03-06-2025
'Easy' remedy to kill weeds in gravel works 'almost immediately'
Weeds can be difficult to get rid of, with some gardeners even using vinegar and salt to remove them. However, an expert has shared a 'simple' and 'almost immediate' way to kill gravel weeds
Weeds possess an extraordinary knack for flourishing in damp areas with minimal sunlight. Over time, gravel accumulates detritus from rainwater, dust, bird droppings and other elements (such as litter and fallen leaves), creating a fertile breeding ground for weeds. The seeds of weeds that prosper in gravel or on patios are spread by the wind, animals, or inadvertently hitch a ride on people's footwear.
Once these seeds find a conducive environment - moist, warm, and humid - they begin to germinate and extend their roots. Gardening expert and GreenPal CEO shared his preferred methods for dealing with pesky gravel weeds.
Drawing on his 22 years of experience in landscaping, Bryan has honed various techniques for combating weeds in gravelly spots.
For those seeking a natural solution, he suggests using boiling water as a home remedy. He explained: "One method I've tested out is pouring boiling water on the weeds. The hot water burns the weeds and causes them to wilt and die almost immediately."
Boiling water effectively collapses the plant's cellular structure, ultimately destroying it right down to the root, reports the Express. To apply this technique, start by boiling water in a kettle and transport it to the weed-infested gravel area. Don your gloves and exercise caution to avoid scalding yourself.
Carefully pour the boiling water directly onto the weeds from a low height to minimize splashing and ensure maximum contact with the unwanted plants.
Once the weeds have withered and seem lifeless, employ a screwdriver to loosen their roots before extracting them with a steady hand. Should this technique prove ineffective, Bryan recommends resorting to a chemical solution - Roundup.
Roundup, which contains glyphosate, is favoured for its "effective" results, as per Bryan's assessment.
Nonetheless, he consistently urges caution when using this herbicide, citing a study from the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) that links exposure to a 41 percent increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
