7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Driveway and Concrete Weeds in Vancouver, BC

Weeds popping up in your driveway, patio, or walkway cracks can make an otherwise clean property look neglected—and in Vancouver’s mild, damp climate, they grow fast and persist year-round. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial or strata property, keeping these areas weed-free is key to both curb appeal and safety.

At Ascent Yard Care, we specialize in safe and thorough weed control, including removal from hard surfaces like concrete, paving stones, and gravel driveways. Below are 7 proven methods to help eliminate and prevent driveway and pathway weeds in Vancouver, BC.

1. 

Manual Removal with Crack Tools or Wire Brushes

Sometimes the simplest method is the best—especially for small areas. Use a crack weeder, flathead screwdriver, or wire brush to scrape out weeds and roots. For gravel or paver joints, a stiff broom can dislodge younger weeds.

Pro Tip: Do this after rain when soil is soft for easier root removal.

2. 

Flame Weeding (Propane Torching)

Flame weeding involves running a propane torch over weeds to instantly kill the foliage and weaken the plant. This method is chemical-free, fast, and perfect for non-flammable surfaces like:

• Driveways
• Sidewalks
• Paving stones
• Concrete patios

Important: This should only be done by professionals to avoid damaging nearby plants or property.

3. 

Pet-Safe Herbicide Spray

A targeted herbicide application kills weeds at the root and prevents regrowth. At Ascent Yard Care, we use eco-friendly, pet-safe herbicides that are effective on tough species like:

• Horsetail
• Dandelion
• Moss
• Clover
• Hairy bittercress

Spot spraying is a fast, efficient option for high-traffic areas where weeds keep returning.

4. 

High-Pressure Power Washing + Scraping

For moss, algae, and shallow-rooted weeds in cracks, a high-pressure wash followed by scraping can dramatically improve appearance and eliminate organic buildup that encourages regrowth.

This method also restores visual sharpness to your walkways and hardscapes—great before listing a home or prepping a property for rent.

5. 

Vinegar-Based DIY Weed Killers (With Caution)

Household vinegar can burn back green growth when applied in full sun. For added punch, people sometimes mix in salt and dish soap. While this can be effective on soft annual weeds, it often misses the roots and may cause long-term soil damage near desirable plantings or lawns.

Use with care—and don’t expect full eradication on deep-rooted weeds like horsetail.

6. 

Installing Polymeric Sand in Pavers

If you have weeds between pavers or brickwork, they’re likely growing in loose, nutrient-rich joint sand. Replacing it with polymeric sand (which hardens and resists weed growth) can dramatically cut down on new weeds while also stabilizing the surface.

This is an excellent long-term solution for:

• Walkways
• Patios
• Interlock driveways

7. 

Professional Weed Control Services

Sometimes, the fastest and most cost-effective option is to bring in the pros. At Ascent Yard Care, we provide full-service hardscape weed removal that includes:

• Herbicide spot-treatment for deep-rooted weeds
• Manual scraping and removal
• Flame weeding where appropriate
• Preventative treatments to slow regrowth
• Moss and algae control on stone and concrete

We service residential, strata, and commercial properties throughout Vancouver and offer seasonal maintenance programs to keep pathways clear all year long.

Areas We Serve

We provide driveway and walkway weed removal services in:

• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Coquitlam
• New Westminster
• Delta & more

Reclaim Your Clean, Weed-Free Driveway

Weeds in your hardscapes don’t have to be a constant headache. Let Ascent Yard Care eliminate the problem safely, quickly, and thoroughly—so your property looks its best.