How to Keep Weeds From Growing Between Pavers—6 Natural Solutions That Work

Weeds have a way of popping up in the most inconvenient places, like between pavers or in small cracks in your driveway. While commercial chemical options can be effective, natural methods can also help eliminate and prevent these unsightly plants—without the synthetic ingredients that may negatively impact ecosystems. Ahead, we spoke with experts to learn how to kill weeds growing between pavers and keep them from coming back.

Hand-Pull First

Your first line of defense is to start hand-pulling as many weeds as you can from between your pavers. This is a crucial first step, says Andy McLaughlin of RF Paving. "You need to pull out as much of the weed as possible, including the roots, to prevent it from growing back," he says. "For an easy removal process, manually uproot them with a weeding knife to ensure the root is removed and not left in situ." Once you’ve de-weeded as much as you can manually, you can move on to other, natural methods to kill any existing weeds.

Boiling Water

Break out the tea kettle—boiling water is your friend when it comes to killing weeds between pavers. "Simply pour the water directly onto the weeds, making sure to take care by using gloves and any other protective gear if needed," says McLaughlin. He notes that boiling water is only effective at killing weeds on the surface level, and won’t penetrate the root. Gardeners will need to use other methods to kill the root, or the weed will come back.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective, natural DIY method for killing small weeds between pavers, in sidewalk cracks, or in crevasses, says Ryan Walts of Lawn Squad. “Baking soda works to kill plants due to the salt content in the baking soda,” he says. “The salt dries out the plant, making it difficult for that plant to uptake moisture, resulting in death.”

​Walts recommends either applying baking soda directly to weeds or mixing it with water to create a solution to spray on weeds. "Regardless of the application method, it is best to apply baking soda when weather conditions are dry with minimal wind," he says.

Salt

Like with baking soda, salt’s natural properties dry out weeds, eventually killing them. However, gardeners should avoid using too much salt, as it can damage pavers and other paving materials if applied too frequently. "The frequent use of salt, especially on natural stone, can weaken the structural integrity of the paving, as well as cause discoloration and even erosion," says McLaughlin. To avoid potential damage, he suggests mixing a diluted spray solution of 1 part salt and 3 parts water to help protect your pavers and soil.

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Vinegar

What can’t distilled white vinegar do? This kitchen staple is a multitasker, not just in the home but also in the garden and landscape. Vinegar’s high acetic acid properties break down cell walls and dehydrate the weed growing between your pavers. McLaughin recommends mixing vinegar with a few drops of dish soap, which helps the spray adhere to the weed’s leaves more effectively. "For the best results, try adding this solution to your gardening routine, or at least every two weeks, to ensure the weeds have gone completely," he says.

Ground Cover Plants

Growing ground cover plants between your pavers helps suppress potential weeds by outcompeting them for nutrients and moisture, says Alvaro Valdez, owner of SuperGreen Hardscapes. This is probably best done after you’ve killed and removed weeds from between pavers to help prevent future weed growth. "We recommend to clients plants like bugleweed, sedum, and Corsican mint, depending on the style and color they're going for," says Valdez. "They're good for lesser-trafficked areas, like garden walkways."