On researching this article, I found one instance where
a homeowner was so incensed by the weeds in her patio that
she set fire to them with a blowtorch! Luckily, several
items provide better service as a weeding tool and there
are several better alternatives for brick patio weed control.
Of course, the best method of brick patio weed control
is proper installation of your brick patio. An under-layment
of pea gravel, topped by a layer of sturdy landscape cloth,
covered with a layer of sand will give your brick patio
a firm footing as well as cramp the style of any weeds in
the area. Nevertheless, if your brick patio is already installed
and running rampant with weeds, here are some tips to help
you succeed in brick patio weed control.
First, to make your brick patio weed control plan a success,
implement your plan before weeds flower. This keeps weeds
from going to seed and helps make a short-term plan last
for a longer time.
For the following tip and other tips that involve weed
dousing of one sort or another, use a piece of cardboard
or scrap of Plexiglas to protect nearby plants.
One of the best ways to kill a vegetable of any kind is
to cook it. Boiling water is a natural and very inexpensive
weed-wilter and works to kill most forms of annual weeds
and kills or weakens many types of perennial weeds. A teakettle
is your weeding tool. Fill it with water and bring it to
a boil. While you’re waiting (because a watched pot
never boils, you know!) go outside and cut the culprits
down to their crowns. When the water begins to boil, grab
the kettle (using a potholder) and pour the water on the
crowns of the weeds, holding the kettle high enough only
to avoid splashing. Killing weeds with boiling water will
also scald any biological organisms that get splashed, but
more will return as soon as the soil cools.
Vinegar will kill most weeds. However, grocery store vinegar
is normally a 5% solution and is too weak to do the job.
Ten-percent vinegar will kill most weeds and usually is
found where canning and pickling supplies are sold. A 20%
solution of vinegar kills really stubborn weeds, but is
frequently more than twice as expensive as 10%. Try the
10% for brick patio weed control before you make the investment
in a stronger solution. Spray the vinegar directly on the
weeds, using the shield mentioned above and taking care
not to inhale fumes. You may also want to wear gloves and
eye protection as a further safeguard for this type of brick
patio weed control.
About The Author
Hans Dekker is the owner and one of the authors of Patio
Furniture Ideas. We offer tips, tricks, reviews and ideas
about patio living.
