Weed killer advise

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Hi,

For the last couple of years I've used weed killer on the drive - wasn't great killed it off for a short while only. The drive is just stoned ready for either cement or tarmac.

this year I really don't want to use Weed killer - for these reasons 1 dog, 1 cat, 6 hens, 1 cock (not referring to myself!) and my veg patch is bordering the drive.

I can't dig out the weeds as the drive is rock solid. I'm surprise they're growing but weeds will do that.

I'm considering burning them out with one of those weed torches - are they any good?

I have a big event at the house (hosting our nephews communion) so I would really like the place to look it's best.

Jim

[airconednightmare]

aye the torches work but the weeds will eventually come back. weed proof membrane is a better long term solution.

[jimbuckleybarrett]

thanks, membrane isn't an option on the drive for me but at least I know that the torches work and would be safer for the animals than weed killer.

Jim

[golden14]

Sodium chlorate is still used by many drive laying companies and it is used to stop anything growing whatsoever for abut five years, and hence when applyied under tarmac it does the job very well. Indeed when they put down my parents drive the guys used a massive bucket of this and brushed it all over the leveled ground that the tarmac was going to be applied to. It took nearly 20 years for a weed to show through it. Not much help to you though, as it will "Bleed" into the surrounding soil. A good tip for new tarmac though.
Personally I would rent a weed burning torch rather than buying one. Hope this helps

[jimbuckleybarrett]

hmmm, didn't think of renting one out! Mind you right now it doesn't matter - been non stop raining for weeks now