Weeds have a knack for ruining the aesthetic of your patio and gravelled spaces, much like moss does to gardeners. buffs have shared countless hacks to banish weeds, but there's always the risk that the chemicals could wreak havoc on your garden's ecosystem, patio, or beloved plants.
A common tip is to spritz white vinegar to eliminate weeds, however, patio expert at Armstrong Cheshire Simon Wardle warned: "This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants."
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Instead, Simon has suggested a nifty trick that's ideal for a nation of tea and coffee addicts - using boiling water from your kettle as the "perfect solution".
Whether you're dealing with mature or newly sprouted weeds, the expert assures that this handy hack "will remove unsightly weeds from your patio this summer - for free".
Simon elaborated: "This targeted method not only means your patio will end up weed-free, but it ensures there's no damage to your patio, or the environment, as there is no leftover residue left around.
"You should start to see results in minutes as the boiling water breaks down the weed - with full results in hours."
To put this hack into action, begin by filling your kettle with water and let it reach boiling point, reports .
Carry your sealed kettle out to the patio, getting as close to the weeds as possible, and carefully aim the spout to pour directly onto the weed, thoroughly soaking it.
Simon has told gardeners to "wait for the magic to happen" as the results can be seen "in minutes". He advises repeating the process at the first hint of any new weeds.
So, what makes this trick so effective? It's because the boiling water "scalds the weeds by killing the leaves", which are crucial for gathering sunlight that helps the weeds thrive and stay robust.
The guru pointed out that the hot water can penetrate cracks, helping to weaken and shock the taproot.
Although this technique works wonders on weeds in patios, driveways, and gravel, there are two places where you should never use boiling water.
Simon has warned against using boiling water on lawn weeds as it "will kill" them. The intense heat often strips away protective layers on the leaves and can harm their roots with continued use.
Gardeners should also steer clear of dousing weeds near their prized garden plants with the hot liquid. Boiling water can harm parts of other plants it touches, particularly when they're young and tender.
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