Asked on Apr 15, 2020
How do I keep weeds and grass from my bricked fire pit area?
by Cyndi
+10
I made a 15x20 area in my yard for a brick paved fire pit. I thought I removed all weeds and grass from the area. I even put down 2 layers of landscaping fabric and sand, but I still am getting weeds and grass growing thru the bricks. I can't use any chemicals because this is next to my well water system. What can I use with out cementing the bricks in
Suggested Project Book
The best way is t hand-pull the weeds. But I use a vinegar solution too. Here it is:
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/all-natural-weed-killer-43299149
All-Natural Weed Killer
Hi Cyndi,
The recipe is pretty much the same where ever you look, as well as the how to's, this offers an explanation of how this weed killer works.
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Weeds-With-Vinegar
Salt will kill weeds between pavers but it will also kill grass so don't use too much and not too close to your yard.
Cyndi: I use vinegar to kill weeds in places like that.
Depending on what sort of pavers you used, salt and/or vinegar could degrade your masonry. Look up your specific product for safe care instructions.
Here is what I would do:
1 Hand pull weeds to the best of my ability.
2 Rent, borrow, or buy a power washer.
My sister has the same issue and power washes about once a year. Don't be like my sister; if you borrow, then return. I had originally purchased it for $109 USD from Harbor Freight with a coupon. Last time I needed 1, I rented from Home Depot.
3 Powerwash, aiming in the gaps.
If your masonry can handle it, you can put salt or vinegar in the reservoir. If not, hand wash dish detergent (I am partial to Dawn) can also disrupt the roots a little, without hurting your well.
4 Apply more masonry sand.
Don't use play sand, or terrarium sand, or DTE. Masonry sand will actually adhear to itself over time in the presence of sun & rain. That makes it much harder for the weeds to come back.
Get a push broom. Pour some masonry sand in a small pile. Then work it in to neighboring gaps with the broom. Move to the next spot. Repeat until all the gaps are full to level with your pavers.
5 Water the sand
This sounds weirder than it is. Read your package directions, but if you aren't expecting rain right away, you can probably get the adhesion process started by gently watering the masonry sand with an osolating sprinkler on low or by hand.
We had a similar problem. Here’s what we did: https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2012/09/how-to-make-weed-free-brick-driveway.html?m=1
I used polymeric sand to seal the areas around my pavers. Spread it into the gaps, add some water, and it hardens to form a barrier.
Thanks all for the help, I will try the polymeric sand, but I have to get the grass out first. It has come to me pulling the grass and weeds every 2 weeks during rainy season here in Florida and about once every 2 months in the dry season. I like my fire pit and do not want to have it removed because of this. Thanks for all of the help.
2 cups white vinegar
¼ cup salt
Squirt of dawn
Mix in a spray bottle. If you have a larger area, you can mix in a garden sprayer with larger quantities. Use when it will not be raining for a few hours so that it isn’t washed away.
Hi Cyndi - The struggle is real, isn't it?!? This is the most effective all-natural weed killer DIY that we use. It's even been featured on Hometalk and pinned thousands of times! Hope this helps! Hugs, Holly
https://pinkfortitude.com/weed-killer/
PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean