I've been struggling to manage the weeds around my home in Virginia. The previous owners landscaped the yard with river rock, and by mid-April, the weeds take over! I'm not a fan of using Round Up because of the wildlife in our area, and honestly, I just don't have the energy to keep pulling them out by hand. I've tried several methods like vinegar, pool salt, and non-toxic weed killers, but nothing seems to work. I've seen those weed torches advertised, and I'm curious—do they actually work? Also, won't the ash left behind just help the weeds grow back? Thanks for any advice!
5 Answers
Yeah, some weeds can definitely be taken out with fire! Just keep in mind that not all of them will go down this way. So it might be hit or miss depending on the types of weeds you have. Just be careful if you decide to go this route!
Honestly, using rocks as mulch can be a bit of a nightmare for weed control! Torching could be your best option, but remember that some weeds are adapted to fire. About the ash—most of it will wash away with rain, and organic matter tends to build up anyway, whether you use fire or not. Maybe consider a long-term solution like planting some trees to provide shade in that area if weeds keep coming back!
This sounds like the perfect use case for a weed torch! Just be mindful—you'll probably have the best results with young, sprouted weeds. They tend to incinerate easier. But be prepared for some regrowth, and it can take a bit of time to get it right!
Have you tried dumping boiling water on the weeds? It's a simple method and can be effective in killing them off without using chemicals!
It’s surprising that you’re opting for all those alternatives but not considering herbicides. They can be the obvious choice for fast results. But if your heart is set on more natural methods, just know that timing is everything—tiny, freshly sprouted weeds are your best bet for torching!

Yeah, keep in mind that weed torches don't really work on perennial weeds like dandelions, so you might need to tackle those another way.