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Learn how to remove weeds from driveway cracks and get rid of the eyesore
Weeds growing on the driveway cracks and crevices are not only an unwelcome annoyance but are also tougher to get rid of.
This article will teach you how to remove weeds from driveway cracks without necessarily breaking the bank or your back.
Hint: We shall show both natural and environmentally-safe methods and not-so-ecofriendly ways.
Well, let us get into the details.
How to remove weeds from driveway cracks – ecofriendly methods
Here is how to get rid of weeds in driveway naturally first:
1. Use your hands to remove the weeds
Needless to say, if there are just a few invasive weeds in the cracks, you can simply use your hands to uproot them.
This is perhaps the most environmentally-friendly weeds elimination method.
Now, it will be easier for you to pull out the whole root system of the weed if you water before weeding.
Something else: Wear gloves to protect your hands in case of rough or stingy weeds.
2. How to remove weeds from driveway cracks using tools
These tools can make the job easier (remember bare hands can take quite a bit of time) and are good solutions for the environment.
· Hori Hori
One of the most versatile garden knives, the Japan-originated Hori Hori easily gets into the drive way cracks and digs out dandelion (and other weeds’) roots effortlessly.
· Use a small flat-head screwdriver, a dandelion digger, or a trowel
A dandelion digger also works great for weeds growing in cracks and crevices.
Weeds removal is much easier because they loosen up the rocks that could otherwise get in your way.
Likewise, the humble flat-head screwdriver can work wonderfully for stubborn weeds.
The tool can even scrape out noxious weeds with super long taproots to hinder them from spreading all over your landscape.
Another tool you can use to lever pesky weeds out of cracks is this small Trowel. It’s made of stainless steel and doesn’t fold when faced with adamant weeds.
· Use the propane blowtorch to remove the weeds
Weeds in the cracks of sidewalks and driveway don’t stand a chance with a propane blowtorch such as the popular red dragon weed torch.
The heat is overwhelming and you’ll see weeds wilt and die with a quick pass over the unwanted plants (with the torch)!
Don’t forget to clean extinguished remnants off the driveway.
Tip: You can add a lever valve to conserve gas if you have a long driveway to tackle.
3. How to remove weeds from driveway cracks – alternative simple solutions
Still, there are three other very basic but effective ways of tackling the nasty weeds: hot water, baking soda, and vinegar.
Here is how each works:
· Use boiling water to remove the weeds
Another way of killing the ugly weeds without messing the environment is by drenching them with the boiling water.
The heat in the boiling water will cause the weeds cell structure including the roots to collapse and die, making it easy for you to pull it out.
Note that more established weeds may not come out the first time and it may take about two-three treatments before you’re able to uproot them.
Tip: Some folks use rolling steam cleaners to kill the offending plants.
· Use baking soda to kill the weeds naturally
Baking soda isn’t just good for your cookie recipe; it’s also magical when you have trespassing weeds on your driveway.
Simply sprinkle it into the cracks generously (until it covers the weeds) and wait for the weeds to perish.
Tip: Repeat the procedure every about 4-6 weeks until all the weeds are completely gone.
· Kill the weeds with vinegar
Because vinegar is all-natural and easily bio-degradable, you can consider using it to remove weeds from crevices and driveway cracks instead of harmful commercial chemicals.
It’s also extremely pocket friendly.
Weed removal is straightforward here too: Take a spray bottle, pour 5% household white vinegar in there and spray the ugly plants and the weeds will be no more.
Tip: Use horticultural vinegar (it has 20% acetic acid) or add dish soap to make the vinegar more effective if your driveway is dominated by more dogged weeds.
How to remove weeds from driveway cracks – other methods
Now to the not-so-safe methods as a last resort:
1. Use Glyphosate to get rid of weeds
Glyphosate is a cost-effective, easy-to-use compound that kills weeds and commercial products containing the chemical can work for driveway cracks.
Measure the recommended amount of your preferred commercial product with Glyphosate and mix it according to the label instructions.
I should add that Glyphosate is not as harmful as most commercial herbicides.
Tip: Spray the product when the weather is calm as spraying it during strong winds can cause a lot of wastage. Also remember to reapply the herbicide after four weeks for hardy weeds.
2. Use Borax to kill the weeds
Borax (sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate) is also effective on irritating weeds, if you must use chemicals.
You again make a borax solution following the procedure on the label and pour into the cracks and directly to the bothersome weeds.
Tip: Wear gloves to prevent irritation when handling the mixture.
How to get weeds out of cracks in the sidewalk and from driveway cracks- frequently asked question(FAQs)
Will breach kill weeds in sidewalk cracks?
Short answer: Yes!
Just as it is poisonous to humans and animals when consumed, bleach is also a plant killer when sprayed thanks to its extremely high acidic property and will kill weeds in your sidewalk cracks.
It first penetrates into the soil and gets soaked into the roots of the weeds.
It then destroys the roots by eating them away.
How do I permanently get rid of weeds in my driveway?
There are a couple of steps you can take if you want to get rid of the menace permanently.
You can, for instance, seal the cracks with roofing cement to prevent regrowth.
Your sealant options are not limited and any quick-drying joint sealant (check out this suggestion) should suffice.
Another popular way- though less permanent- is filling the cracks with sand/gravel.
Final words
Now you know how to get rid of the nuisance plants growing inside cracks on your driveway.
You have also learned how to prevent weeds in driveway cracks using your favorite crack sealant.
Good bye weeds!
