How to Prevent Weeds in Driveway Cracks

One question that pops up constantly with homeowners centers around how to prevent weeds in driveway cracks. For many that have newer paved driveways, this is a non-issue but for others with older driveways that show some wear and tear, those little weed seedlings can find their way into the smallest of cracks. It’s a pain and if you want a nice looking driveway, it needs to be addressed.

There are a few ways to handle weeds that continually pop up in driveways and it really depends on your personal feelings on the methods. Some are costly, some are cheap but not so environmentally friendly. So I’ll give you the different ways you can prevent weeds in driveways and you can choose which best works for you.

#1 – Remove the weeds and patch the crack

This method could be your best bet if you don’t have a lot of problem areas in the driveway. Just pluck out the weed (making sure you pull out the roots as well) and fill in the cracks. This is a great idea if you only have a few areas with small hairline cracks and few weeds. But at some point, if your driveway has many cracks and many weeds, you might want to consider a few of the other options below.

For now let’s go on the premise that you have only a few problem areas. Start by walking over the entire driveway and removing as many of the weeds as you can find. Grab those weeds low and gently pull them making sure to remove as many of the roots as possible. This works best when there was a recent rainy day as the roots will come out easier when wet.

Once you’ve pulled out all of the visible weeds, move on to spraying those cracks using your preferred organic or commercial weed killer spray to ensure whatever was left behind doesn’t come back some day. This step isn’t necessary, but I think it’s a good move since the next step of filling the cracks doesn’t always keep those pesky weeds away.

Now that you’ve sprayed those cracks and let them dry, you’ll want to use a durable crack sealer like the Red Devil Acrylic Asphalt Crack Filler Sealant. The Red Devil product is easy to apply using a regular caulk gun and works on all asphalt driveways. Just remember that the more driveway cracks you have, the more sealant tubes you’ll need to buy. For most small jobs you’ll only need one or two tubes.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B003WR9L8U” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WR9L8U?tag=weedwackin-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”COLORED & TEXTURED LIKE ASPHALT: Provides an excellent color and texture match to asphalt surfaces~~~FORMS A WATERTIGHT SEAL: Use to fill cracks for a durable repair~~~STAYS FLEXIBLE: Resists cracking and is weatherproof~~~ADHERES TO DAMP SURFACES: Can be used in wet conditions~~~WATER CLEAN UP: Cleans up easily with soap and water” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”BUY NOW ON AMAZON” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Red Devil 0637 Acrylic Asphalt Crack Filler Sealant, 1 Pack, Black[/amalinkspro]

This is a very easy method and probably your best option when trying to figure out how to prevent weeds in driveway cracks. Removing weeds from the hairline cracks doesn’t take a lot of time and it’s a cheap fix that should last you a few years. Remember that depending on what part of the country you live in, driveways can take a beating based on the weather patterns. Up here in Eastern Pennsylvania, we get a few months of super hot weather followed by a few months of frigid conditions (and everything in between) so asphalt driveways will be different throughout the country. When water seeps into those cracks and freezes, it will expand and make cracks larger so if you have large cracks, you might want to consider using other products like driveway patch and pothole fillers.

#2 – Use an Organic Spray like Bonnide BurnOut

If filling cracks in your driveway is not your preferred method and you want to go the organic route, I would highly recommend using an organic weed spray like Bonnide BurnOut. This product takes care of weeds and grass and is perfect for asphalt driveways, walkways, concrete patios and gravel driveways.

With the Bonnide BurnOut product, you want to make sure you’re using the proper mix for maximum production. The 32oz concentrate will make up to 8-gallons of spray so that should be enough to last you quite a while as you battle those summer weeds. The more you add per gallon, the stronger the potency and the attached instruction booklet will guide you in how to make a 3%, 6% or 9% solution depending on how bad of an issue you have.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00PEW8TUM” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PEW8TUM?tag=weedwackin-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VGGmj8zNL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”NON-SELECTIVE WEED CONTROL – BurnOut weed control is for use on non-selective herbaceous broadleaf and grassy weeds. Read the label for specific annual broadleaf weeds, perennial broadleaf weeds, annual grasses, and perennial grasses to be treated.~~~FAST ACTING WEED KILLER – Our weed killing formula can provide results in just hours! Additionally, once this product dries after application it becomes waterproof!~~~VARIETY OF USES – It works in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is great for use around borders, driveways, sidewalks, the base of mature trees, around buildings, fence lines, barns, pastures, school grounds, greenhouses, and more.~~~MADE WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS – BurnOut is made with natural ingredients making it a great alternative solution to synthetic grass and weed killers. Also because of the natural ingredients, it is people and pet-friendly when used as directed.~~~CONCENTRATE MIX FORMULA – Burnout concentrate is used in combination with water. Mix 1 part of this product to 3 parts water (8 fluid ounces of this product in 24 fluid ounces of wate” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”BUY NOW ON AMAZON” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Bonide 7464, 32 oz, Multicolor[/amalinkspro]

For most applications you would probably need the 3% solution which is 4oz of BurnOut solution per gallon of water. For tougher situations you can go up to the 9% solution which takes 12oz of BurnOut solution per gallon (but again that’s rare you’ll need that much for a driveway issue.)

The drawback to Organic sprays like this are they can be expensive. Amazon is normally the best way to get this to your door in a cheap manner as they’ll deliver free with Prime Shipping and they normally have the best price (better than big box stores.) Check out BurnOut here for the best price.

#3 – Use a chemical spray like Roundup Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer

If you don’t care too much about whether you use Organic or non-Organic, Roundup makes the most effective weed killer out there for asphalt driveway applications. The one I would go with is the Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer PLUS Weed Preventer. This spray will not only kills weeds very quickly, it will also prevent weeds from growing for up to 4-months.

I don’t advocate for Roundup too often because I think there are safer more expensive ways to handle weeds, but it is effective and does the job for a cheaper price than most other methods. If you choose to use Roundup, I would HIGHLY recommend that you wear the proper facemask, pants and footwear just to be extra safe. You don’t want this stuff on your skin and you certainly don’t want to breathe in the fumes. Better to be safe than sorry.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B000R0WXI0″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R0WXI0?tag=weedwackin-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Dual-action formula kills existing weeds and prevents new ones from growing for up to 4 months~~~Kills weeds to the root. Guaranteed!* *Consumer Guarantee: If for any reason you are not satisfied after using this product, simply send us original proof of purchase and we will refund the purchase price.~~~Use on driveways, sidewalks, and patios; along fences, foundations, curbs, retaining walls and edge of lawns, as well as on decorative rock or gravel areas~~~Rainproof in 30 minutes~~~Visible results in 6 hours” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”BUY NOW ON AMAZON” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer Concentrate, 32-Ounce[/amalinkspro]

That said, the other big advantage here besides price is the Extended Control feature which makes sure weeds don’t come back for months. I have used this product on a small brick walkway that started having weed issues and can assure you it works well. I don’t think I saw a weed the rest of the summer in that area after hitting it with some Roundup in the Spring. Again, Roundup is effective. Is it safe? Well, if you take the proper precautions you should be OK.

I would probably use either the Roundup Extended Control or the Bonnide BurnOut product with #1 above. I would spray those weeds, give them a chance to die off and then seal those cracks up with the Asphalt Crack Filler Sealant. If time is an issue, just using the Roundup alone should give you at least a few months of a weed free driveway and that is not a bad thing at all.

#4 – Use a Lawn and Garden Torch Handheld

Out of all of these options this one is my favorite because what kid doesn’t like playing with fire! Using a lawn or garden handheld torch is not only effective but it’s fun and is perfect for driveway weed issues.

The best bang for your buck is the Flame King Propane Torch since it’s easy to tote around and uses those standard 1lb (16.4 oz) propane canisters you’ll find at Walmart, Amazon and most other stores like Home Depot and Lowes. All you do is screw on the propane canister, turn on the gas, flick the self igniter and you have a nice torch to burn those little pain in the butt weeds! One of these small canisters is good for at least a couple of hours of burn time so that’s enough for many passes over your asphalt driveway for sure. Those propane canisters are pretty cheap too so expect to pay about $3-4 per canister at your local store.

For larger driveways needing a bigger punch, I would recommend the one that I use which attaches directly to your normal grill-size 20lb propane tank. Red Dragon makes a very popular one called the Weed Dragon 100,000-BTU Propane Vapor Torch. If you don’t mind toting around a 20lb propane tank by hand (or by using a small dolly) this torch will take care of the biggest baddest weeds in your driveway for sure.

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A few things to note when using a torch.

1. First, you’re dealing with fire so if you’re uncomfortable with propane and fire, try one of the other methods.
2. Second, when using a torch you do not need to put the flame on the weed until it’s burned to a crisp. The idea is to run the torch over the weed until it wilts down a bit (only a few seconds if that) and that will be enough to break down the cells and kill the weed.
3. Finally, be safe when using fire. The smaller torch is a safer option in that you’re not toting around 20lbs of liquid propane behind you. But equipment like these torches still need to be used with caution. With the larger torch, be sure you keep the tank far away and control the placement of the torch head at all times. You do not want to get the fire near the 10-foot attached gas hose so handle it with extreme care. Remember you want to kill the weeds, not torch the house or the neighbor’s dog so be very cautious when using the torch.

Conclusion

So hopefully those looking to find out how to prevent weeds in driveway cracks found something here that can help them. I think all of the options can be used by most homeowners, depending on your level of tolerance for chemicals, fire, etc. What works for me may not work for you so find something you’re comfortable with and try it out.

Remember there is always one last very expensive option and that is to tear out the ENTIRE driveway and have a paver come in and put new asphalt down. I actually priced mine out this year and for a 1,600 sq. foot driveway it was going to run me about $5,000 to replace it. That’s a LOT to dish out even with all of these stimulus checks coming from the Government these days, but it is definitely an option. However, if you can maintain your driveway, kill the weeds and fill the cracks, that is probably your best option.

Good Luck!