How to Kill Weeds Quickly and Stop Them Coming Back

Weeds can quickly take over patios, driveways, flower beds and lawns if left untreated. While there are plenty of ways to kill weeds, the best method depends on where they are growing and whether you want a quick fix or a long-term solution.

Weeds in Patios, Driveways and Hard Surfaces

Weeds growing through paving slabs, gravel or driveway cracks can usually be treated without affecting other plants.

Boiling Water

Pour boiling water directly onto the weeds to destroy the plant cells and roots. This is an effective chemical-free option for small areas.

Systemic Weedkillers

A ready-to-use systemic weedkiller can be sprayed directly onto the leaves, where it is absorbed and carried through the plant to kill the roots.

Vinegar Solution

Some homeowners use a mixture of white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid as a homemade weed treatment. While this can dry out weeds, it should be used with care as it can also affect surrounding plants and soil.

Weeds in Flower Beds and Vegetable Gardens

When dealing with weeds around plants you want to keep, it’s important to avoid damaging the surrounding soil.

Hand Weeding

Removing weeds by hand is often the most effective method. Water the soil first to make it easier to pull out the entire root, helping to prevent regrowth.

Mulching

Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of bark, compost or wood chippings helps block sunlight, reducing the number of new weeds that germinate.

Covering the Ground

For heavily infested areas, covering the soil with a black tarp or plastic sheet for several weeks can prevent light from reaching the weeds and kill off existing growth.

Weeds in Lawns

Removing weeds from a lawn requires a different approach to avoid damaging the surrounding grass.

Selective Lawn Weedkillers

Use a lawn-specific weedkiller designed to target broad-leaved weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover without harming the grass.

Manual Removal

For isolated weeds, a daisy grubber or weeding tool can remove the entire taproot, reducing the chance of the weed returning.

Preventing Weeds from Returning

The best long-term defence against weeds is regular maintenance. Removing weeds before they seed, keeping flower beds mulched and treating new growth early will help keep your garden looking tidy throughout the year.

A little time spent tackling weeds now can save hours of work later and help keep your outdoor space looking its best.