weed burning

[affordablehousing]

I recently found a bunch of propane bottles in a free pile, and it got me thinking that perhaps this was the time to start flame weeding. Anyone have success with this? Is it not allowed in the city? I've had gardeners recommend it over the years. I've tried some so far with a plumber's torch, not the big turbo torch and found it really fun, and nice not to make the little mole hills left from the dirt you pull up with the roots.

Does it work? Does it just inspire more weeds to come up? Am I going to get arrested?

[Morning Glory]

I tried it with garlic mustard after reading it on frugalwoods blog. Results were generally underwhelming,  although my problem was most likely the $25 harbor freight torch and not the method itself.  Never could find an easy way to get rid of garlic mustard.

[RetiredAt63]

I haven't done it myself.  From what I understand, you are not actually burning the weeds (and don't try to burn them), just warming them up enough that they fatally wilt.  If they have long roots they may send up new growth.  Of course the same is true of topical chemical weed killers, only the systemics (which can be nasty) will get a well rooted perennial weed.

[BudgetSlasher]

As has been said, you are killing the greens ... basically by boiling the water in them.

Anything that can regrow from its roots will. Repeated torch use will exhaust these the same as if you kept it cut back. If used in a lawn or near other plants you could have collateral damage.

I find them best to use on sideways, driveway cracks, gravel areas.

[Sibley]

As has been said, you are killing the greens ... basically by boiling the water in them.

Anything that can regrow from its roots will. Repeated torch use will exhaust these the same as if you kept it cut back. If used in a lawn or near other plants you could have collateral damage.

I find them best to use on sideways, driveway cracks, gravel areas.

And on sidewalks, driveways, and gravel, just pour boiling water on it so you kill the roots too.

[BudgetSlasher]

As has been said, you are killing the greens ... basically by boiling the water in them.

Anything that can regrow from its roots will. Repeated torch use will exhaust these the same as if you kept it cut back. If used in a lawn or near other plants you could have collateral damage.

I find them best to use on sideways, driveway cracks, gravel areas.

And on sidewalks, driveways, and gravel, just pour boiling water on it so you kill the roots too.

good point, I did that years ago to get rid of grass in an area I was setting up a garden in.

In practice I have found making enough boiling water and moving it to where you need to kills weeds can be more trouble that it is worth. I have a long driveway and it is easier to take the weed torch that uses a camp fuel cylinder with me to the mailbox than the drag boiling water all the way out.

The torch is also great for dealing with dandelion seeds if you don't want them to spread.