Weeds in concrete

newbieni

Hi All,

I've had someone look at weeds growing around the perimeter of my house and between some flags. I presumed it would require some pointing. However, he advised to spray hydrochloride over the weeds and this would remove them permanently. Is this true?

WIAWSNB

Are you sure he said, "hydrochloride"? That doesn't make much sense to me.

I'd simply use a 'pathclear' type herbicide - spray it on t'weeds, and they'll soon be gone. Zap any that dare return.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6676855/weeds-in-concrete

I've had someone look at weeds growing around the perimeter of my house and between some flags. I presumed it would require some pointing.
However, he advised to spray hydrochloride over the weeds and this would remove them permanently. Is this true?

That sounds a bit like 'hydrochloric acid' - if so, then no, you don't want to be using that. It also wouldn't remove weeds permanently as any existing or new seeds will germinate later on.

There used to be long-term (5 years or so) weedkillers available for domestic use, but AFAIK they've all been banned now. So it would be a case - as WIAWSNB says - of using the longest-acting weedkiller you can find, and then re-treating as necessary.

Pointing the gap won't work, and could create new problems for you.

Greatgimp

I don't think you can buy residual weedkiller any more = spend more buying the same stuff = more VAT revenue.

FlorayG

You can kill THOSE weeds and they won't come back, true. The space left when they die will be just suitable for more weeds to drop seeds and germinate there.

You just have to apply weedkiller ( or boiling water if you prefer not to use chemicals) every time they reappear

FrugaiMacDugal

He may've meant Hypochlorite, which is effective on weeds.

You could try a strong vinegar using this method.

EssexExile

I use Gallup Biograde Weedkiller from Amazon and just spray them when they appear.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82075123#Comment_82075123

I'd love to know how well that works - have you tried it, Frugie?

Newbieni, worth getting a nice sized trigger spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle. I have an old Roundup one (I think), and the nozzle turns one way from 'off' to 'spray', and the other for a 'jet'. I just walk around the gravel driveway shooting each weed with the jet - no overspray to blow away or on to other plants, no bending of back. The weeds - new ones - will come back (tho' some claim to prevent this for months), but it's just a two-minute jobbie every month or so.

FrugaiMacDugal

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82075196#Comment_82075196

Vinegar: The acid breaks down the waxy coating on the plant's leaves, causing rapid dehydration and browning within a few hours

Salt: Acts as a desiccant, pulling moisture out of the weeds and deep roots.

Dish Soap: Serves as a surfactant. It reduces surface tension, allowing the solution to stick to the weed's foliage rather than rolling off. [1, 2]

FreeBear

You could try a strong vinegar using this method.

Hrmmm…. Few people will have access to acetic acid any stronger than regular household vinegar. I have a small quantity of glacial acetic acid and it is really nasty stuff as well as being flammable. Thankfully, not something that you can just buy over the counter.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82075024#Comment_82075024

Glyphosate based weedkiller is still readily available in the UK and it should kill nearly all weeds right down into the roots. However it takes a while to work, so no instant results.

Most other weedkillers, including I think the home made recipes mentioned work quickly, but the weeds may well reappear.