Brick pavers offer a simple and effective solution for creating sidewalks and walking paths around a home’s exterior. And unlike other options, they are inexpensive and easy to find. However, intrusive grass and weeds may pop up between the brick pavers.

Not only is this an eye-sore, but it also jeopardizes the structural integrity of the bricks. Grass may grow into the bricks, exploiting hairline cracks and causing them to split open. Therefore, you need to take the necessary precautions to prevent grass from growing between the bricks.

Eliminate the Grass

First and foremost, you’ll need to eliminate any grass or weeds currently growing between the bricks. One all-natural solution is to pour boiling water between the bricks. Boiling water is safe, doesn’t leave a toxic residue, and works well for all types of grass and weeds. Just remember to use extreme caution when pouring it, as you don’t want to burn yourself in the process.

Another idea is to spray a solution of vinegar, salt and dish soap between the bricks. The vinegar and soap kills the grass, whereas the soap makes it stick. You can even add some food coloring to help you remember that it’s a homemade herbicide and not just water.

Of course, you can always use a store-bought herbicide, though the two methods previously mentioned are just as effective, if not more so.

Pressure Wash

After eliminating the grass and weeds, pressure wash the brick pavers to remove any excess material. It’s recommended that you use the lowest pressure setting possible, as this should suffice in most circumstances. Pressure washing helps to create a cleaner surface while subsequently discouraging the grass and weeds from growing back.

Seal the Pavers

The final step in preventing grass and weeds from growing between your bricks is to seal the pavers. As long as the bricks are fully sealed, plants won’t be able to emerge. You can visit your local home improvement store for recommendations on sealing products. However, a standard latex-based grout should do the job.

Before applying the grout, however, you should first clean any dirt or debris between the pavers. Again, pressure washing can help with this task, though you may still need to dig away some areas with a scraping tool. Once the pavers are clean, apply the grout between the cracks separating them, after which your bricks should be protected from intrusive grass and weeds.

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