The new brick pavers arranged neatly on the patio create a stunning place for homeowners to lounge with drinks in hand. But months have passed, and the patio doesn’t look so inviting anymore. Pesky weeds have sprouted, necessitating these five prevention tips to keep the pavers weed-free and beautiful.
Why do weeds grow between brick pavers?
Weeds are a nuisance, taking root in a variety of inhospitable conditions. All these plants need is sunlight, water, air, and a spot to grow. The opportunistic weeds even thrive in poor materials, like those between the brick pavers. As long as they receive sunlight and water, weeds flourish.
Adaptable and persistent, weeds tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature and light. Especially since they produce a large number of seeds, weeds spread rapidly via wind and animals. The pesky plants also germinate quickly when conditions are right.
What prevents weed growth between brick pavers?
The adaptable nature of weeds does not bode well for gorgeous brick pavers. Fortunately, homeowners have several remedies available to stop weed growth and prevent future weed outbreaks from occurring. These solutions range from weedicides to applying polymeric sand and seal coating.
1. Remove Existing Weeds
Before preventing future weeds from germinating, it’s necessary to pull existing weeds. Though an exhausting manual task, the removal is less daunting with the right tools. Use a flat-topped screwdriver to dig between the pavers and lift out the weeds by the root.
Wear garden gloves and knee pads for protection. Another helpful tip is to dampen the material between the brick pavers. Pulling the weeds out by the root is easier when the soil is damp. Alternative tools to remove weeds include a crack weeder, patio knife, and weed fork.
2. Apply a Commercial Herbicide
Both herbicides and weedicides are chemical solutions that deter weed growth at any stage of germination, such as pre-emergence or post-emergence. The weedicides prevent new weeds from sprouting for up to one year. Apply the spray every 3-4 weeks or per the instructions.
Herbicides are available as non-selective, which means they kill any plant, including useful ones, like grass. Contact-poison herbicides kill weeds immediately, so they should be used cautiously in residential areas. Systemic poison herbicides kill weeds gradually, dispersing from the root to the leaves, and is safe.
3. Opt for a Chemical-Free Solution
A more natural herbicide can be mixed at home. Dilute horticultural vinegar, which delivers a higher acetic acid content than household vinegar, with water; then spray on the weeds to burn and dehydrate them. Within two days, the weeds should perish.
Salt is another household staple that can be used to eliminate weeds. The granules work by dehydrating the weeds. Mix three parts salt with one part water. Apply the homemade solution to the existing weeds and repeat the process monthly until new weed growth stops.
Sprinkle baking soda, which is also dehydrating, over the spaces in between the brick pavers. Sweep in the baking soda, which draws out the moisture from the weeds’ cells, causing them to dry up. Baking soda is especially effective for the cracks between the brick pavers.
Boiling water, another natural weed deterrent, kills the plants on contact. It’s a safe and accessible route to eliminate weeds while being safe for other plants. This solution is most effective on young weeds, however. But it can be used in tight spaces, like between the pavers.
4. Upgrade to Polymeric Sand
Prevent weeds from sprouting by filling the gaps between the brick pavers with polymeric sand. This type of sand contains additives, like water-activated polymers and masonry silica. Some polymeric sand contains cement, which can leave a gray haze on the surface, if improperly applied.
Polymeric sand works to inhibit weed growth. The sand is swept into the joints between the pavers. Once dampened, the sand particles bind, harden, and successfully deter even obstinate weeds. In addition to preventing weed growth, the polymeric sand prevents erosion.
5. Seal the Brick Pavers
Sealant is applied once the existing weeds are removed from between the pavers and the spaces are refilled with sand. The task is best left to professionals with the proper equipment and skill to prevent the sealer from flaking, discoloring, or sealing in debris. The pros also add new sand.
While sealer is effective, it requires reapplication. Generally, sealer must be applied every 2-3 years; however, the frequency depends on various factors, like if the brick pavers are located under a tree, the area is covered or exposed and whether the pavers are enclosed by a screen with UV protection.
Homeowners who aim to enjoy a weed-free surface are advised to apply sealer every year. Regular sealing prevents the determined weeds from taking root between the brick pavers. Sealant offers further benefits, such as protection against fading, weathering, and stains.
Brick pavers require ongoing maintenance to continue looking beautiful and providing a pleasant place to unwind. Whether you plan to seal the patio or power wash it, Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc, is ready to provide professional maintenance services to promote the longevity of your hardscape.
We offer a comprehensive range of maintenance services, like repairing, resetting, and releveling broken or otherwise damaged brick pavers. Our brick paver cleaning and power washing services remove dirt buildup and restore the natural beauty of the pavers. Crews are available to seal the patio, too.
If you are planning on building a brick patio, we’ll work with you to design the patio you envision. Our expert contractors then undertake the professional installation. We offer countless brick paver options in various sizes, shapes, and textures to fulfill your aesthetic needs.
Working with Pavestone Brick Paving assures you of a well-built brick paver patio that endures. We build a dense, quality base to deter weeds. Our maintenance services are equally valued by homeowners. Call us today to discuss your patio installation or maintenance needs in Des Plaines, Illinois.
