How to Get Rid of Weeds in Driveways

This article is a general DIY guide that discusses the methods to killing weeds in your homes driveway. By reading our DIY guide, you can effectively control and prevent various broadleaf and grassy weeds from forming in your driveway by following the steps and suggested products.

When homeowners think of weeds, they often imagine these unwanted plants infiltrating yards, gardens, or landscaping. However, weeds can also grow in the driveway of your home through the smallest crack or opening. Once developed, weeds tarnish the curb appeal of your home and become a nuisance to control.

While it may seem harmless these foliages can harm your driveway by making cracks larger and breaking-up the surface. Over time these obstructions allow for seeds of weeds to spread and grow in these areas while also creating suitable habitats for insects.

Like other parts of your yard, driveways need grass control throughout the year, but especially in spring or fall. These points of the year have the highest period of weed growth and germination. To remove unwanted weeds and grass from your homes driveway, then follow the tips and professional quality products listed in this DIY guide.

Why Do Weeds Grow in Driveway Cracks?

Broadleaf and grassy weeds are opportunistic plants that grow when conditions such as certain temperatures, moisture levels, bare or thin turf, and open spaces are present. Typically, the cracks and gaps within driveways fester these conditions for weed growth. Weeds can also find themselves in driveways because these surfaces are flat and retain more moisture than sloped surfaces like sidewalks or patios.

How to Kill Weeds in Driveway Cracks

Before applying any type of herbicides, you will need to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

When applying any type of non-selective herbicide, make sure to treat only the weed itself as all other treated foliages will be killed. To avoid spray drift, you can place a carboard box around the weed before spraying with a non-selective herbicide. It is always best to read the product label prior to application for accurate instructions and restrictions.

Spot Treat with Non-Selective Herbicide

When it comes to removing existing weeds in your driveway, you can perform a spot treatment with a non-selective herbicide to kill all vegetation in driveway. If a non-selective herbicide is selected make sure it contains the active ingredient glyphosate, which kills weeds on contact and does not remain in the soil.

We recommend using Eraser 41% Glyphosate, which is a non-selective post-emergent herbicide formulated with the active ingredient glyphosate 41% to effectively kill annual and perennial weeds. Once applied to weeds in driveways results are seen within 2 to 4 days, but may take up to 1 to 2 weeks for complete kill. Hard-to-control weeds may require a second application if not completely dead in 4 weeks.  

For best results in spot spraying, you will want to use a handheld pump sprayer to control the product drift. Determine how much Eraser 41% Glyphosate to use by measuring the square footage of the treatment site. To do this, measure the length and width in feet then multiply them together (length X width = square footage). To spot treat with this product, apply 1 1/2 fl. oz. (3 Tbs) of Eraser 41% Glyphosate per gallon of water per 300 sq. ft. For tougher weeds, use 2 1/2 fl. oz. (5 Tbs) of product per gallon of water per 300 sq. ft. 

Fill your handheld pump sprayer with half the amount of water, add measured Eraser 41% Glyphosate, then pour in remaining half of water. Close the sprayer tank lid and shake until solution is evenly mixed.

Spray the top and bottom of the weed until wet, but not to the point of run-off.

Keep people and pets off treated areas until spray solution has dried.

Remove Weeds From Root

At this point most of the weeds treated with Eraser 41% Glyphosate should be removed, if not all of them. There may be some stubborn weeds left over that you can retreat or either pull out with a glove covered hand.

If there are no weeds present, you will need to use a scraping tool in-between the driveway cracks, crevices, gaps, and other voids to disrupt the roots of weeds.

Seal Cracks and Openings

Once the weed has been eliminated from your driveway, take precautions to prevent them from returning. The best way to do this is to fill cracks, crevices, and gaps in and on the side of your driveway with a sealant, concrete mix, or stabilizing sand.

By filling these spaces in, the weeds will not be able to push through the middle of these areas. If several large cracks are present or the driveway is uneven, then the entire driveway may need to be replaced.

Key Takeaways

How to Permanently Kill Weeds in Concrete Driveway Surfaces?

• An application with a non-selective herbicide containing the active ingredient glyphosate, such as Eraser 41% Glyphosate would be best.

How to Prevent Weeds From Growing Between Slabs and Cracks in Driveways

• Prevent weeds and grasses from growing between your driveway slabs, cracks, and gaps is to seal them off with an approved sealant, concrete mix, or stabilizing sand.

Can Weeds and Grasses Grow in Concrete within Driveways?

• Annual or perennial weeds and grasses will grow through solid surfaces such as concrete or brick in driveways if there are cracks, gaps, and voids.