Grasses andweedsgrowing out of pavement cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and patios is a common annoyance.
You will quickly recognize that various weeds have their favorite seasons, and are vulnerable to different control methods.
Before Getting Started
Successful weed control begins with knowing your foe’s likes and dislikes and habits.
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In their own way, weeds are marvels of genetic evolution.
Driveway and sidewalk cracks turn out to be surprisingly friendly places for weeds.
It will take repeated efforts using a variety of methods to control these invasive super plants.
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Thoroughly moisten the weed before pulling.
The goal is to extract the entire plant, root, and all, if possible.
This will prevent the weed from resprouting.
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A small screwdriver is a good tool for loosening the roots on the weed.
Though many weeds like somewhat hot conditions, none will tolerate steaming water.
confirm you do not use water that has oils or meat leftovers from cooking.
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Pour slowly and allow the water to completely saturate the weed, right down to the roots.
Wait, Repeat
Some tenacious weeds with long tap roots may require repeated treatment with boiling water.
After two or three treatments, though, just about any weed will surrender.
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To make it even more caustic, add 1 cup (about .28 liters) of lemon juice.
To increase sticking power, add 2 tablespoons (about 28 grams) ofdish soap.
If you have it, pickling vinegar is more acidic than regular white vinegar and probably more effective.
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Tip
An even better weedkiller can be made with horticultural vinegar.
It may be hard to find in local stores, but it can be ordered online.
This jot down ofvinegaris 20 percent acetic acid.
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Mix it with some orange oil and a bit of phosphate-free dish soap.
Acetic acid burns the plant’s top growth, depriving it of the ability to photosynthesize.
confirm you use protection for your hands and eyes; it is acidic and can burn you.
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Some manufacturers now offer long-handled weed torch tools specifically for this purpose.
Prepare the Torch
Carefully mount the fuel tank on the torch handle.
fire up the valve slightly and use a spark lighter or match to light the torch.
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When the flame ignites, initiate the valve fully.
Be careful not to char the concrete or melt the asphalt, however.
Fill the crack with masonry or asphalt caulk.
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Mix Weed Killer
In agarden sprayer, mix glyphosate-based herbicide, carefully following label directions.
Warning
double-check to wear protective gear (face mask and gloves) whenever applying herbicide.
Apply the Weed Killer
Drench the exposed portion of the weed in herbicide spray.
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Allow the weed to remain for a day or two until it’s clear that it is dead.
When the weed is clearly dead, water thoroughly to soften the roots of the weed.
Then, fill the crack with asphalt or masonry caulk.
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Crabgrass.University of Georgia Extension.
Quackgrass Management.University of Vermont Extension.
Tall Fescue.Oregon State University Extension.
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Flame Weeding.University of Vermont Extension.
Glyphosate General Fact Sheet.National Pesticide Information Center.
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