How long does it last?
Under optimal conditions, i.e. if you remove the young plants in spring and then treat the paved area every 2 - 3 months, you can permanently remove the weeds. However, if you remove the paving stones and joints for the first time in autumn, patience is required. However, if you treat the joints after every shoot in September, you will finally get rid of the plants next year.
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