Weeds emerging through paving can ruin the visual appeal of paths and patios while also causing potential damage to the structure over time. Whether they sprout between slabs or along edges, these persistent intruders are the bane of gardeners and homeowners alike.
Many people think they can get rid of weeds by just trimming them down or using white vinegar on them; however, a gardening expert has noted that this is not the case. Writer of 30 gardening books, Simon Akeroyd, took to his Instagram @simonakeroydgardenwriter to share a natural time that will not only kill the top of paving weeds but also the roots. He said that boiling water is the solution. Simon instructed: “Use it to destroy weeds growing up through the cracks in your patio.”
The expert explained how many of the” vinegars and other liquids suggested by many gardeners on social media” do not get to the root of the problem.
He said: “They might destroy the leaves, but usually the root below survives and sends up new shoots.
“Boiling water usually kills off the entire weed. If it does manage to come back again, it will be much weaker, and a quick second or third dose with boiling water will finish it off.”
The logic behind using boiling water is down to the transfer of heat energy onto the plant, leading to the death of plant cells.
In the video, Simon said, “For weeds that are impossible to dig out, pour boiling water over the weeds. Most weeds will be dead within 24 hours. Extreme pernicious weeds might need one or two more boils.”
Expert gardener Tony O’Neil, behind the gardening blog Simplify Gardening, also recommends using boiling water on weeds.
He said: “Burning water to a high temperature can be as deadly as toxic herbicides to the plants. And if you pour it on a seed or a plant, it will probably cause it to die. So this also works for weeds along the sidewalks and driveways.
“Too many people think they can eliminate weeds by cutting the tops; you will be ineffective if you don’t get down to the roots.”
There might also be times when weeds completely overrun your garden, and you want to eliminate everything. In that case, Tony said, “You can dump the boiling water everywhere, clear out the area, and try planting new plants around the yard.”