Deweeding the Driveway

 We have two small driveways on either side of the house with room for four cars in total. It was one of the reasons we bought this house because parking is at a premium in the narrow streets where we live. At some point in the past, maybe 20 years ago, we replaced whatever was there previously with block paving.

The problem with block paving is that eventually the weeds start to grow through.

Photo 1: Weedy Block Paving 

In the early years there are only one or two weeds but these soon start to multiply, especially if you don't keep on top of them ...

Photo 2: Weedier Block Paving

... and then it is time to get the deweeding implements out. I have a number of options at my disposal.

Photo 3: Tools for Weeding a Block Paving Drive

From left to right:

• Long-handled Weed Brush with Scraper
• Long-handled brush and pan
• Electric Weed Burner
• Organic Weedkiller
• Pressure Washer

Job #1 - Use the long-handled weed brush to scour the joints in the block paving and dislodge the weeds. Caution: this is hard work and may result in blistered hands - wear gloves

Job #2 - Sweep up the dislodged weeds into the dustpan and add to the compost heap/HotBin

Job #3 - Attack any remaining stubborn weeds with the Electric Weed Burner. I find it takes between 10 and 30 seconds to burn off a weed depending upon it size and 'thickness'. Mosses and liverworts are resistant to burning off with an electric weed burner. If I tackle the weeds on a sunny day, my electricity costs are zero (rooftop solar PV)

Job #4 - Weeds that are difficult to reach or in a location not amenable to scraping or burning (e.g. Photo 4) can be treated with an organic/biodegradable weedkiller based on pelargonic acid.

Photo 4: Manhole Cover with Plastic/Rubber Inlay

Job #5 - I don't usually bother but you can give the drive a final clean & polish with a pressure washer. You might want to refill the joints with sand after a power wash.

The final result (without power wash) is pleasing to the eye ...

Photo 5: Deweeded Drive

... but, unfortunately, will have to be repeated annually.

Thanks to a new piece of kit I bought this year, the deweeding task is both quicker, easier and less painful (fewer blisters!). This electric weed sweeper (Photo 6) is a direct replacement for the long-handled weed brush and scraper (Photo 3).

Photo 6: Electric Weed Sweeper

The working parts of the weed sweeper (Photo 7) comprise a black plastic guide wheel and an interchangeable nylon or steel wire wheel (Photo 8) covered by a clear plastic safety guard (Photo 7). The weeder was supplied with one of each type of deweeding wheel along with the necessary tools to fit and exchange them.

Photo 7: Close-up of the Electric Weed Sweeper Moving Parts

Photo 8: Nylon & Steel Wire Deweeding Wheels

The electric weeder was very easy to control and use. I found both the nylon and steel wheels equally effective on our block paving drive. It is impossible to say, at the moment, how long the deweeding wheels will last; probably good for at least a couple of years in my case.

Provided I don't let the drive become too overgrown, an occasional weedburner treatment should suffice for the remainder of the weed growing season.

Important note: all the treatments discussed are wildlife and pet-friendly. This is important as both next-door neighbours have cats and/or dogs.