GETTING rid of weeds on the driveway or between patio slabs can be an absolute nightmare.
And there’s nothing more annoying than spending ages testing out something you’ve seen online, only for the bothersome plants to pop their heads back up just a few weeks later.
But there’s a buy from Wickes that people have been raving about online, and it will only set you back £14.50.
It’s the No Grow Block paving sand by Dansand, and it has a four-star review rating on the Wickes website – with 867 people documenting their experiences using it.
Recommendations for the sand first began on Reddit, when one desperate homeowner pleaded with people for advice on how to get rid of the annoying weeds on his driveway.
“It’s gotten away from me and pulling each weed just doesn’t cut it,” he wrote.
“I’ll spray now and then, but they keep coming back.
“Is there an effective way to get the weeds out from between the bricks and prevent them from returning?”
The suggestions quickly came flooding in, but there was one that seemed to stand out from the rest.
“For a longer term solution you should consider polymeric sand for the pavers,” one wrote.
“It is basically the same as regular paver sand, but has bonding agents that react with water to stabilize the joints.
“I did this with an existing stone patio and I used a pressure washer to blast weeds, dirt etc out of the cracks, and then let it dry for several days before spreading the sand.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I had loads of irritating weeds popping up between my patio slabs – a free hack killed them instantly and they haven’t grown back” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6361399819112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Since doing this last year I’ve had zero weeds growing in the gaps.”
“Great tip, thanks,” the poster replied.
“I used to use the regular paver sand, did it as needed. But haven’t used that in a while.
“The idea of a binding agent in the sand is awesome. I’ll pick some up. Thank you.”
Others agreed on the effectiveness of the product, with one agreeing: “This is the way!”
According to Wickes, the Dansand joint filling sand is “based on fine round-edged silica sand, which makes it easy to distribute into the joints”.
“This unique composition creates desert like and weed inhibiting conditions in grooves making it difficult for weeds to take hold due to natural high PH value,” the product description continued.
And in the reviews section on the Wickes site, the positive reports continued.
“This is great stuff, my paving blocks haven’t grown at all since using it,” one wrote.
[quote credit=”Impressed Wickes reviewer”]Huge reduction in weeds… and slugs[/quote]“If your block paving is growing out of control you really need this stuff.”
“This is a great product and easy to use,” another said.
“The sand inhibits weed growth. I replace it every 1 to years and it keeps my block tile driveway pretty much weed free.”
“Easy to use and brush in, making my small patio area like new. Well pleased!” a third gushed.
While someone else insisted it’s “worth spending the extra”, calling it “excellent quality sand”.
“A dream to use and doesn’t shift in the rain or when I sweep,” another wrote.
“Huge reduction in weeds and slugs!”