How To Remove Weeds From Pavers

If you’re looking for a clean, neat patio or walkway, learning how to remove weeds from pavers is essential. Weeds pushing through the cracks not only look messy but can cause damage over time.

Don’t worry, though. You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive services. With a few simple methods and a bit of elbow grease, you can reclaim your paved surfaces.

This guide covers everything from quick fixes to long-term solutions. We’ll look at manual removal, natural killers, and preventive measures to keep them from comming back.

This is your core strategy section. We’ll break down the most effective ways to tackle weeds, starting with the simplest approach.

Always consider the size of your area and the type of weeds you have. For a small patio, manual removal might be perfect. For a large driveway, a broader treatment could save you time.

Manual Removal: The Immediate Solution

Getting hands-on is often the fastest way to clear weeds. It’s immediate and doesn’t require any special products.

For this to work well, timing is key. Try to do it after a rain or after watering your garden. The damp soil makes the whole root system easier to pull out.

Tools You’ll Need: A sturdy garden trowel, a flat-head screwdriver, or a dedicated weeding knife. For your joints, a long-handled pavers brush is helpful for sweeping out debris afterwards.
The Technique: Slide your tool deep into the crack next to the weed. Gently lever it to loosen the soil and try to get under the root crown. Pull slowly and steadily to retreive as much of the root as possible.
Why It Works: Removing the entire root prevents the weed from simply growing back in a few days. It’s a very targeted method that leaves your desirable plants nearby unharmed.

Be thorough and patient. It might take a few sessions to get every little seedling, but it’s very effective for immediate results.

Natural & Homemade Weed Killers

If pulling weeds by hand seems to daunting, you can use natural substances you probably already have at home. These are safer for pets, children, and the environment compared to synthetic herbicides.

Boiling Water: The Simplest Method

This is astonishingly effective for young weeds and moss. Just boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it directly onto the weeds growing in the paver cracks.

The intense heat scalds the plant cells, causing them to die off within a day or two. The main advantage is that it leaves no residue whatsoever. However, it may need repeated applications for deep-rooted perennials.

Vinegar-Based Solutions

Household white vinegar (acetic acid) acts as a contact herbicide. It draws moisture out of the leaves, desiccating the plant.

For best results, use horticultural vinegar which has a higher acetic acid concentration, or boost household vinegar:

Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar with 1 cup of table salt.
Add a tablespoon of dish soap (the soap helps the solution stick to the leaves).
Pour into a spray bottle and apply on a sunny, dry day. Spray liberally, coating all leaves.

Important: Vinegar is non-selective. It can harm any plant it touches, including grass or flowers near your pavers, so aim carefully. It’s also most effective on young weeds.

Using Commercial Weed Killers

For severe, widespread infestations, a commercial product might be the most practical choice. You have two main types to consider.

Contact Herbicides: These kill the parts of the plant they touch. They work fast but may not kill deep roots. Good for annual weeds.

Systemic Herbicides: These are absorbed by the leaves and then translocated down to the root system. They are slower but more effective for perennial weeds with taproots. Glyphosate is a common systemic herbicide.

Always choose a formula labeled safe for use on patios, driveways, or gravel paths.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Wear protective gear like gloves and glasses.
Apply on a calm day to prevent drift onto other plants you want to keep.

Remember that prevention is easier than repeated killing. Once you’ve cleared the weeds, the next step is crucial.

Preventing Weeds from Returning

Stopping weeds before they start is the real secret to low-maintenance pavers. Here are the best ways to create a durable barrier.

Paver Joint Sand: Your First Defense

After removing weeds, the cracks will be empty. Filling them denies new weed seeds the open space and soil they need to germinate.

Sweep polymeric sand or jointing sand over the entire paved surface.
Use a push broom to work the sand deep into every crack until they are filled to just below the paver’s top edge.
For polymeric sand, you then lightly mist the area with water. This activates polymers that harden, locking the sand in place and creating a very resistant barrier.

Regular sand works, but weeds can still root in it. Polymeric sand is more effective for long-term prevention.

Creating Physical Barriers

Underneath your pavers, a good base layer is key. If you’re installing new pavers or relaying old ones, ensure you have:

A compacted sub-base of gravel.
A landscape fabric (weed barrier cloth) laid over the gravel before the sand bedding and pavers go on.

This fabric blocks weeds from pushing up from the soil below while allowing water to drain through. It’s one of the most effective long-term solutions.

Regular Maintenance Habits

A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping your pavers weed-free throughout the year.

Sweep Regularly: Frequently sweep your pavers to remove organic debris like leaves, dirt, and grass clippings. This material settles in cracks and becomes a perfect seedbed for weeds.
Annual Refreshes: Check your joint sand once a year. Top it up if it has washed or worn away. A quick application of new sand can prevent a big problem next season.
Spot Treat Early: When you see a tiny weed, deal with it immediately. A quick spray or a one-minute pull saves hours of work later.

Dealing with Moss and Algae

Shady, damp areas on pavers often get moss or algae, which can be just as slippery and unsightly as weeds. The approach is a little different.

For these, a moss killer or a simple solution of oxygenated bleach (much safer than chlorine bleach for plants and surroundings) is effective. Scrub the area with a stiff brush after treatment to remove the dead growth.

Improving sunlight exposure and drainage in that area will help prevent it from coming back so quickly. Trimming overhanging branches can make a big difference.

FAQ: Your Weed Removal Questions Answered

What is the fastest way to kill weeds between pavers?
For speed, a commercial systemic herbicide applied correctly will show results in days. For an instant natural option, boiling water kills on contact but may not prevent regrowth from deep roots.

Will vinegar permanently kill weeds in pavers?
Vinegar kills the top growth effectively but often doesn’t destroy the root system of established perennial weeds. This means they can regrow. For permanence, you need to remove the root or use a systemic solution.

Is it better to pull weeds or spray them?
Pulling is better for immediate removal and is chemical-free, but it’s labor-intensive. Spraying is easier for large areas and can kill the root system if you use a systemic type. A combination is often best—spray tough weeds, then pull the dead growth and fill the cracks.

How do I stop weeds growing in my block paving?
The ultimate prevention is a three-part strategy: 1) Remove all existing weeds and roots. 2) Fill the joints completely with polymeric sand. 3) Sweep regularly to prevent organic matter from accumulating in the cracks.

Can I use salt to kill weeds on my patio?
Yes, salt is a very effective herbicide. However, it can sterilize the soil for a long time, preventing anything from growing, and can cause runoff problems. It’s also corrosive to some materials. A strong salt solution in hot water can be used sparingly in cracks, but vinegar is generally a safer choice.

Keeping your pavers free from weeds is an ongoing task, but it doesn’t have to be a hard one. Start with the method that suits your time and the scale of your problem. Whether you choose to pull, pour, or spray, the most important step is following up with good joint sand and simple maintenance.

With these strategies, you can spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your beautiful, clean outdoor spaces. Your patio will thank you for the care and attention.