Eliminating weeds from pavers is a never-ending task that every serious gardener should undertake year after year. However, knowing the proper techniques to permanently eliminate weeds, stop their spread, and prevent their reoccurrence can help you reduce the amount of work required in the future. Find out how to remove weeds from between stones here!
Remove weeds between stones with weed control tools
Hand weeding is the most effective way to remove weeds from patios and garden paths. You can achieve the same results as a hoe by using special equipment specifically designed for weeding between paving stones. These devices have a blade on the end and are designed to get between the cracks in the pavement.
Pour warm water over the weeds
If there is algae in addition to the weedsand collect moss, the surface of your patio can become slippery and sticky. Make sure your patio (or walkway) is kept clean and weed-free to avoid mishaps. If you have access to a pressure washer, consider using it to remove moss and weeds. However, you can also use hot water instead of investing in a pressure washer. Simply pour boiling water from the kettle over the weeds that won't go away. Always remember to protect your feet and skin from burns by wearing shoes and clothing suitable for this purpose.
Although removing weeds from paving stones with boiling hot water is a quick and efficient method, it is not always good for surrounding wildlife as insects are killed by the water.
What helps with weeds between paving stones?
Baking powder (or baking soda) can be usedto eliminate weedsand to restrict its growth when sprayed into the joints of the pavers. Be careful that baking soda can spread to other parts of your yard if carried there through runoff. So the natural agent can kill some plants or affect the quality of the soil, preventing plants from developing. Baking soda should be applied repeatedly to ensure it retains its weed-killing or preventative effects.
Remove weeds between stones and prevent them with joint sand
It is also possible to use polymer sand to fill the joints between the pavers to prevent weeds from developing and to seal the joints. Joint sand is not the same as regular sand - rather, it is a superfine sand that contains polymer additives that, when combined with water, create a binding agent that can better seal the joints between pavers. The polymer sand prevents weeds from growing between stones. It is erosion resistant because it is bonded not only to the pavers but also to itself, thereby protecting not only the pavers but also the foundation.
DIY weed killer with vodka
You can use a spray bottle to mix 50ml of vodka with about 500ml of water if you still have vodka in your liquor cabinet. A simple and inexpensive home remedy for weeds can be made by adding a few drops of natural dishwashing liquid to the mixture and shaking it thoroughly. At midday, spray the leaves of the weeds with your vodka-based weed killer. This will significantly increase the effect. Since the vodka makes the plant more susceptible to desiccation, which ultimately kills it, sunlight is a crucial factor. So wait for a bright day and spray the weeds with the vodka mixture around midday or early afternoon and then watch as the weeds begin to die.
Get rid of weeds with a weed burner
Although it may seem unusual, one of the safest ways to get rid of weeds is to use a weed burner - the weeds are destroyed using fire. As long as you know how these devices work and exercise caution when using them, they are easy to use and do not pose a safety risk. You should never use this method during dry periods and never near potentially flammable areas.
At the tip of the metal rod, the weed burner produces a small flame that can be directed as needed. The goal is not to completely devour the weed with the flame, but rather to burn the tissue just enough that it burns itself. Below are step-by-step instructions for using the device:
- Remove debris, leaves and other types of organic weeds by sweeping the area. Be sure to check the area thoroughly to make sure there is nothing that could ignite.
- Turn on the device and set it to the lowest setting. Aim the flame at the weed while carefully moving around the area.
- Apply the fire to the leaves of the weed to kill it. It is enough to expose it to the flames for between 1 and 10 seconds.
- When you're finished, sweep the area to remove any weeds that haven't burned completely.
