by Janette Peel

Created on: August 29, 2008

Keeping a brick patio weed-free improves the look of the entertaining area, and provides a smart backdrop for potted plants and garden furniture. A weed-free and clean patio also acts as an extension to the home and can increase property value dramatically.

It is surprising how dirt, algae and weeds can build up on the patio, without the gardener taking notice of the gradual deterioration. A spring clean-up makes a cheering difference, especially on light colored paving or brick work, which will be returned to sparkling form.

It is especially important to remove the algal film that builds up in shade areas, because it becomes very slippery when wet and quite a hazard, particularly if the paving borders a pond.

Removing weeds keeps the whole area neat, and brings patterned paving back into focus. Weeding early, before plants have set seed, significantly reduces the need to weed later in the year.

Having regular quick clean-ups will help keep maintenance to a minimum for the rest of the year.

To begin with, take a sharp knife which can be used to prize weeds out of paving cracks, but a special paving weeder, which hooks under the roots, is the ideal way to get rid of shallow-rooted weeds such as grass and daisies.

For deeper rooted weeds, such as dandelions, and in areas where there are no cultivated plants in the surrounding paving, spray with a weed killer containing glyphosate, which is completely harmless once it dries.

To clean off dirt and algae, scrub the paving with a stiff garden broom and soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. If a proprietary patio cleaner is preferred, make sure that it does not leach into any nearby borders or ponds.

To save time on larger areas of paving, use a high pressure jet spray which will blast off the dirt and newly forming weeds at a remarkable rate. These machines can be expensive, but are readily available from hire shops.

For quick weeding, wait until the ground is moist and weeds release their grip quite easily. Weeds are always more difficult to remove in dry conditions.

The easiest way to prevent weeds in paving cracks is to brush in a dry cement mix. It is available from hardware and DIY stores, and once watered it sets to form an impenetrable barrier.

Before using a jet sprayer, remove any pots from the patio to protect them from dirty spray splashes. To protect yourself, wear goggles, gumboots and old clothes.

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