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Control Pavement & Parking Lot Crack Weeds

VegClear's Commercial Vegetation Control Services for Paved Lots

How to Get Rid of Weeds on Industrial Pavement & Gravel Driveways

Pavement Crack & Crevice Weed Control: Loganville, Georgia Retail Site Case Study

Below are some methods for eliminating weeds from your commercial property's concrete, pavement, gravel, and driveway. By following these best practices, you can effectively control and prevent various broadleaf and grassy weeds from emerging in pavement cracks using in-house resources. Property managers often associate weeds with lawns, beds, gardens, or landscaping, but they also thrive in pavement cracks and gravel areas of commercial properties, detracting from the site's curb appeal and contributing to premature pavement wear.

Weeds, once established, become increasingly difficult to control as they grow larger and longer. They can harm pavement by enlarging cracks and disrupting concrete and asphalt surfaces, creating ideal conditions for weed seeds to spread and insects to thrive. Pavement requires regular weed control, particularly in spring and fall when weed growth and germination rates peak.

Broadleaf and grassy weeds are opportunistic plants that thrive in conditions provided by ideal temperatures, humidity, bare soil, and open spaces—conditions often found in pavement cracks. Moisture retention on flat surfaces like concrete and asphalt also encourage weed growth. When applying herbicides, always read and adhere to label directions and wear proper personal protective equipment.

For controlling existing weeds in concrete cracks, spot treat with a non-selective herbicide designed to kill all vegetation in the target area. Some herbicides kill on contact and absorb through the leaves, while others act through the roots for longer-term control. Common non-selective active ingredients include glufosinate, diquat, 2-4,D, and imazapyr. Results typically begin to show signs of decline within 4-6 days, but complete control may take up to 2-3 weeks. Tough-to-control weeds may require a second, and even a third, application.

For precision spot spraying, use a handheld or backpack pump sprayer to minimize drift. Measure the treatment site's square footage to determine the amount of herbicide concentrate needed. Apply the mixture evenly to the target weeds until wet but not to the point of runoff. Keep people and pets off treated areas until the spray solution has dried, or if practical, for at least one day, to prevent contact.

When facing an overwhelming project or simply uninterested in handling these tasks in-house, consider bringing in a professional. If you need comprehensive vegetation control for your portfolio's pavement, gravel, or concrete year-round, we're here to help. Give us a call for a no-obligation evaluation and proposal on a vegetation management program custom designed to meet your site specific needs. Let us take care of your weed control challenges so you can focus on what matters most to you.

The most effective way to attack pavement and parking lot crack and crevice weeds is to utilize a three tier strategy that is environmentally friendly and provides lasting results. First, when possible, we coordinate with your current lawn maintenance contractor (or in-house personnel) to schedule mechanical trimming of as much weed growth as possible. Next, after fresh growth begins to emerge, we apply pre and post-emergent weed control to kill existing plants as well as weed seeds before they germinate. Finally, we use periodic foliar and soil active applications of post-emergent crevice weed control to keep weeds in check. By following this structured program, we've seen a decrease in weed infestation from year to year, helping our clients maintain a neat and manicured appearance with minimal effort and chemical use.

"Weeds’ roots are the problem because they spread underneath your pavement and eventually cause cracks. Cracks then leave openings for water to seep through and cause major damage."