How to remove weeds from a patio or driveway (2026)
Quick Answer
To remove weeds from a patio or driveway, start by identifying the surface and the type of weed, then pull or scrape out as much growth as possible, including the roots where you can. Follow up with a suitable treatment for any regrowth, clean out the joints, and refill gaps if needed to make it harder for new weeds to establish. The best method depends on whether you want to avoid herbicides, how large the area is, and whether the weeds are only in joints or are rooted through cracks.
Overview
Weeds on patios and driveways usually grow where wind-blown seeds settle into joints, cracks or built-up dirt. Simply cutting the tops off often gives a short-lived result because the roots or growing points remain in place, so an effective job combines removal, treatment and prevention. For small areas, hand tools are usually the quickest and least risky option. For larger or persistent patches, a carefully chosen weedkiller may save time, but it must be suitable for the surface, used exactly as the label directs, and kept away from drains, ponds and desirable plants. Heat-based methods can work too, but they still need repeat visits because they often damage top growth more than deep roots. After the weeds are removed, the most useful next step is to clean out the joints and refill them where appropriate. Empty or loose joints trap moisture and debris, which creates the ideal place for more seeds to germinate. Ongoing maintenance matters: sweeping regularly, removing small seedlings early, and dealing with dirt build-up reduces repeat work. If weeds are coming through large structural cracks or lifting paving, the issue may be damage to the surface rather than just poor maintenance, and a repair may be more effective than repeated weeding.
Who this is for
Homeowners, tenants responsible for outdoor upkeep, and anyone maintaining paved areas such as block paving, slabs, concrete or tarmac driveways.
What you’ll need
- Stiff outdoor broom
- Weeding knife, patio scraper or crack weeder
- Hand fork or narrow trowel for deeper roots
- Gloves
- Bucket or garden waste container
- Knee pads if working on hard ground
- A suitable herbicide if you choose chemical control, used strictly to the product label
- Jointing sand or paving joint compound if the surface uses filled joints
- Water source for cleaning, if appropriate for the surface
Before you start
Check what the surface is made from and whether it has sand-filled joints, mortar joints or open cracks. Make sure the area is dry enough to work safely and clear of parked cars, pots and other obstacles. If you plan to use a weedkiller, read the whole label first, check that it is approved for the intended use area, avoid windy or rainy conditions if the label warns against them, and make sure runoff cannot reach drains, watercourses or planted borders. If the weeds are growing from major cracks, sunken paving or damaged edging, plan for repair as well as weed removal.
Step-by-step
- 1
Sweep and inspect the area
Sweep away loose dirt, leaves and grit so you can see where weeds are growing and how they are rooted. Note whether they are shallow seedlings in joints, deep-rooted perennial weeds in cracks, or moss and algae mixed in with the growth.
Why: Cleaning first exposes the base of the weeds and helps you choose the right removal method. Dirt and debris also hold moisture and seeds, so removing them cuts down future regrowth.
- 2
Pull or scrape out the weeds
Use a patio scraper, crack weeder or weeding knife to loosen weeds in joints and cracks, then pull them out by hand. For larger weeds, work the tool down the side of the root before lifting. Collect all the removed growth rather than leaving it on the surface.
Why: Removing as much root material as possible gives a longer-lasting result than cutting off the top growth alone. Clearing the debris also stops uprooted weeds from dropping seed back into the paving.
- 3
Treat stubborn or deep-rooted regrowth if needed
If weeds are too established to remove cleanly, or if they repeatedly come back from deep cracks, use a follow-up method suited to your preference: repeat hand removal, a heat-based weeder, or a weedkiller labelled for the situation. Apply only to the target weeds and follow the label and safety instructions exactly.
Why: Some weeds regrow from remaining roots or underground parts. A second-stage treatment helps deal with what manual removal misses, especially on persistent perennial weeds.
- 4
Clean out the joints and cracks
After the weeds are gone, scrape out loose organic matter, old roots and silt from the joints or cracks. Sweep the area thoroughly. If needed, wash the surface only when that will not damage the paving or wash out sound jointing material.
Why: Weeds establish more easily where fine debris has built up. Clearing the joints removes the seedbed that allowed the weeds to grow in the first place.
- 5
Refill joints or repair cracks where appropriate
Replace lost jointing material on paving that relies on filled joints, using a product suitable for the paving type and existing construction. If there are cracks in concrete or tarmac, use a repair method recommended by the surface manufacturer or a suitable repair product, following the instructions provided.
Why: Open joints and cracks trap moisture and dirt and give seeds somewhere to root. Reinstating the surface closes off those spaces and reduces repeat infestation.
- 6
Set up simple prevention
Sweep the patio or driveway regularly, remove new seedlings while they are small, and keep nearby beds and borders from spilling soil onto the paving. If overhanging plants constantly drop debris, trim them back as needed.
Why: Prevention is easier than removing established weeds. Regular sweeping and early action stop seeds from settling long enough to root.
Why this works
Weeds need a place to root, moisture, and enough accumulated debris or joint material to support growth. Effective control removes existing plants, deprives new seeds of a seedbed, and closes the gaps where future weeds would otherwise establish.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Only strimming or cutting the tops off weeds and leaving the roots behind
- Applying weedkiller without first reading the label or checking suitability for the surface and location
- Leaving loosened weeds, soil and seed heads on the patio or driveway
- Ignoring empty joints or structural cracks after removing the weeds
- Using pressure washing so aggressively that it strips out jointing material and makes the problem worse
- Treating in poor conditions such as wind or imminent rain when the product label advises against it
Troubleshooting
Weeds come back quickly after hand removal
You are probably leaving roots or underground growth behind, or the joints still contain debris. Repeat removal more deeply, then clean and refill the joints.
Weeds are growing through wide cracks in concrete or tarmac
Remove the weeds first, then repair the crack using a method suitable for that surface. Repeated weeding alone will not solve a structural opening.
Jointing sand keeps washing or blowing out
Check whether the paving type needs a different jointing product or whether drainage and movement are disturbing the joints. Refill with a compatible material and follow the product instructions carefully.
Moss or algae returns even after weeds are removed
Improve light, airflow and sweeping frequency, and treat the surface with a product specifically intended for moss or algae if needed. Weed control alone will not fix persistently damp, shaded conditions.
Compare your options
Hand weeding and scraping
Best for: Small areas, isolated weeds, and people avoiding chemicals
Pros: Low cost in tools, precise, immediate results, little risk to nearby plants when done carefully
Cons: Labour-intensive, harder on deep-rooted weeds, often needs repeat visits
Herbicide treatment
Best for: Larger areas or persistent weeds in joints and cracks
Pros: Can be efficient over a wide area, useful for hard-to-pull weeds, less physical effort
Cons: Must be used strictly to the label, can harm nearby plants, not suitable near some drains or water, results are not always immediate
Heat-based weed control
Best for: People who want to avoid herbicides and can do repeat treatments
Pros: No chemical residue from herbicide, useful for top growth in joints
Cons: Often needs several treatments, may be less effective on deep roots, carries burn and fire risk
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand weeding and scraping | Small areas, isolated weeds, and people avoiding chemicals | Low cost in tools, precise, immediate results, little risk to nearby plants when done carefully | Labour-intensive, harder on deep-rooted weeds, often needs repeat visits |
| Herbicide treatment | Larger areas or persistent weeds in joints and cracks | Can be efficient over a wide area, useful for hard-to-pull weeds, less physical effort | Must be used strictly to the label, can harm nearby plants, not suitable near some drains or water, results are not always immediate |
| Heat-based weed control | People who want to avoid herbicides and can do repeat treatments | No chemical residue from herbicide, useful for top growth in joints | Often needs several treatments, may be less effective on deep roots, carries burn and fire risk |
Alternatives
- Repeated manual removal combined with refilling joints
- Careful spot treatment with a suitable herbicide
- Heat-based weeders used according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Professional patio or driveway cleaning followed by re-sanding or joint repair
Pro tips
- Tackle weeds when they are small; they pull out more cleanly and are less likely to have seeded.
- A narrow crack weeder or old screwdriver-style tool can help in tight joints where fingers cannot reach.
- Bag up seeding weeds rather than composting them unless your compost system reliably kills seeds.
- If you pressure wash, plan to replace lost jointing sand afterwards where the paving system requires it.
- Keep nearby borders slightly lower than the paving edge where possible so soil does not wash onto the surface.
Safety notes
- Wear gloves to protect against cuts, blisters and skin contact with sap or herbicides.
- Use kneepads on hard surfaces to reduce strain if you are working for long periods.
- Keep children and pets away during weed removal and especially during any herbicide application, following the product label.
- Take care with blades, scrapers and powered tools on uneven surfaces.
- Avoid using flame or intense heat methods near dry debris, timber edging, vehicles, fuel, or other combustible materials.
Legal & regulatory notes
Rules on herbicide use, disposal and protection of water can vary by country and local authority. In the UK, always use plant protection products in line with the product label and take care to avoid water pollution. Check local council guidance if the patio or driveway drains to a public surface water system or if you are managing shared or commercial premises.
What this guide does not cover: This guide covers routine weed removal from domestic patios and driveways. It does not provide product-specific herbicide instructions, detailed repair methods for every paving type, or advice for commercial sites with separate legal duties.
Cost considerations
Manual weeding is usually cheapest if you already have basic hand tools, but it takes more time. Herbicides, heat tools and follow-up jointing materials add cost, though they may reduce labour on larger areas. If paving joints are failing or the surface is cracked, repair costs can outweigh the weed removal itself.
Prefer to hire a professional?
If this job is beyond a confident DIY — or the work needs to be done by a licensed professional — you can find a verified landscaper or builder through Trade Directory (tradedirectory.co.nz), New Zealand's directory of real, verified trade businesses. Compare local tradespeople, read their details and request quotes before you commit.
Find a landscaper or builder on Trade DirectoryFrequently asked questions
Is it better to pull weeds out or spray them?+
For a few weeds, pulling or scraping is usually the simplest and most controlled method. Spraying can be useful for larger areas or persistent weeds, but it needs careful product choice and correct use.
Can I use a pressure washer to remove weeds?+
It can remove small weeds and debris, but it can also blast out jointing sand or damage weak joints. Use it cautiously and be ready to refill joints afterwards if your paving system relies on them.
How do I stop weeds coming back between paving slabs?+
Remove the weeds completely, clean out the joints, refill any missing joint material, and sweep regularly so dirt and seeds do not build up. Prevention is mainly about denying seeds a place to root.
Will vinegar or salt solve the problem?+
Home remedies can damage nearby plants and may affect surrounding soil or surfaces, and they are not always reliable or appropriate. A safer approach is hand removal, or a product specifically intended and labelled for weed control.
When should I call a professional?+
Get professional help if the area is very large, the surface is being damaged by roots, cracks need repair, drainage is poor, or you are unsure about safe herbicide use near water or shared spaces.
Sources & references
Guidance on this page is traced to documented sources. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- RHS - Weeds: non-chemical control · industry
Supports manual and non-chemical approaches, the value of removing weeds early, and practical prevention through maintenance.
Core weed-removal methods change slowly, but product availability, herbicide labels and local environmental rules can change over time.