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Most gardeners will run into weeds every now and then either in between paving slabs or in borders. There are a plethora of ways you can remove weeds from paving and patios, including using boiling water and salt. One way some people choose to remove weeds is by pressure washing them away.
Although this may sound like a simple solution to your weed problem, experts have warned that using a pressure washer could actually damage your patio.
Pressure washer company Kärcher said you should “never use a pressure washer to remove weeds from your patio.”
They explained to Gardeningetc: “It’s always best to pull weeds out by hand prior to using your pressure washer as you can risk removing the mortar between the slabs.”
A pressure washer is a great way to remove dirt and grime from filthy patios and paving slabs, but if you have sand between your stones, a pressure washer could wash this away.
So what’s the best way to remove weeds from patios and paving?
Weeds found on hard surfaces or between slabs tend to be common weeds such as dandelions, creeping buttercups or meadow grass.
Before grabbing a chemical weed killer, consider whether you can use a non-chemical alternative.
The Royal Horticultural Society suggests digging them out by hand, burning them by using a flame gun or using hot water.
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Perennial weeds will need to have their tap root removed which can be tricky in between paving slabs.
Specific narrow-bladed tools are the most effective for this tricky task.
Using a “block paving knife” is a great way to sever weeds too.
Gardeners’ World also suggests getting on tour hands and knees is the “best way” to eliminate weeds from paths.
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For gravel paths, they suggest using a hoe which will quickly remove the weeds.
Pushing the hoe back and forth through the gravel will help to sever stems and roots.
If all else fails, then you may have to apply weed killer.
The site recommends using a “residual weedkiller” which effectively “kill” the soil and anything growing in that soil.
But be warned, these weed killers can damage surrounding plants and wildlife if you don’t read the instructions carefully.
The RHS suggests using glyphosate/diflufenican (SBM Job done Path Weedkiller (Ready-to-use only), Job done Tough Weedkiller ( Ready-to-use) or Weedol Pathclear range).
Some gardeners recommend using bleach or salt to kill weeds on paths.
However, the RHS have said this is “strongly discouraged” as it can cause pollution and damage plants.
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