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How Do I Get Rid Of The Weeds Growing Through…

Mark Asked

How do I get rid of the weeds growing through the tar driveway?

The Gardener’s Answer

Hello, Mark: Weeds can survive anywhere, even in the smallest of cracks. Ideally you would want to hand pull them, but in this situation hand pulling can be a tedious job and one that may not be worth it in the long run. If the actual roots are not removed you will be pulling the same weed again in no time. If you think you can get to the roots with a dandelion digger or a slender tool then start digging! Otherwise, you will want to use a liquid product as opposed to a granular one so that it can reach the root system. You may consider spot spraying with an herbicide such as RoundUp that contains glyphosate as the active ingredient. This is a toxic chemical so be sure to follow label instructions, and if you have a garden close by do not use on a windy day because it will kill any plant material it comes in contact with. If you want to avoid using chemicals there are more environmentally conscious options for killing weeds. Pouring boiling water over the weeds works really well, just be sure not to burn yourself in the process. A homemade mixture of 1 qt. vinegar, ¼ cup salt, and 2 Tbsp liquid detergent can also be effective. Whatever process you choose the main objective is to get to the root system. Eliminating them now will save you from trying to get rid of them next spring.

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