Grass between tiles on garden paths or sidewalks not only spoils the appearance, but can also lead to the destruction of seams and the subsidence of tiles.
How to get rid of this unpleasant problem quickly and effectively?
There are several ways to control grass between tiles, which can be used depending on the degree of overgrowth, the time of year, and the presence of other plants nearby.
One of the simplest and most accessible methods is to use boiling water.
To do this, you need to boil water in a kettle or saucepan and pour it into the cracks between the tiles.
Boiling water destroys grass and its roots, and also disinfects the seams from microorganisms. This method is environmentally friendly and safe for surrounding plants, if you do not pour boiling water over them. However, to achieve the full effect, you need to repeat the procedure several times over 2-3 days.
If you want to get rid of the grass between the tiles more radically and for a long time, you can use chemicals - herbicides. These are special preparations that kill weeds without damaging the tiles.
The most popular and effective herbicide is Roundup. It contains glyphosate, which penetrates the grass through the leaves and spreads throughout the plant system, destroying it.
To treat the grass between the tiles, dilute Roundup with water according to the instructions and spray it into the cracks between the tiles. After a few days, the grass will turn yellow and die.
However, when using herbicides, you need to be very careful and follow safety precautions. Glyphosate is a toxic substance that can harm not only grass, but also other plants, animals and humans.
Therefore, when processing, you need to wear protective clothing, gloves and glasses, and avoid getting the product on your skin, eyes or respiratory tract. It should also be taken into account that herbicides can remain in the soil for up to several months, so it is not recommended to use them near a vegetable garden or flower bed.
If you prefer natural and safe remedies, you can try vinegar. Vinegar contains acid, which also destroys the grass and its roots.
To do this, mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and add a little detergent for better adhesion to the leaves. Spray the grass between the tiles with the resulting solution and leave for a few hours. After that, you can wash the solution off with water or just wait for rain. This method also requires repetition several times to achieve results.
Another natural way to combat grass between tiles is to use salt. Salt dries out the grass and makes the soil unsuitable for its growth.
To do this, sprinkle salt into the cracks between the tiles and water it. The salt will dissolve and penetrate the soil, killing the grass.
However, this method has its drawbacks. Salt can damage the tiles, causing corrosion or fading. Salt can also get on other plants and kill them. Therefore, this method is only suitable for isolated areas where there is no other vegetation.
Finally, you can use a thermal method to destroy grass between tiles. To do this, you need to set fire to the grass with a gas burner or treat it with steam.
The high temperature burns the grass and its roots, and sterilizes the soil from seeds and microbes. This method is fast and effective, but requires caution and experience. Care must be taken not to burn other plants or damage the tiles. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of fire.
As you can see, there are different ways to get rid of grass between tiles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Choose the one that suits your conditions, budget and safety. And don't forget about prevention: regularly remove grass between the tiles so that it doesn't have time to grow and spoil your garden or yard.