Anyone use a torch for weed control?

[Tidybuoy]

I just bought a torch that connects to my propane tank. I admit, I haven't read the directions yet, but I was anxious to try it out last night. I used it on my alley that is mostly crushed rock with some weeds growing thru. To me, it did not seem that effective and maybe it's because of the recent heavy rains, the weeds are full of water. It puts out a pretty big flame and since it was nighttime, I kept the gas volume low as when you up it to the level of a welding torch, it gets pretty loud.

Anyway, wondering what others have experienced.

[HobieMarty]

I've seen my brother-in-law use a torch to kill weeds in a courtyard at his house, first time I ever saw anyone do that.

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[stevej37]

I've used one on small weeds and grass coming up between pavers....it works.
I use Round-Up most of the time. (it's easier)

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I use Round-Up most of the time. (it's easier)

I agree that Round-up may be easier. I will probably use a combination of both. I'm anxious to see what happens to the weeds that I torched last night. I'm hoping that enough burned that the plant can't survive. Since it was dark out, I didn't get them all but there were several burnt weeds this morning.

[Evans, Marv]

Roundup seems to have been banned in our area, maybe the whole state. I have a bit left over that I use sparringly. I don't use something like a tourch around here because of high fire hazard, and it may be not even be legal. We can burn, but have to coordinate it with CalFire on days they designate as "burn days" and have a hose and shovels near by. I use the Roundup on grassy weeds and 2-4-D on broadleaf weeds. Using a torch seems kind of inefficient to me. Of course I have 2.5 acres.

[stevej37]

Ortho sells a total ground control spray that sterilizes the ground for a year. No weeds or grass.

[Eric Hahl]

They work best on dead, dry stuff. Green stuff takes way too long to burn away.

[quicksix]

Second vote for Ortho groundclear.
I use it in the nursery for all paths, very effective

[LWJ]

Yes. My wife HATES IT. It is sort of fun. But there is real risk of a wildfire. Probably should break that bad boy out tomorrow while it is still damp here...

[daepp]

I use one regularly - in So Cal though, so only when it’s about to rain, or just finished raining.

And I find it absolutely cathartic.

[wdfifteen]

I use one. For most weeds you only have to get the leaves hot enough to boil the water in the cells. The water boils, the cells explode - dead weed. You CAN burn them down to nothing, but it takes a lot of time and gas. Get them hot enough to steam and they’ll be dead in a few days. It’s faster than glyphosate. They don’t work so well on grasses. The “life force” (for lack of a better word) of grasses is in the roots. Natively, they are used to surviving prairie fires, so toasting the above ground parts only sets them back a few weeks.

[sc_rufctr]

The trick is not to over do it. Just heat the weeds for a few moments and that's it. They'll soon shrivel up and die.

BTW you can also kill weeds using hot water. Just boil a kettle and pour it on.

[flatbutt]

BE VERY CAREFUL THAT YOU DON'T BURN POISON IVY. You don't want to inhale vaporized oil.

[gchappel]

When you are done killing weeds- a torch is a wonderful way to sear a steak or roast after a nice slow cook.
gary

[cabmandone]

I've been known to torch some weed...

[911 Rod]

I have one.
Makes you feel like captain destructo, but the weeds just come back stronger.
Plus it leaves black marks on my interlock.

[Dantilla]

The downside:
Ash is great fertilizer. Weeds come back.

[JackDidley]

I tried it. Faster to spray weed killer. Maybe even cheaper.

[daepp]

Maybe not fast, but damned cathartic. As in, "Take that you demon weed!"

Also, kills the seeds - added bonus!

[stevej37]

A pic of what they look like....mine with the 8ft propane hose removed.



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