How to Remove Weeds from Patios and Driveways

Everyone wants to keep their patios and driveways in the very best condition. The biggest adversary to a great looking patio or block paving driveway is the common garden weed.

If you’ve had your paving professionally installed by a reputable landscaper, then weeds shouldn’t pose too much of a threat. But, even paving that has been expertly installed isn’t completely immune to these garden pests. It is still possible for dirt and seeds to slip in between the tiny cracks and trigger weed growth. 

When this happens, you’ll want to act fast to prevent the situation from getting out of control and ruining your, otherwise stunning, outdoor space. 

There are a variety of methods you can try to get rid of weeds and, more importantly, stop them from growing back. 

We’ve put together a list of some of the main ways to remove weeds and keep your patio or driveway looking its best.    

Weed on Driveway

Use your hands 

It might sound obvious, but the easiest way to remove weeds from your patio is by hand. There is no doubting it is a laborious process, but it is perhaps one of the most effective. By getting down on your hand and knees and applying a little elbow grease, you can also ensure that the weeds don’t make an unwelcome return in the future. 

Before pulling them out, apply a little water to the area as this will make it easier for them to be removed.  

Use weeding tools 

If you don’t feel like donning the gardening gloves and using your hands, then there are plenty of weeding tools on the market. Not only can equipment save time and make the process easier, but they can also ensure weeds don’t grow back. 

Often, the taproot, which is responsible for continued weed growth, is difficult to get at as it can be found in narrow spaces such as between paving stones or in between cracks. The best way to remove this root is by using a tool that can access these narrow areas that your hands would not be able to. The best tools to do this are cape cod toolers and v-notch weeders but if you do not have these, then standard kitchen knives may also do the trick.     

Natural remedies 

As well as physically removing the weeds by hand or with a tool, there are plenty of natural remedies you can try, too. The first thing you can try is boiling water – simply pour the water into the various cracks across your driveway or patio. You may need to do this several times for it to have an impact. 

Baking soda is also another great way to kill weeds. This is because it draws moisture out of the weeds, drying out the plant and causing it to die. Sprinkle the soda across your patio and driveway, before brushing over with a broom to ensure it gets into all the cracks. Other natural remedies you can try include applying saltwater and vinegar to the weeds. 

If you decide that these natural remedies aren’t for you, you may want to consider something more artificial like a herbicide. There are a whole host of these products on the market. But, most include chemicals which can be toxic to you and the environment.

So, if you do opt for a herbicide, it is best to go for an organic product. Be sure to only spray the killer directly onto the weeds, as even the organic options can cause damage to nearby plants. 

Maintenance 

While it’s all well and good to remove the weeds when they become overgrown and unsightly, perhaps the best approach is to prevent it from getting to this stage at all. Regular maintenance can keep your patio or driveway in order, preventing excess weed growth from getting out of control. Remember, treating the cure is better than managing the symptoms so be sure to get into those little nooks and crannies where the roots can be found causing regrowth.   

Whatever method you choose to remove weeds, ensure to keep it up consistently even in the colder months of the year. If you’ve made the decision to install a new patio or driveway, then it is always better to do this in the warmer months such as spring or summer. This is because the colder months often cause longer delays, and you’re more likely to see better results on a driveway or patio which has been laid in the summer. Particularly if resin or tarmac is being used. 

Considering a new driveway or patio for 2021? If so, get in touch with the team at R&J Landscapes. Experts in a wide range of landscaping services, contact them today.