Weeds, whacked: 7 ways to kill weeds from your driveway and sidewalks

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Weeds sprouting through the cracks in your driveway or sidewalk aren’t just an eyesore — they can eventually enlarge cracks, trap moisture and make your home’s exterior appear overgrown with neglect. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to resort to harsh chemical herbicides to get rid of them. Depending on the type of weeds you’re dealing with and how quickly you want results, HomeServe shares several DIY methods that can help.

1. Kill Weeds Instantly With Boiling Water

One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly methods is using boiling water. The intense heat destroys the plant’s cell structure, causing it to wilt and die. This works best for small patches of weeds or newly sprouted weeds. And because you’re just using water, it’s safe for use by households with kids and pets. Be mindful, however, that boiling water can also damage nearby vegetation you want to preserve.

Tools and Materials

• Large pot or kettle
• Water
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Closed-toe shoes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Fill a kettle or pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Carefully carry the hot water to the target area.

3. Slowly pour the boiling water directly onto the weeds, making sure to soak the leaves and roots as much as possible.

4. Allow the weeds to wilt over the next 24 to 48 hours.

5. Pull out the dead weeds by hand, or use a weeding tool if needed.

6. Repeat the process for stubborn or deep-rooted weeds.

2. DIY Vinegar Weed Killer Recipe

Household vinegar contains acetic acid, which dries out weeds. It’s another great chemical-free method, most effective on young weeds during hot, sunny weather. That said, you’ll want to make sure you only apply vinegar where you don’t want any vegetation, as it’ll destroy everything in its path.

Tools and Materials

• White vinegar (5% acidity)
• Spray bottle
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pour distilled white vinegar into a clean spray bottle.

2. Choose a dry, sunny day with no rain in the forecast.

3. Spray the leaves until they’re completely coated.

4. Avoid spraying nearby grass or ornamental plants.

5. Wait one to three days for the weeds to brown and die.

6. Remove dead vegetation from the cracks.

3. Salt Water Weed Killer

Salt dehydrates weeds and makes it difficult for them to grow again. However, use it sparingly, because it can also prevent nearby plants from growing by sterilizing the soil.

Tools and Materials

• Table salt or rock salt
• Water
• Measuring cup
• Small container or watering can

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sprinkle a small amount of salt directly into the crack around the weed.

2. Lightly water the area to help dissolve the salt.

3. Wait several days for the weed to dry out.

4. Pull the dead weed from the crack.

5. Reapply only if necessary.

4. Burn Weeds With a Torch

A weed torch uses intense heat to rupture plant cells. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to burn the weed to ashes — brief exposure to heat is usually enough. This is a chemical-free method, though it does pose a fire hazard. Use extreme caution while using a weed torch, and never burn weeds in dry conditions.

Tools and Materials

• Propane weed torch
• Propane tank
• Long pants
• Leather gloves
• Safety glasses
• Fire extinguisher

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Read and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.

2. Choose a calm day when the air is still, with no dry vegetation nearby.

3. Ignite the torch.

4. Slowly pass the flame over each weed for 1 or 2 seconds.

5. Avoid lingering in one spot.

6. Allow the weeds to wilt over the next day or two.

7. Remove dead weeds once they’ve dried and died.

5. Pull Weeds by Hand

Sometimes the simplest method is still one of the most effective — especially when weeds are small and sparse. While pulling weeds is labor-intensive, it gives you the most control. For example, if weeds are taking over a flower patch, you can pull just the undesirable plants. Pulling weeds also prevents seed spread.

Tools and Materials

• Gardening gloves
• Crack weeder or dandelion puller
• Bucket

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Water the area if the soil beneath the crack is dry.

2. Grip the weed close to the base.

3. Pull slowly to remove as much of the root as possible.

4. Use a crack weeder for stubborn roots.

5. Dispose of weeds before they go to seed.

6. Pour Baking Soda Into Cracks to Control Weeds in Driveways

Pantry staple baking soda contains sodium, which can dry out weeds growing in pavement cracks. Use it carefully; it can damage nearby plants and soil.

Tools and Materials

• Baking soda
• Small scoop
• Broom

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sweep debris away from the cracks.

2. Sprinkle baking soda directly over the weeds.

3. Use a broom to work the powder into the cracks.

4. Leave it undisturbed for several days.

5. Repeat as necessary.

7. The Strongest Method: Use a Commercial Weed Killer

For large infestations or stubborn perennial weeds, a commercial herbicide may be the most effective option. It can be incredibly effective on those deep-rooted weeds other methods just won’t touch. However, you will want to heed the instructions on the package carefully and use any herbicide with caution. Some of these products may be harmful to children and animals.

Tools and Materials

• Herbicide labeled for pavement weeds
• Pump sprayer or trigger sprayer
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Long sleeves

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Read the product label completely.

2. Apply during calm, dry weather.

3. Spray only the target weeds.

4. Keep children and pets away until the product has dried, or as directed.

5. Wait for the recommended treatment period.

6. Remove dead weeds if desired.

Tips to Prevent Weeds

Getting rid of weeds is only half the battle. Preventing new growth can save you time and effort year-round.

Here are a few ways to discourage weeds from returning:

• Sweep dirt and organic debris from cracks regularly.
• Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or polymeric sand to eliminate spaces where weed seeds can settle.
• Pull weeds while they’re still young before they produce seeds.
• Inspect your driveway and sidewalks every few weeks during the growing season.
• Trim nearby grass and landscaping to reduce seed spread.

This story was produced by HomeServe Editorial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.