Sometimes it’s better. How to remove weeds from paving mechanically

Weeds in paving are a major nuisance. After rain, they spring up almost everywhere. Often, there may be plenty of sand between the paving stones – even silica sand – and yet a stray seed will still find its way in. Removing these plants is quite a faff and labour-intensive. However, if you don’t want to use chemicals or hot water, you’ll have to set about removing the weeds from the joints by hand. Even when removing weeds mechanically from paving, there are ways to make the job easier. How? We’ll reveal that to you in the following paragraphs.

A slim screwdriver is literally a magic wand

Yes, but the technique for pulling out a particular weed is also important. Take the common chickweed, for example: you have to grasp the whole plant, and then you can pull it out of the ground along with its root, which is by no means small. The same applies to cock’s-foot, spreading goosefoot and white goosefoot. It’s definitely worth grasping the whole plant and wiggling it slightly from side to side before pulling it out. Various clover species are much harder to pull out. Here, you’ll need to use a screwdriver; it’s often a good idea to loosen the paving slab as well. These are very delicate plants that simply snap off when pulled. Common dandelion is similarly troublesome. Unfortunately, there are plenty of dandelions growing between the paving slabs too.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Spiked wheels don’t work very well

That’s right. We even bought two small spiked wheels from a Chinese online shop. We attached these wheels directly to the handle. Although this contraption looks brilliant, in the end it just scrapes the paving stones and the weeds remain stuck in the joints. We therefore do not recommend this method; it’s a waste of money.

Tip: Some weeds can actually be put to good use. Take lamb’s quarters, for example.

Sometimes it’s worth lifting the paving slabs

That’s right. Whilst it may be a bit more labour-intensive, it makes it much easier to remove the weeds without having to use much force. Of course, you can’t do this with every paving slab, but for those that are heavily overgrown, it’s well worth a go.

Silica sand to finish

Once all the weeds have been pulled out, it’s a good idea to fill the joints with silica sand. This will prevent further weeds from growing there. However, it certainly isn’t a 100 per cent guarantee against weed growth.

Sources: Author

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan