How to Get Rid of Plants in Patio Cracks

Plants growing in the cracks may eventually take over the patio.

Plants growing in the cracks may eventually take over the patio.

Plants will grow anywhere they find water, sunlight and soil. This includes the spaces between individual pavers, stones or bricks in a patio. Plants growing in patio cracks make the area look unkempt and unsightly. If the weeds continue to grow, they may move paver blocks or cause other types of patio materials to move or crack. Using natural methods to get rid of these weeds means you're not introducing chemicals into the area and you have less chance of damaging the patio.


Fill a pot or teakettle three-fourths full of water. Bring the water to a boil on the stove.


Put on a pair of closed-toe shoes and oven mitts. Clear any objects from the floor or ground between the stove and the patio. Carry the container of boiling water to your patio, walking slowly so you don't spill any water.


Stand or crouch down to the side of the weeds growing between the patio pavers, leaving space between your feet and the weeds to prevent splashing your feet. Hold the container 3 to 5 inches above the weeds. Pour the water from the container slowly over the weeds, avoiding splashing the water onto yourself. Keep your hands, arms and face away from the steam.


Repeat this process until you've poured boiling water on all the weeds. Do not stand or walk on the wet patio areas while the water is hot. Leave the weeds for 24 hours.


Boil more water and pour it on any plants that still seem healthy after 24 hours. Check again 24 hours later.


Grasp each weed by its crown, the point where the shriveled shoots meet the root system. Pull upward while lightly twisting the crown to remove the weed and its entire root system from the patio. Wear gloves when pulling weeds. For stubborn weeds, use a dandelion weeder tool.


Place all the removed weeds in the garden waste can. Sweep the patio, gathering any broken stems, roots, sand or dirt into a pile. Brush the debris into a shovel or dust pan and dump them into the garden waste can.

Things You Will Need

  • Pot or kettle
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Oven mitts
  • Gloves
  • Dandelion weeder tool
  • Push broom
  • Shovel or dustpan


  • To prevent weeds from regrowing in the patio's cracks, replace the sand in the joints with polymeric sand. Remove the existing sand from in between the patio's pavers using a pressure washer. Once the patio dries completely, spread the polymeric sand on the patio and brush it into the cracks with a push broom. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in the dust. Make sure no sand remains on the patio surface, then mist the patio lightly with water to set the sand.
  • While you can add dead weeds to your compost, don't put anything with seeds in the compost. Use your garden waste can for most weeds, to be safe.


  • Keep all children and pets off the patio while working with boiling water.
  • Always wear protective clothing and padded oven mitts when handling hot pans.
  • Don't add salt or vinegar to the water as these substances may damage the patio pavers and can leach out into the surrounding soil, killing plants.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
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