The Quick Fix That Can Help Stop Weeds From Growing Between Driveway Pavers

Weeds between your driveway pavers can be a real nuisance. It seems like no matter how often you pull them, they just keep coming back, and even the most pristine-looking driveway can end up looking untidy in no time. Weeds are persistent little plants, and they take advantage of every crack and crevice they can find. But what if there was a quick and simple fix that could significantly reduce, if not entirely stop, weeds from growing between your pavers? The good news is that there is: gravel.

It's not just about the unsightly look. Weeds can weaken the structure of your driveway over time as their roots pry apart the pavers. This can cause shifting and cracking, leading to a more costly repair job down the road. If you've tried all the usual methods of removing weeds from your driveway — spraying herbicides, using natural weed killers, or even getting down on your knees to pull them out manually — you've probably realized these are short-term solutions at best.

While gravel is not a permanent solution to completely eradicate weeds, it's a quick, affordable fix that can significantly reduce the number of weeds sneaking up between your pavers. And the best part? It's easy to do and doesn't require you to rip up your entire driveway to start fresh.

There are many different types of gravel that you can use to combat weed growth, but it does take a little preparation. First, you'll want to clean the cracks between the pavers as much as possible — removing existing weeds and debris is key. Then, you can simply pour small gravel or pea gravel into the spaces between the pavers. Use a broom or your hands to spread it evenly and ensure it fills the gaps nicely.

Ideally, the best defense against weeds is to have a weed blocker (also known as landscape fabric) installed underneath the pavers when you first lay them down. This fabric creates an additional layer of protection against weeds, allowing water to pass through but blocking the growth of anything underneath. But if you don't have this layer in place, gravel is a quick and efficient way to suppress new weeds from sprouting.

Keep in mind that while gravel is effective, it's not foolproof. There are some tricks to prevent weeds from growing in your gravel, but over time, small bits of soil, seeds, and other organic matter can collect in the gravel, potentially allowing weeds to grow again. But compared to the major headache of ripping up your driveway and starting from scratch, gravel offers a much simpler short- and medium-term solution. In the end, it's a quick fix that can give you some peace of mind and help maintain a neat, weed-free driveway without the hassle.