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How to Kill Grass and Weeds, in Sidewalk Cracks With No Harmful Chemicals
How to Kill Grass and Weeds, in Sidewalk Cracks With No Harmful Chemicals. That grass and those annoying weeds that pop up in summer between cracks in your sidewalk are hard to manage. Pulling requires the entire root to be extracted, and most of the time the weed returns a few days later. Using tools like small spades may damage the cement as well...
That grass and those annoying weeds that pop up in summer between cracks in your sidewalk are hard to manage. Pulling requires the entire root to be extracted, and most of the time the weed returns a few days later. Using tools like small spades may damage the cement as well as harsh chemicals.
The following steps will give the reader two ways to kill and prevent weeds from growing with no harsh chemicals.
Things You'll Need
Bucket
Salt
Sprayer
Use of a stove
Water
There are two ways that I rid my driveway and sidewalk cracks with vegetation killer. Both are safe for children, pets and the ground. Also both will save you a bit of money too.
The first is so simple that it only requires two steps.
Bring a pot of water with a little salt to a boil.
Handle the pot with care and go outside and pour the water between the cracks.
The hot water will shock plants when it comes into contact with the leaves and the root. The salt acts as a mild dehydrater and when ingested by future weeds will dehydrate them.
This method will not sterilize the ground and vegetation will return, probably faster than you would like, very frustrating. Two solutions, recycle boiling water from everday cooking. I have done this with water from any type of boiling, from vegtables, noodles and even hot dogs.
For a longer term solution, the next step involves sterilizing the ground for about a month depending on rainfall.
Another method for killing weeds and grass for up to a month involves filling a bucket with warm tap water.
Add two cups of salt to each gallon of water in the bucket, stir until dissolved.
I use the same type of salt that people use for their water softener. One large bag costs about $6.00 or $7.00 dollars at any hardware store.
Add the solution to a pump style sprayer. Pump the sprayer as indicated by the manufacturer.
Start at one end of the sidewalk and remember where you have sprayed. This is important because spraying the cracks requires two applications of this saltwater solution. Careful not to spray the saltwater on the cement as it will leave a white color residue on the surface. If this does happen remove with a strong spray of water with the hose.
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to rinse the sprayer with a good amount of water when finished to avaoid any problems with the salt drying inside and clogging the sprayer.
You can recycle boiling water from regular cooking.
Do not add boiling water in the sprayer. The plastic components inside the sprayer are not designed to withstand high temperatures
