Kill Weeds on Block Paving, Patios & Pavers

Hello there! Are you tired of those pesky weeds popping up in your beautiful block paving? Well, you're not alone. Weeds seem to have a knack for finding their way through the smallest of cracks and gaps, making your once pristine paving look like a wild and unruly jungle.

Now, we know Mother Nature will always find a way, but if you have bare soil accumulating between the gaps in your paving, then you're just inviting the weeds to set up shop. So, it's time to take action and say goodbye to those unwanted weeds.

How do I get rid of weeds in my block pavers naturally?

Let's get physical! The quickest way to bid adieu to those stubborn weeds between your pavers is to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Yes, it may require a bit of elbow grease, but unlike chemical solutions, the results are instantaneous.

It's time to get hands-on with your weeds. Grab the stem and give a firm tug, ensuring that you get the roots too. Once you've amassed a collection of weeds, dispose of them in your recycling bin. Don't even think about composting them, as you'll just be spreading them across your garden.

If you're not a fan of getting down and dirty, there are a variety of tools that can help you in your quest. A weeding knife or hoe will allow you to scrape the weeds and dirt debris from between the pavers, making it much easier to reseal later.

So, gear up and get ready to show those weeds who's boss!

Does salt kill weeds in block paving?

Ah, salt - the go-to solution for many DIY weed warriors. While it does have some weed-killing properties, its use has been somewhat exaggerated.

Here's the scoop: salt can be effective in killing small, weak, or newly emerged weeds. Simply sprinkle it on neat (just like in the picture above) and give it some time to work its magic. But let's be clear, it's not a quick fix. Patience is key as it will take some time for the salt to do its job.

If you're dealing with a large area or a significant number of weeds, you're going to need a lot of salt. Tough weeds, such as deep-rooted perennials like Ivy, Brambles, Marestail, Thistles, Docks, and others, will require a proper commercial weed killer. 

So, as much as we love salt, it's not a miracle worker. Keep it for those small and weak weeds, and leave the big guns for the heavy hitters!

Will boiling water kill weeds in pavers?

Let's talk about another homemade weed killer that's been gaining traction lately - boiling hot water. But does it actually work on those pesky weeds growing between your pavers? 

Well, the answer is a resounding yes! Hot water can certainly kill some types of weeds. However, much like salt, it's not a replacement for a strong weed killer.

Here's how you can use boiling water to your advantage:

First, boil your kettle, and once the water is scalding hot, pour it directly onto the weeds. But be careful not to burn yourself, as hot water burns can be extremely painful. It's best to keep kids and pets away while you're doing this - safety first!

While boiling water may work wonders on some weeds, it's not going to be effective on all of them. For larger areas or more stubborn weeds, it's best to turn to a proper weed killer to get the job done. So, break out that kettle and let's get to work!

Will bleach kill weeds in block paving?

Now, let's talk about a cleaning solution that has been touted as a potential weed killer - bleach. You may have seen posts on social media claiming that bleach is an effective way to kill weeds growing between your pavers. But here's the truth - it's not!

In fact, bleach is a poor weed killer and is harmful to the environment. So, please, do not use bleach to kill weeds. Reserve it for its original purpose - cleaning your toilets.

Let's be real, bleach isn't a natural weed killer, and while you may have some lying around your home, it's not the solution to your weed problems.

Stick to natural remedies or commercial weed killers to effectively remove those pesky weeds from your block paving. Remember, keep it clean and keep it green!

Will bleach damage pavers?

It turns out that bleach isn't just a poor weed killer, it can also be harmful to certain types of pavers. Applying bleach to your block paving may result in the areas you apply it to being effectively cleaned, but it could also leave your paving stained and damaged.

So, to summarize - using bleach to kill weeds in your block paving is a definite no-no. Not only is it an ineffective solution for weed removal, but it can also cause more harm than good. Stick to other methods that are safe for your pavers and effective at getting rid of those unwanted weeds.

Will vinegar kill weeds in my pavers?

Ah, vinegar - the versatile condiment that goes great on chips. But can household vinegar really be used as a weed killer for your block paving? 

The answer is yes! Vinegar can be effective at killing small, shallow-rooted or newly emerged weeds in your block paving.

However, let's be clear - despite what you may have read online, vinegar is not a replacement for a powerful weed killer. It won't permanently kill your weeds as it only burns away the top of the weed, not the roots. 

So, unless you're prepared to keep applying vinegar to the same weeds, you're better off using a commercial weed killer.

It's also worth noting that using a lot of vinegar on your block paving can result in a pungent odour that may draw some curious looks from your neighbours.

Additionally, while horticultural vinegar is available and more powerful than household vinegar, it has the same problem - it won't affect the roots, so your weeds will likely regrow.

In conclusion, vinegar can be used as a quick and easy solution for small weed infestations in your block paving, but for larger, more persistent problems, it's best to invest in a proper weed killer.

Will vinegar damage pavers?

Good news! You can drench those weeds with regular household vinegar and not have to worry about damaging your precious pavers. While the pungent odour may linger for a little while, vinegar won't harm, stain, or otherwise hurt your block paving.

So go ahead, break out that vinegar and let it rain down on those weeds. Just be prepared for a bit of a stinky situation in the meantime!

Alright, folks, if you're tired of using natural remedies like boiling hot water, salt, vinegar, or bleach to kill the pesky weeds growing between your pavers, it's time to bring out the big guns.

The ultimate weed-killing solution is Glyphosate, the most popular and effective weed killer in the world. Glyphosate is an absolute beast when it comes to destroying all kinds of plant life, including those stubborn weeds that refuse to budge. 

And the best part? 

It's perfectly safe to use in your garden and won't cause any damage to your paving.

Not only is Glyphosate more effective at killing weeds than natural remedies, but it's also more cost-effective in the long run. So, if you're ready to say goodbye to those persistent weeds and hello to a pristine block paving surface, Glyphosate is the way to go.

Once you have applied a Glyphosate based weed killer you may want to try a long lasting weed killer - this will prevent new weeds for upto 6 months, it's not a permanent solution but it works.

Can I spray RoundUp (Glyphosate) on my pavers?

RoundUp, the controversial weed killer that has caused much debate, mainly due to its active ingredient Glyphosate. While there have been concerns, it is still approved for use around the world and remains the most effective solution for tackling weeds growing in-between pavers.

To use RoundUp, simply cover all the leaves of the weeds and let the formula work its magic. Please read the label before using professional herbicides and use in a safe manner.

Glyphosate can be found in many brands, such as Resolve, Doff, RoundUp, and Gallup. Our preferred option is this one (with 20% off) because not only does it kill existing weeds, but it also creates a protective barrier to prevent new growth.

How do you permanently stop weeds from growing between pavers?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is nothing that will stop Mother Nature forever, you can certainly make it harder for her but be warned if you want to permanently get rid of weeds on block paving you will have to work on it, permanently.

Don't let that scare you, I'm just trying to be honest, there is no one chemical or one solution that will keep any surface weed free forever. Prevention is the best cure and with a little work now and again you will have a pristine, weed free block paving.

4 steps to prevent weeds in block pavers

What is the best cleaner for block paving?

Firstly, I will point out that there are literally hundreds of paving cleaners, they all work to some degree or another if you use them according to the manufacturers guidelines.

There are many people who recommend using bleach to clean block paving, we're not one of them. Most types of paver are porous and the bleach will discolour them over time.

Here is a run down of the best cleaners for block paving:

Best for tackling green mould and algae: Patio Magic Concentrate | Buy Now

Best for black spots: Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme | Buy now

Most versatile patio cleaner: Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner | Buy now

Best for algae: Jeyes 4-in-1 Patio Power | Buy now

Best spray and go: Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover | Buy now

Best for pets and wildlife: Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner | Buy now

Best preventative option: No Nonsense Path Patio And Driveway Sealer | Buy now

Best for stubborn stain stains and marks: Nilfisk Stone Plague Cleaner | Buy now

Source: https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/outdoor/1407350/best-patio-cleaner

Should you pressure wash block paving?

While it's possible to pressure wash block paving, it should be done with caution. High water pressure can dislodge the foundations and damage the sealant if there is any.

It's important to consider that every time you jet wash your driveway or patio, you're essentially accelerating the weathering process. This can lead to a reduction in lifespan, and a 10-year-old block paved drive that has been pressure washed three times could be as damaged as a 25-year-old surface that has been weathered naturally.

Block paving is always installed on a bed of sand, which means drives and patios may develop dips and subsidence as the sand underneath the blocks is gradually washed away.

To avoid this, pressure wash on a low setting and hold at a 30-degree angle, but it's much safer to use a block paving cleaner instead.

Can you seal block paving to stop weeds?

Using a high-quality block paver sealer that's highly breathable can work wonders in preventing the growth of moss, weeds and algae, which in turn helps your block paving look clean for years to come.

How does it do this? By reducing water absorption by up to 95%. As a result, the super hydrophobic technology doesn't allow any growth to attach to the paving stones, making it easy to wipe dirt straight off the surface.

In addition to making your pavers look like brand-new for years to come, the right sealer will offer long-term protection for your paving surface.

Final thoughts:

In conclusion, maintaining block paving can be a challenge, but with the right tools and knowledge, it doesn't have to be a chore. From pressure washing to weed killing, we've covered it all in this article.

Remember, using bleach and regular vinegar may seem like an easy solution, but they can be harmful to the environment and won't give you long-lasting results.

On the other hand, using Glyphosate and a breathable sealer can give you the best results in terms of weed killing and long-term protection.

And if you must pressure wash, do it with care! Too much water pressure can dislodge the foundations and degrade the surface, so use a low setting and a gentle angle.

So there you have it, folks! Keep your block paving looking pristine with these tips and tricks, and impress your neighbours with your immaculate driveway or patio. Happy paving!