Before weeds spread across your patio, it’s easy to take action with this truly effective method.
Weeds can quickly turn a beautiful patio into an unwelcoming and dirty space. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them. You can remove them manually with a weeding knife, use hot water and white vinegar, or try pouring boiling water or boiling salted potato cooking water on them to kill these pesky plants.
But the best solution is to prevent weeds from appearing in the first place. Once you have eliminated them all, there are a few surefire ways to prevent them from growing back between the patio tiles. While some advise pulling out weeds as soon as they appear to prevent them from growing and invading the patio, this solution is not sustainable, and you must do it regularly. Others have much more radical and effective methods.
The first step to preventing weeds from growing on your deck is to properly prepare the surface. Start by thoroughly cleaning the area, removing all existing weeds. Use a scraper or wire brush to dislodge stubborn roots. It is crucial to remove all seeds and roots to prevent rapid regrowth.
Next, for a long-lasting solution, consider installing a geotextile under your patio tiles. This special fabric blocks sunlight, preventing weeds from germinating while allowing water to pass through. Simply remove the tiles temporarily, lay the geotextile on the ground, and then replace the tiles on top. This method is particularly effective and durable.
If this seems too complex, there is another method: polymeric sand. This type of sand, mixed with a binder, hardens when moistened, forming a solid barrier between the slabs. Not only does it prevent weeds from growing, but it also helps stabilize the slabs, reducing the risk of shifting.