Steam Weed Killers

Does anyone know anything at all about these?

I have a 400 square metre patch of gravel that needs weeding on a regular basis. They do seem like a good idea, but are they as good as they seem?

On the plus side, they must be safer to use than a weed burner, and more ecological than weed killer. What are the disadvantages that we never hear of?

 

I dont see any reason that a household cleaner couldnt be used on smaller areas, assuming the steam is hot enough.

I'm a bit surprised that they seem to be unheard of.

 

Steam weed killers are not well known in the UK . I have used a "flame thrower" weed killer . These are great fun to use , but useless for long term weed clearance. Unless you kill the root system the weed grows back. Glyphosate (Roundup ) weedkillers are the most effective way to control weeds I know . The "let's ban everything" brigade , will doubtless stop us buying this within the next two years.

 

Steam cleaners and propane burners have been used around here for years. What is that old saying......"doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is a sign of insanity?" They do kill the tops of weeds but they will come right back. Being how this is a gravel area and if you aren't growing anything else there, or don't want to grow anything there, why don't you just sterilize the area with a strong solution of salt water?

 

I'd just use round-up. It gets a lot of unjustified and unproven bad press, but it does the job.

 

HarryS, a lot of weedkillers are already banned here, so you are probably right there.

That can be answered quite easily. I live in a water conservation area, and what we put on the ground is strictly controlled. Added to that, drinking water here in the village comes from private wells, so everyone is environmentally cautious.

 

Its Roundup that I am trying to get away from. Not because of the bad press, but for practical reasons. Its already "partially banned" here anyway.

 

Call me nuts but a few ppm of salt in the soil seems a lot more environmentally friendly than household cleaners and other oil based chemicals such as Roundup

 

Chuck: I couldnt call anyone nuts that might go into Mac and Ernies....

 

You know Mac and Ernies? I have known Naline for years. In fact she runs a few head of cattle on the land next to me. She has to be one of the best cooks on the planet too. Their little restaurant is about 5 miles from me and is only open a couple of nights a week and on special occasions. You have to get reservations well in advance most of the time. Great food. I used to sell her tomatoes and sweet corn. Small world huh?