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Weed-Free Bliss: Mastering the Art of Keeping Paver Stones and Gravel Pristine

By Ed Ball | Published on January 24, 2024 | 5 min read

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Picture this: a cozy evening in your backyard, surrounded by perfectly laid paver stones and gravel. Sounds idyllic, right? Now, let’s kick those pesky weeds to the curb and ensure your outdoor haven stays weed-free permanently. In this guide, we’ll discuss why those stubborn weeds choose your paver stones and gravel as their happy place. We’ll also explore both preventive measures during paver installation and practical weekly maintenance hacks.

Tile path in an ornamental garden

Why Do Weeds Love Paver Stones and Gravel?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of prevention, let’s decode the allure of paver stones and gravel for those sneaky weeds. With its nooks and crannies, Gravel becomes the perfect hideout for weed seeds. Paver stones, on the other hand, offer a cozy spot for weeds to take root, especially in the gaps between stones where soil can accumulate. It’s like an open invitation for unwanted green guests.

Laying a paving stone or brick on a courtyard.

Prevention During Paver Installation

One of the best ways to tackle a weed problem is to stop it before it starts. Here are a few ways to keep weeds at bay in your gravel or stone pavers:

Weed-Proof Membrane Magic

Lay down a weed-proof membrane before installing your gravel. This geotextile marvel limits weed growth. It also acts as a stabilizer for the soil beneath, ensuring a solid foundation for your gravel. The benefits extend beyond weed control – the fabric serves as a moisture retainer, keeping the soil beneath adequately hydrated. An added perk is the reduced amount of gravel required, making both an economical and eco-friendly choice. Acting as a filter beneath the gravel, the landscape fabric plays a crucial role in water drainage and filtration. It’s not just about weed prevention; this versatile fabric becomes an integral part of garden ponds, offering stability and support. Furthermore, the separation layer it provides prevents aggregate from migrating down into the soil, maintaining the integrity of your landscape design. So, lay down that landscape fabric – a multipurpose ally in your quest for a flourishing, weed-free outdoor haven.

Solid Edging for Paver Stones

Paver installation presents a different challenge for keeping weeds at bay. So, it’s a smart investment to install solid edging. This strategic move serves as a robust physical barrier. It guards against the encroachment of persistent weeds. The solid edging enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your paved space. It also plays a pivotal role in discouraging those determined weeds from infiltrating the gaps between the stones. The solid edging becomes a visual and practical boundary, creating an obstacle that wards off unwanted green intruders. As a result, your paver stone pathway or patio boasts a polished and cohesive look. It also stands resilient against the relentless advances of those tenacious weeds. It’s a small yet impactful investment that pays dividends in the long run. It ensures your outdoor haven remains pristine and weed-free.

A beautiful outdoors pavers with two comfortable armchairs and a fire pit.

Weekly Maintenance Hacks

Hand Weeding

Hand weeding in gravel and paver installation can be a tactile and therapeutic approach to maintaining the pristine allure of your outdoor spaces. As you kneel to sift through the stones, the act of plucking weeds by hand establishes a direct connection with your landscape. It’s a hands-on endeavor that allows you to feel the texture of the gravel or paver stones while simultaneously reclaiming your space from unwanted intruders. This method, though time-consuming, offers a personal touch to weed removal. It ensures that each weed is evicted from its cozy spot between the stones. Engaging in hand weeding becomes a mindful exercise. It is a moment to appreciate the intricacies of your outdoor haven as you work towards a weed-free sanctuary.

Weed Killers – The Heavy Hitters

When it’s time to tackle those stubborn weeds in your outdoor haven, it’s all about bringing out the big guns – the weed killers. Opting for contact herbicides is like a strategic strike against actively growing weeds, especially effective when applied during daylight hours when the plants are most vulnerable. These herbicides directly target the exposed foliage, delivering swift and effective results. For a more formidable and long-lasting solution, enter the realm of systemic weed killers. These powerful agents go beyond surface warfare. It penetrates deep into the plant’s system to annihilate not only the visible foliage but also the roots. It’s a one-two punch that ensures a more permanent eviction of those unwelcome green intruders. It leaves your outdoor space looking immaculate and weed-free.

Weed Burners – Your Heatwave Allies

If pulling weeds by hand isn’t your thing, there is another method – the weed burners, akin to wielding heat guns against those persistent greens. With this innovative tool in hand, walking around your paver stones or gravel turns into a breeze as the concentrated heat works its magic on the weeds. The process is both efficient and satisfying, as you witness the weeds succumb to the heat without the need for manual labor. It’s a hassle-free and effective way to achieve a weed-free outdoor space, making the task as easy and breezy as a stroll through your beautifully landscaped haven.

Salt Solutions – A Natural Deterrent

For DIY enthusiasts seeking a natural remedy, look no further than the humble salt to combat those persistent weeds. When strategically employed, salt acts as a formidable deterrent, creating an inhospitable environment that keeps weeds at bay for an extended period. However, a word of caution: while salt is an effective weed suppressor, it’s crucial to avoid using it near your cherished garden plants. The key lies in finding the right balance – harnessing the power of salt to maintain a weed-free zone while preserving the health and vitality of your beloved greenery.

Weeds in your gravel and paver stones can be a real eyesore. However, by understanding why weeds love these spaces and implementing preventive measures during paver installation, coupled with regular maintenance using hand weeding, weed killers, weed burners, and salt solutions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a pristine outdoor haven.

Want to learn more? Contact us today and say goodbye to weeds and hello to uninterrupted bliss in your beautifully landscaped paradise!