The Soapy Solution That Can Prevent Weeds From Growing Between Pavers

There's something about pavers that just makes your outdoor space sing. Beyond making your home environment look classy, relaxed, and aesthetically pleasing, pavers can help your home attract more interest from buyers and, hence, sell faster and at a higher price point. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, professional-looking landscaping can improve your property's resale value by as much as 15%. Others predict up to 20%; that's an extra $100,000 in the bank for a home worth $500,000, which you could stash in an interest-bearing savings account! Still, you'll have to maintain your space — and keep it in stellar condition by preventing weeds from growing between the pavers.

There are many ways to prevent weeds from growing between pavers. For example, some types of landscaping fabrics work exceptionally well to keep weeds at bay. However, landscaping fabrics can also be expensive and may not suit those seeking simple, more pocket-friendly alternatives. Fortunately, good, old dish soap won't just help tackle weed problems in the garden; it also works well to prevent weeds from growing between pavers. Here's how.

You can mix soap with water in certain proportions to create an effective, natural weed killer. To do this, mix 5 tablespoons of dish soap (whatever brand you have) with 4 cups of water, pour it inside a spray bottle, and drizzle your weeds with this solution. Remember that 4 cups corresponds to 1 quart. For the best effect, do this on hot days when plants are stressed. Even with no weeds, you can spray the soapy solution between the pavers to prevent weeds from springing up. Another recipe involves a combination of 1 gallon of vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap — all mixed and sprayed between the pavers or on weeds trying to rear their heads.

The truth is, most of what Americans call soaps aren't really soaps but detergents. You can confirm this by carefully reading the labels. These "dish soaps," therefore, contain several chemicals that alter the soil's physicochemistry, making it difficult for weeds to germinate. Although basic soaps don't contain as many chemicals, the sodium and potassium hydroxides present can raise the soil's alkalinity and harm its overall health. Plus, sodium in the soaps can reduce water infiltration, making it difficult for seeds and roots to absorb the all-important liquid. So yes, soaps can prevent weeds from growing between your pavers. The effect is a low-maintenance and eye-catching yard with weed-free pavers.