How to Get Rid of Weeds Between Brick Pavers

Do you have unsightly weeds sprouting between your brick pavers or coming up in your driveway joints? It's natural to want to remove these weeds to help maintain your home's curb appeal and the overall aesthetic of your yard. However, the removal method you use should primarily depend on the type of weed that's growing.

In this post, we'll examine the methods for removing weeds from brick pavers and other brick landscaping features based on the type of weeds you're dealing with.

Torch Them

If you're dealing with weeds that produce a lot of seeds, like crabgrass, purslane, ragweed, dandelions and others, you have to do more than just eliminate the plant—you also have to limit the seeds to prevent them from spreading. Noting this, one option is to use a welding torch on your brick pavers. The flame will successfully destroy the weeds and their seeds.

This method is safe for brick pavers as they can withstand high amounts of heat. Just be sure not to treat any specific area of your pavers for too long to prevent cracks or discoloring.

Pour Boiling Water Over Them

Pouring boiling water on weeds is an effective method, but it is a bit limited in scope. Boiling water does a nice job of killing the weed foliage, but it doesn't always destroy the root. So, weeds are likely to regrow if they have deep root systems (e.g., dandelions, thistles, bindweed, etc.) and if the heat from the water is unable to penetrate deep enough. We recommend using boiling water on young weeds or moss and algae, which don't have deep root systems.

You should also exercise caution when pouring boiling water on weeds to avoid burning yourself or others nearby.

Use a Weed Puller

Weed pullers are an effective removal method for weeds with shallow or moderately deep roots, including dandelions, certain thistles, and weeds with taproots. Unlike some of the other methods on this list, using a weed puller is a manual removal method. However, many homeowners prefer to avoid applying chemicals or risking injury from heat treatments, like boiling water and flames.

Apply (the Right) Herbicide

Contrary to what you may think, most weed-killing herbicides aren't universal solutions. That said, you have to select the right solution based on the types of weeds you're dealing with and their age. Herbicides are broken down into various categories:

• Selective Herbicides: Should be used on broadleaf weeds.

• Non-Selective Herbicides: Kills all types of vegetation, including grass.

• Pre-Emergent: Best for preventing weeds from germinating and growing (like crabgrass in the spring)

• Post-Emergent: Treats weeds that have emerged and are already growing.

• Contact: Must be applied directly to the weeds to kill them.

Herbicides are also formulated with different inhibitors, such as glyphosate, which is found in store-bought weed killers like Roundup, and imazethapyr. Always identify which weed you have first and research which herbicide is best for that specific weed.

What You Can Do to Prevent Them

The best way to avoid unsightly weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Here are some tips to keep them out of your brick pavers:

• Don't install your pavers with large gaps between bricks, which can encourage weed growth.

• If the bricks shift over time and create gaps, fill them with polymeric sand or hire a professional to do so.

• Pull weeds by hand as soon as you notice them. The earlier you can get to them, the less advanced their root system are, allowing them to be easily pulled and removed.

• Use pre-emergent herbicides in between joints to prevent growth.

• Keep the surface clean by sweeping off debris and using a gentle soap solution with a hose. Never use a power washer. While it won’t damage the bricks, it can cause polymeric sand to dislodge from the joints.

If you let weeds grow and develop stronger root systems, it can result in pavers shifting and becoming loose, or causing accelerated deterioration as moisture is trapped inside the pavers.

Get Professional Help From PMS Brick Pavers

PMS Brick Pavers is one of the leading masonry contractors in Michigan. When people need paver installations, repairs, or restorations, we’re the guys they call. If you need help removing weeds from pavers or restoring pavers that have deteriorated due to excessive weed growth, contact us online.