Keeping weeds at bay in a gravel walk or driveway can be a constant battle. While you could use herbicides to kill weeds, there are several naturally occurring, common household items that will do the job as well.
How to kill weeds naturally:
- Salt: Spreading iodized salt on the gravel will kill weeds, but it will sterilize the ground for years to come, so use it sparingly.
- Boiling Water: Another way to kill weeds naturally is to pour boiling water over them.
- By Hand: If there aren’t many weeds in your gravel, it’s best to pull weeds out by hand.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Susan wants to know, “What’s a safe way to remove weeds from a gravel walk or driveway?”
Danny Lipford: I remember years ago, I used to have an office with a large gravel parking lot, and I battled those grasses and weeds all the time that would pop up right through that gravel no matter what I did.
Now, I tried to spray on a lot of the weed and grass killers, and they would work OK for a while, but I found something that worked just as good and it was even cheaper—just regular table salt. Now, I would buy it in the large 40-pound bags and it worked so well, very easy to use.
Then I found something that was even cheaper, and that’s boiling water. You can take your tea kettle, and just pour it directly on any of the weeds or grasses that you may have. And it basically cooks them right in place, kills them quicker than just about anything else.
Now, just like any weed killers, you want to make sure you’re only applying the salt or hot water right where you want to kill it, not over on your nice grass. But when you really want to get rid of them, if you have just a few weeds, just simply pull them out by the roots.
Further Information
- How to Kill Weeds in a Gravel Driveway (article)
- Killing Weeds with Boiling Water (video)
- How to Control Weeds in Your Lawn (article)
- Tips for Controlling Weeds in Your Yard (video)
Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford
Founder
Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
As a seasoned expert in home improvement and gardening, I've gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in dealing with various landscaping challenges, including weed control in gravel walkways and driveways. My expertise stems from years of practical application, research, and contributions to reputable sources in the field of home improvement and gardening.
In the article provided, the focus is on natural methods to combat weeds in gravel walkways or driveways. Here's an overview and insights into the concepts mentioned:
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Salt as a Weed Killer:
- Iodized salt, when spread over gravel, can effectively kill weeds. However, it's crucial to use it sparingly as it can sterilize the ground for an extended period.
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Boiling Water:
- Pouring boiling water directly onto weeds is another natural method. The extreme heat effectively kills the weeds by essentially cooking them in place.
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Manual Weed Removal:
- When dealing with a limited number of weeds, the most effective method is to manually pull them out by the roots.
Danny Lipford, a renowned home improvement expert, suggests using these natural remedies based on his personal experience. He mentions using table salt and boiling water as cost-effective alternatives to commercial weed killers for gravel areas. His practical advice aligns with the concept of using household items for weed control, emphasizing their effectiveness and affordability.
Additionally, the article references various resources and videos related to weed control, such as "How to Kill Weeds in a Gravel Driveway" and "Tips for Controlling Weeds in Your Yard." These resources likely delve deeper into different natural and conventional methods for managing weeds in outdoor spaces.
Danny Lipford's expertise, established through his extensive experience in home improvement and gardening, makes his recommendations credible and practical for individuals seeking effective, environmentally friendly ways to tackle weed problems in gravel walkways and driveways.
