Easier Than Hand Pulling — The Overlooked Trick For Removing Weeds From Gravel Driveways

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Of all the many hacks for keeping weeds from growing in gravel driveways, it can be tricky to find an eco-friendly but science-backed method. But in the search for creative solutions, many people have forgotten a simple, tried-and-true trick. You can slowly but effectively destroy stubborn weed growth between the crushed and broken rocks through a process called solarization.

Solarization is a method of destroying weeds or grass by overheating the soil underneath and blocking rainfall. It involves pinning a large tarp over an area and leaving it alone until all vegetation is dead underneath. It's a safe and natural weed control method, as you don't have to worry about any chemicals seeping into a nearby lawn, garden, or waterway. It only affects the area that the tarp is pinned over, making it effective and precise. Another perk of solarization is that it does more than kill unwanted plants. It also reduces soil-borne diseases and pests, keeping them from spreading to the desirable foliage on a property.

Solarization is often overlooked in comparison to harsher methods, since it takes several weeks to do the job. However, people shouldn't be so quick to pass on the idea. Even though it takes a while to complete the process, it requires very little hands-on work. In contrast, hand-pulling weeds provides direct but impermanent results, while taking hours of physical labor to do. Solarization only requires you to lay out a tarp and wait.

Before trying out this method, you'll need to determine an alternative parking area for the upcoming weeks. Make sure your local HOA or municipality allows street parking until the process is complete. To avoid disturbing or accidentally ripping out the plastic tarp, you won't be able to use the gravel driveway for the duration of this process. Additionally, try to use this trick during the warmest months. If the weather is cool and pleasant, it will take much longer to heat the soil enough to kill the weeds. During colder months, try out one of the best ways to keep winter weeds out for good instead.

Start the process by leveling the gravel surface, smoothing out any bumps and grooves that may have formed over its time as a functional driveway. Use a hose or sprinklers to get the gravel wet. Moisture helps the soil beneath the gravel conduct and retain heat, expediting the process. Then apply a clear polyethylene plastic tarp, like the Frost King 6 Mil Polyethylene Sheeting – be sure to order enough to cover the entire driveway. To keep the project foolproof, opt for a sheet that is at least 2 to 6 mils thick.

Weigh down the edges with heavy materials, such as stone driveway edging or excess soil. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly around the edges so heat cannot escape. Resist the urge to disturb the enclosed area for at least two weeks, as unlike hand-pulling, this process requires no more physical effort. Keep in mind that, depending on outdoor temperatures and conditions, it could take over six weeks for solarization to work its magic, fully ridding your driveway of weeds and pathogens.