Weeds on a driveway can be a headache. They not only make the driveway unsightly but can also create cracks and crevices, causing costly damage. Worse, depending on their size, they can be tedious to remove, even with chemicals.
The common weeds most homeowners have to tackle include dandelions, purslane, thistles, and crabgrass.
If you’re looking for the best natural ways to battle one or more of these weeds, you’re in the right place.
Here are six natural and effective ways to help eliminate weeds from your driveway.
1. Hand Pulling
Hand pulling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove the weeds, especially if you can pull them by the roots.
Grab the weed from the lowest point and pull it slowly until it loosens from the soil. The task is much easier when the ground is wet, so pour some water on the weeds or pull them soon after it rains.
For tougher weeds, you can turn and pull them out with a small weeding tool like a spade.
2. Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution
Another eco-friendly way to eliminate driveway weeds is using vinegar and dish soap. The vinegar draws out water from the plants, dehydrating and killing them. The soap helps the solution stick longer on the plants for more effective weed control.
You’ll need three cups of vinegar (purchase vinegar with at least 20% acetic acid concentration) and one cup of dish soap. Put the dish soap in a spray bottle, add the vinegar, and shake it well to make a solution.
Spray the solution directly on the weeds, ensuring they are fully coated. For the best results, spray on a sunny day to prevent seepage into other landscape areas.
3. Boiling Water
Boiling water is an organic and inexpensive option for weed control. The hot water kills the plants it comes into contact with and does not leave room for regrowth. For effective control, pour the hot water on young and newly emerging weeds. Repeat the treatment several times for plants with deeper roots.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household item with many uses. But did you know you can also use it for weed control?
Its high sodium and alkaline properties dehydrate the plants and alter the soil’s PH further making it inhospitable to weeds.
Sprinkle the baking soda on the plants and repeat the process several times for the best results.
5. Rock Salt
Rock salt is another popular and effective product you can use to eliminate weeds on the driveway. The salt dehydrates and dries out the plants from the roots.
Since it leeches into the soil, it does not allow regrowth making it a potent weed removal strategy.
All you need to do is sprinkle the chunks of rock salt at the base of the plants and wait a few days for results. Ensure you apply the salt on a sunny day to maintain its concentration for longer.
6. Cornmeal Gluten
If you’re tired of fighting the weeds and prefer a proactive control approach, consider using cornmeal gluten. It acts like a pre-emergent herbicide by coating the weed seeds with oil, preventing them from germinating.
Sprinkle the cornmeal gluten on the target area and lightly sprinkle some water on it to activate the oils. Repeat the process every five to six weeks for complete weed growth prevention.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.