How to remove weeds between paving slabs for good

To remove weeds between paving slabs for good, clear the weeds and the dirt they root in, then re-fill the joints with kiln-dried or jointing sand. Weeds do not grow through solid paving; they take hold in the debris that collects in the gaps. Removing that debris and keeping the joints filled removes the foothold, so the weeds have nowhere to grow back.

Why weeds keep coming back

It is a common myth that weeds push up through the paving. In reality, windblown soil, moss and organic matter settle in the joints, and weed seeds germinate in that thin layer. So pulling the tops off does nothing long term, the roots and the growing medium are still there. The lasting solution is to clear the joints right out and refill them.

Chemical-free ways to remove weeds

• Hand pulling and a weed knife: a narrow L-shaped weed knife drags weeds and debris out of the joints, roots and all.
• Boiling water: pouring boiling water over weeds in the joints kills them quickly and cheaply, repeat for stubborn growth.
• Stiff brushing: a stiff brush along the joints lifts moss and shallow weeds and is good for ongoing maintenance.

These methods avoid weedkillers, which is better for surrounding plants, pets and drains.

The step that actually stops them returning

Once the joints are clear, refill them. For block paving, brush kiln-dried sand into the joints; for wider patio joints, a jointing compound or sand works well. Full, firm joints leave no room for soil to collect or seeds to germinate, and they also stabilise the paving. This is the difference between weeding every few weeks and staying weed-free for a season or more.

Our guide to block paving cleaning and re-sanding explains the re-sanding process in detail.

What about weedkiller?

A path-and-patio weedkiller will clear growth, but it does not address the soil in the joints, so weeds return once new seeds land. If you do use one, it is a short-term tidy-up, not a fix. Clearing and re-filling the joints is what delivers the lasting result, with or without a weedkiller.

Keep on top of it

A quick stiff-brush of the joints every few weeks, and clearing leaves before they rot down into the gaps, keeps debris from rebuilding. A patio or driveway that is swept regularly and has full joints simply does not give weeds a chance.

The professional reset

If your paving is heavily weeded and the joints are full of moss and soil, clearing it all by hand is hard work. Professional driveway and patio cleaning pressure washes the joints clean and re-sands them in one visit, giving you a fresh, weed-resistant surface to maintain. It is the fastest way to reset a neglected drive or patio before the growing season.