Ask Annie: Away With Walkway Weeds

Dear Annie,

Do you have a good non-toxic way to kill the weeds that are growing up between my stone walkway?

Thanks,
Pat B, TN

Dear Pat,

It is always convenient to forget about weeds, especially the ones that grow up between stones and masonry in walkways and patios. I remember my stepfather spending hours in the summer pulling weeds out of the pebble driveway. He’d actually lie down to do it. I hope he had some rest and relaxation benefit, because otherwise, what a way to spend a lovely Saturday afternoon!

A thought occurred to me the other day about the weeds poking up on a stone walk I have, and that is to sprinkle the gaps between the stones with a low growing flowering groundcover like thyme. This way the “weeds” would be colorful and add a lot to the general ambiance. This technique would be in the lines of a “be smart” approach, such as changing the material of the walkway or patio to block the weeds to begin with.

Otherwise, the best I can offer for helping to remove weeds from these high attention areas is to pour straight 5 percent white distilled vinegar on the weeds (make sure not to pour this on flowers), or simple boiling water. Both have worked for me. Be persistent!

Read more: Nature, Ask Annie, Lawns & Gardens

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Susana L.

7:41PM PDT on May 22, 2012

Thanks

send a green star

Bonnie M.

3:46PM PDT on May 22, 2012

Thnak you- I will try the vinegar.

Mercedes P.

9:36PM PDT on May 21, 2012

Poor little weeds!

Donna H.

11:56AM PDT on May 19, 2012

Thanks for the info.

Danuta W.

12:19AM PDT on May 19, 2012

Thanks for the info

Janine K.

2:33PM PDT on May 8, 2012

There are two sure fire ways to do this. The first, and most fun but not for the faint of heart, is to use a fire thrower. It can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Propane cans are sold in the camping area of the store.

The second way is with a normal weed whacker. No matter what you do weeds will always grow unless the path is a high traffic area.

Dale O.

8:39PM PDT on May 1, 2012

Wonderful, also some of the weeds are edible and can put put to use in salads or tasty teas, even those pesky dandelions where even the roots can be used!

SuSanne P.

9:04PM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

Thank you:)

Sue H.

5:44PM PDT on Mar 28, 2012

Did I miss this article when it was posted almost 4 years ago?? Let's hear it for vinegar.

Antony M.

5:02AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

great