Weeds are a pesky problem to deal with. They sprout up unexpectedly, are hard to get rid of, and can grow insanely fast. Many homeowners consider them a nuisance in their gardens and lawns. It’s best to identify these pests so one can control their growth and remove them early.
Other weeds are attractive and edible. However, this does not mean that they belong to your patio. Some species are actually invasive and poisonous, and here are some things to know about them.
What are Weeds?
Weeds are often considered unwanted plants that grow in gardens, lawns, and other areas where people try to grow other plants. They can be difficult to control because they spread quickly and easily through their seeds. Additionally, some are resistant to herbicides, making them even more difficult to remove. Here are some examples of them.
Poison Sumac – This small tree or shrub often thrives near cattails and cinnamon ferns. You might also find them attractive, with bright foliage during the fall and white berries. However, they are very poisonous and dangerous to be considered yard accents.
Dandelions – Dandelions are sometimes the sign that spring is near. They have bright yellow flowers and are common in sideways patios and driveways. While these perennials are very attractive and they are one of the ingredients in some salad recipes, many homeowners generally want to eliminate them through herbicides or digging the roots from the soil.
Common Ragweed – Residents need to identify the common ragweed since it can cause allergic reactions in the more sensitive family members. They don’t provide aesthetic value to one’s patio, and they can also be a cause of hay fever.
Hedge Bindweed – The lavender blooms of the hedge bindweed are easy to spot, and their appearance is often mistaken for that of morning glory. Overall, the flowers have a good fragrance that appears to be pink or white. However, this is still considered a pest when you let it grow out of control.
Ground Ivy – This ivy is common in various lawns, and they are also called creeping Charlie or gill-over-the-ground. They have pretty flowers and a fragrant smell, especially when one is mowing the lawn. However, you still need to take the time to remove them if you want your patio to be good-looking.
Purslane – Purslane can be edible, and the plant is rich in vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids. The succulent has a very interesting peppery flavor, and crispy texture, and the leaves are served in salads. But one thing is for sure, they are not suitable for anybody’s property, especially if you want to increase your home’s value.
Stinging Nettle – Most of the flowers of the stinging nettle are not so obvious as they can easily combine with the plants around them. However, they have barbs on their leaves that can cause a stinging sensation and discomfort, so you should still eradicate them from your yard.
Clover Leaf – While the clover leaf can provide good luck when you see one with four leaves, there’s nothing wrong with preserving them when you have an Irish garden. The tripartite leaves are shamrocks, but they might become unsightly if they are located in the wrong place.
Removing Weeds from Pavers and Patios
You need to learn how to say goodbye to these unwelcome plants on your patio or paver by removing them efficiently to prevent them from growing back. Whether you have grasses, buttercups, chickweeds, dandelions, and other species that are pretty persistent, you need to eradicate them to prevent any cracking on your patio or walkway.
The ones like docks and dandelions are deep-rooted, so it can be challenging to remove the plants when they are in the narrow cracks of a walkway. However, when you know how to get rid of them and prevent the seeding of the new ones, you’ll be left with an aesthetically-pleasing patio that doesn’t have any pesky weeds. Here are some tips to know:
- Use Simple Tools
A hoe or spade will work for most weeds, but if you have tougher weeds, you may need something stronger, like a whacker. You can learn more about the removal process in the link and get info about the tools you should use. This is very helpful for new homeowners who want to remove unwelcome visitors once and for all from their yards.
Make sure to shimmy the tools in the crack and push underneath. Pull the flowers on top and use a crack weeder or a billhook for wider pavements. A serrated knife will generally do the job without any hitch for narrow gaps.
Once you’ve chosen the right tool, it’s time to get to work. Start by loosening the soil around the weed with your tool. This will make it easier to pull out. Then, grip the weed near the base and pull it up, ensuring as much of the root as possible. If the root breaks, that’s okay. Just make sure to get as much as you can.
- Utilize Natural Remedies
Use boiled water to prevent seed germination. Generously pour the hot water through the cracks and do this about three times a week. This is great when you always boil water for pasta or coffee and have extra that you can use on the patio.
White vinegar can also do the job where a 5% or 7% concentration is enough to kill these plants. There should be re-application every 4 to 5 weeks until no signs of weed are visible. Salt and baking soda should be sprinkled through the cracks, and this is a method that can work well during fall or spring.
- Heat and Chemicals Might Help
The WD-40 is another option for killing weeds, especially if you have a lot of grown thistles on your property. This is found at the local hardware, and you can put it between cracks and crevices. Undiluted bleach can also work, but you should always be careful with the surrounding shrubbery and potted plants and ensure they don’t come in contact with the solution.
Herbicides from the local garden stores are very effective for those who are persistent and for plants that are hard to kill. Spray them directly and repeat them whenever you find them growing back in your garden.
How to Prevent Future Growth
Power washing can effectively remove weeds and eradicate any roots or lingering seeds. You can keep your patio beautiful with power washing and keep the pests from returning. Spray the nozzle directly on each crack and hold for a few seconds.
Always sweep the yard often to prevent the seedlings from growing in the soil and making their way down in the cracks. Seal any cracks you see with jointing sand or a polymeric sealant and ensure good drainage. If you’re in doubt, you can always consult a professional who can help you with the issue and save you time and money.
Some people would prefer growing ornamental plants on their patio, like trailing bellflower or fleabane, especially if there’s little foot traffic around the area. These plants dominate the weeds once they take hold and become accustomed to the weather. With the speedwell and daisies, some would want to keep them because they naturally attract bees and other pollinators, but this decision will totally be up to you.
