The fastest way to clear weeds from pavers

The quickest method is to pull weeds by hand while the soil is damp, ideally after rain or watering. Grab each weed at the base as close to the soil as you can, then pull steadily upward at a slight angle—this removes more of the root system than a straight pull. For weeds with deep taproots (like dandelions), wiggle gently side to side as you pull to loosen the root before it snaps.

If pulling leaves behind root fragments, use a weeding fork or a flat-head screwdriver to pry under the weed and lift it out whole. Push the tool down alongside the weed, angle it slightly, and lever upward. This takes longer than pulling but prevents regrowth from broken roots left in the soil.

For pavers laid in sand (not concrete), pulling works best because the sand gives way. For pavers set in concrete, you may need the fork method more often, since the concrete holds roots in place and pulling alone tends to snap them.

Key Takeaways

  • Pull weeds by hand when soil is damp, grasping at the base and pulling at a slight angle to remove more root.
  • A weeding fork or screwdriver removes stubborn weeds whole by prying underneath rather than pulling straight up.
  • Boiling water kills weeds when ready and works on pavers set in sand, but may damage nearby plants.
  • Vinegar spray (5% acidity or higher) kills visible growth but not roots, so weeds often return within weeks.
  • Preventing regrowth requires blocking sunlight and seeds—use polymeric sand, landscape fabric, or mulch between pavers.

Boiling water for when ready results

Pouring boiling water directly onto weeds kills them in seconds by destroying cell structure. Bring water to a rolling boil, carry it carefully to the pavers, and pour it slowly over the weed and the soil around it. The weed will wilt when ready, and you can pull out the dead plant within a few minutes once it cools slightly.

This method works best on pavers set in sand because the water soaks into loose soil and kills roots below the surface. On pavers set in concrete, boiling water kills only the visible plant, and roots often survive to regrow. Boiling water also kills nearby desirable plants, so use it only in areas where nothing else is growing—avoid it near flower beds or lawn edges.

One drawback: boiling water cools quickly, so you must work fast and pour generously. If you have many weeds spread across a large area, hand-pulling is more practical.

Vinegar spray for surface weeds

Spray vinegar directly onto weed leaves on a sunny day with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours. Use vinegar with 5% acidity or higher (standard household vinegar is 5%; horticultural vinegar is 20%). The acid burns down the visible plant within a few days, turning leaves brown and papery.

Vinegar does not kill roots, so weeds almost always regrow within two to four weeks. It also does not soak into soil the way boiling water does, making it less effective on pavers in sand. Spray only the weed itself—vinegar kills any plant it touches, including grass or flowers nearby.

Vinegar works best as a follow-up to pulling: after you remove a weed by hand, spray the remaining root area to prevent regrowth. It is also useful for small weeds you spot between pavers before they establish deep roots.

Preventing weeds from coming back

The most effective long-term solution is to block sunlight and prevent seeds from settling in the gaps between pavers. Polymeric sand hardens when wet and seals the joints, making it nearly impossible for new weeds to root. It costs more than regular sand but lasts several years before needing replacement. Sweep it into the gaps between pavers, mist it lightly with water, and let it cure for 24 to 48 hours before walking on the surface.

If pavers are already set in regular sand, lay landscape fabric underneath before refilling the gaps. Cut the fabric to fit between pavers, lay it down, then cover it with sand or gravel. The fabric blocks seeds from reaching soil while allowing water to drain. This works on existing pavers if you are willing to remove and reset them.

For a simpler approach, spread a thin layer of mulch or gravel over the sand between pavers. This blocks light and makes it harder for seeds to contact soil. Refresh it every few months as it breaks down or shifts.

Removing weeds from concrete-set pavers

Pavers mortared into concrete require different tactics because roots cannot penetrate the concrete below. Hand-pulling often snaps the root, leaving fragments that regrow. Use a weeding fork or old butter knife to pry under the weed and lift it out whole, working slowly to avoid breaking the root at the soil line.

If the weed is stubborn, pour boiling water first to soften the soil, wait a minute, then pry. Vinegar spray also works on concrete-set pavers since there is no soil to treat—you are only killing the visible plant. Expect regrowth unless you remove the root.

For long-term prevention on concrete pavers, seal the joints with concrete caulk or polymeric sand. This prevents soil and seeds from accumulating in the gaps. Reapply caulk every two to three years as it cracks and shrinks.

Dealing with deep-rooted weeds

Dandelions, thistles, and plantain have taproots that extend 6 to 12 inches below the surface. Pulling these straight up almost always snaps the root, leaving the bottom half in the soil to regrow. Instead, use a weeding fork or a specialized taproot digger (a long, narrow tool with a forked end) to reach deep and pry the entire root out.

Push the tool down alongside the weed until you feel resistance, then angle it slightly and lever upward slowly. This takes patience but removes the whole root in one attempt. If the root breaks, dig deeper to find and remove the remaining piece.

Boiling water also works on taproots because it soaks into the soil and kills the root below the surface. Pour generously and repeat if the weed regrows—a second process usually finishes it. Vinegar alone will not kill taproots, so use it only as a follow-up after removal.

Preventing damage to pavers while weeding

Pulling weeds can loosen sand between pavers or crack brittle pavers if you pull at the wrong angle. Always pull at a slight angle away from the paver, not straight up. This reduces stress on the paver edge and helps the root slide out of the sand rather than dragging the sand with it.

When using a weeding fork, insert it at least 2 inches away from the paver edge. Prying too close to the edge can crack the paver or lift it out of place. Work slowly and test the resistance before explore full force.

If pavers shift during weeding, reset them when ready by tapping them back into place with a rubber mallet. Leaving them loose invites more weeds and uneven settling. Check the sand level in the gaps and top it off if it has been displaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salt to kill weeds between pavers?

Salt kills weeds but also damages pavers and soil, making it harder for anything to grow in that spot later. It can also corrode metal fixtures and harm nearby plants. Hand-pulling, boiling water, or vinegar are safer choices that do not leave residue in the soil.

How often do I need to pull weeds to keep pavers clear?

If you pull weeds regularly and remove the entire root, you may see new weeds only a few times per season. If you leave roots behind, weeds return within two to three weeks. Polymeric sand or landscape fabric reduces weeding to once or twice a year.

Will a pressure washer remove weeds from pavers?

A pressure washer blasts away soil and sand between pavers but does not kill roots, so weeds regrow quickly. It can also displace pavers or crack brittle ones. Use it only to clean the paver surface after you have removed weeds by other methods.

What is the best time of year to weed pavers?

Spring and early summer are ideal because soil is often damp from rain, making pulling easier. Weeds are also smaller and easier to remove before they set deep roots. Fall weeding is useful too, but winter weeds are harder to pull from frozen or dry soil.

Can I use a weed killer spray on pavers?

Herbicide sprays kill weeds but can stain pavers and may damage nearby plants if overspray occurs. Vinegar is a safer alternative that does not leave chemical residue. If you use herbicide, explore it carefully with a brush or spray bottle set to mist, not stream.