How to Stop Weeds in Block Paving

Recently, we covered the solutions for killing moss on a tarmac driveway and a concrete surface, as well as diving into how to get rid of weeds in a gravel driveway. That got us thinking about how widespread weed problems can be across driveways, patios and footpaths. So, this month, we thought it best to investigate weeds in block paving.

A block paving driveway is a great addition to your home and brings a touch of style while significantly increasing its kerb appeal. However, should weeds begin to encroach upon it, the driveway can quickly change. What once looked great now looks worn, dirty and unattractive.

So, how do you get rid of those weeds and stop them ruining your block paving driveway? We tell you here!

Why are weeds growing in my block paving?

Weeds will grow in block paving for many reasons. Moss, for example, thrives on shaded and damp surfaces. Other weeds, such as dandelions and clovers, love porous surfaces like block paving as they provide an ideal environment for growth. With moisture being held in and underneath the paving, the weeds have a ready supply of nutrients to help them grow and spread.

Often, the root cause of weed growth is a combination of the porous nature of the blocks and the environment, combined with a poor installation. If the blocks have been laid badly, there will be plenty of gaps for weeds to spread through and take hold.

How do you stop weeds in block paving?

There are numerous ways to win the battle against the weeds in your block paving. Some will be quicker than others, and some will cost a little more than others. Much depends on how much time and money you want to spend and how severe the problem is.

We’ve picked a selection of the most tried and tested methods to stop weeds in block paving.

Manual weeding

It makes sense to start with the budget option. Physically removing the weeds by hand may be laborious, but it won’t cost you much (if anything) and can be just as effective as the costlier methods.

Equip yourself with gloves, weed forks and a knife, then set to pulling up the weeds. You’ll need to make sure the weeds are separated from their roots to prevent further growth, so take your time. Simply rushing around pulling weeds up won’t solve the problem. Carefully getting them up and ensuring they cannot regrow is the solution.

To aid your mission, water the ground first, this will make it much easier to detach the weeds.

White vinegar

White vinegar is a common accompaniment to garden and paving maintenance. Its acidic nature destroys weeds as it dries them out. To apply the vinegar, first look at the scale of the weed problem.

If there are just a few small clusters of weeds, you can just pour a little vinegar directly from the bottle onto the weeds to kill them off.

If you have a larger weed problem, mix 4.5 litres of vinegar with 2 teaspoons of dish soap. You then pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area.

Ideally, do this on a warm, sunny day. It helps the vinegar work faster and allows the weeds to dry out more quickly. Unfortunately, the temperamental British weather means even on a sunny day, it may rain. If this happens, simply respray the surface once it has dried up again outside.

Herbicides

Herbicides can be a great way to remove weeds from block paving, just make sure you choose organic options. Chemical herbicides can be dangerous and cause damage to your property and your health. You’ll need to make sure you find the correct product for your weed type, as some herbicides are less potent than others.

In addition, always read the label. Some herbicides may require you to treat the affected area twice, while others may only need one dose of the product to kill off the weeds.

Salt

Salt is a weed killer often forgotten about by many. With just a small amount applied to the roots, it eats into them, killing off the weeds. You should be careful though. If applied without care, you could kill some of the plants that adorn your driveway as well as the weeds. Salt can also cause problems with block paving if used in excessive amounts. As a result, it is best to use salt in moderation and apply it only where it is needed.

Pressure washing

Now, this can be effective, but it can also be detrimental. You’ll need to apply the washer between the block paving, but not too forcefully. Too much power could unsettle what the paving sits on and cause you problems!

Once you have applied the pressure washer, allow the surface to dry and then investigate the area to see if the weeds have been uprooted.

Does sand stop weeds in block paving?

Sort of. If you purchase polymeric jointing sand from a hardware store, you could have a great weed prevention option ready to use. You simply sweep this sand between the gaps in your block paving and give it a small spray of water to help it bond.

Leave it 12-24 hours to settle, and you should see that weeds will no longer grow on your block paving.

How to seal block paving to stop weeds and other preventative measures

Sealing a driveway is hugely beneficial in the fight against weeds. By coating your block paving driveway with a protective layer, you help reduce the chances of weed growth whilst also preventing staining, damage, and black spots on a driveway.

Before you apply the sealant, allow the driveway to settle if it is newly installed. This can take about 12 weeks. Once the 12 weeks are up, use your weed killer, leave it 2-3 days for it to soak in. Then, apply the driveway sealant. Should your driveway have been installed some time ago, simply apply your weed killer, leave it for a few days, and then seal the driveway.

To further assist with preventing weeds from growing on your block paving, regularly sweep the surface. This will stop seeds from taking root and reduce the potential for weeds.

You should also look at the condition of your driveway. Weeds make gaps and cracks their home, so minimising these will give you a better chance of stopping weed growth and emergence. You could even factor in the incorporation of a more sloped surface. This will help improve water flow and reduce the amount of damp soil that weeds thrive in.

Block paving driveways and paths are stunning additions to a house or a business, but left neglected, they can soon take on another look altogether. Allow the experts at Tidey & Webb to get your block paving back to its best. With an experienced team, we can carry out careful preventative maintenance or install a completely new surface. Reach out to us today for expert guidance and a free quote for all aspects of block paving repair.