Burning Weeds with a Propane Torch
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2018
- Testing to see if a propane torch is an effective way to control weeds in a gravel driveway. I was sick wasting hours pulling weeds out of my gravel driveway so I decided to try killing 'em with fire! It's much more fun than pulling weeds and only takes a fraction of the time. See the link below for the torch I used:
Torch:
amzn.to/2UVvc5U (affiliate*)
OR
www.harborfreight.com/propane...
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support! - Jak na to + styl
Torch:
amzn.to/2UVvc5U (affiliate*)
-OR
www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!
Hi Mike,
For that session, do you recall how much of the propane was emptied? I am getting ready to buy a torch and a tank. Will I absolutely need a 20 pound, or can I get a good area done with a 10-11 pound tank? Did you redo the dandelion area and were you successful in eliminating their regrowth? Much thanks for the demo video. 🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱
It's hard to say, I use my grill tank so it does dual duty. You saw the area I did in the video, plus I also do the area I had weeded by hand. Total, it takes around 20-30 minutes and, it's hard to tell, maybe that uses up 1/8 of a tank. That's just a guess, sorry I could give you a more precise answer. You could definitely use a smaller tank but it needs to have the same connection as a larger tank. So, for example, you couldn't use one of those little propane bottles for camping stoves. As for the dandelions, they have deep roots but less and less grow back each time I use the torch. Thanks for watching!
X
Mike can I use an accelerant to burn Goatheads faster?
@@johnrodriguez2922 Other than the propane required to operate the torch, I would definitely recommend against adding any other accelerant. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. :)
That's one of the many great uses of propane and propane accessories yup.
Hahaha, thanks "Hank"!
I tell ya hwhat
dammit bobby
HUAAAUAUAA
😂
If doing this on a damp day or a day after rainfall be sure to wear eye protection as the damp soil and rocks will cause some gravel to crack and explode (speaking from experience)
That's a good tip that I've already noticed. Also, some people recommend using the torch when the weeds are wet because they think the steam assists in killing the weeds but that's not true. The wet weeds just take longer to burn and use more propane.
Just about to go and buy one of these but was looking up videos, didn't even think of this. Thanks!
Thanks for the tip.
Very good video and thank you for not making it too long. I like how you showed the progression at different durations after burning.
Thanks, I appreciate the positive feedback!
Excellent Video! Thanks for taking the time to make it. The 3 week review was the best.
Thanks for the positive comment, I appreciate it!
This is the BEST video demo compared to all of the others I viewed on burning weeds and other topics. I just ordered a torch and I'm hoping it will resolve the weed problem I have on decomposed granite pathways. Very well done - thank you.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!
@@Mikeattempts I see people saying to spray water on weeds, or dampen them lightly. then the flame creates steam that kills the weed. alternatively you can use a steamer but those are probably expensive. if anyone has any experience with first idea let me know
I usually try to do this after a good rain, mostly to help prevent burning my house down, but I'll try an extra soak with the hose next time to see if it's more effective. Thanks for watching!
Great video. Nice presentation. I wish more people would be this organized when making videos.
I really appreciate the positive feedback. Thanks for watching!
I will never use any other method but this ever again!.
The money spent on solutions for my area surpassed the price of filling my 40lb propane. When I was done… I used only half the bottle ($25) and at full throttle completely burning a double car gravel driveway. Best method by far!!!!
Yep, and it's probably the most fun method too! :)
Nice!! We have one too. Love no chemicals. I usually rake (blow) over the area I’ve torched to get the dead stuff up so it doesn’t turn into nice compost for more weeds... well done!
I appreciate the positive feedback. That's a good idea, it would be easy to blow the remains out of the gravel and into the grass. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for taking the time to share all of this!
No problem, thanks for watching!
Very helpful - really appreciated the how to and 1-3 week update.
I'm glad you liked the video, thanks for the positive feedback.
Thanks Mike. Really appreciate your approach: testing both incinerating and wilting, and then doing 1, 2, and 3 week follow-ups. Nicely done.
In the ares where the wilted weeds browned, could the leftover debris be blown off with a leafblower, or are they still rooted. The incinerated weeds left things much neater.
I'd like to reciprocate for your thorough job by sharing what I know about weeds as a gardener. It helps to understand a few things about weeds, especially whether they are annuals (from last year's seeds) or perennials (underground surviving plant). Most of the annual weeds will burn off and not come back. But crabgrass is its own beast, very tenacious. That's annual and comes back from the previous year's seeds, so burning and fully killing with a 2nd try will be worth the extra effort if you get it before it goes to seed. August usually, at least in my parts (Massachusetts.)
Perennial weeds are likely to survive one burning in most instances since they have a hearty underground part that will survive winters. 2 torchings may kill then, or an herbicide spray on whatever survives the first pass could also work.
It's also the case that for the annual weeds, you can spread Preen in the spring to prevent any annual weeds in the first place, since preen inhibits germination. But some weeds are super early.
Thanks for the comment! Most of the wilted leaves remained attached to the stems. I've used the torch twice since then and incinerating them is the way to go, it might not be necessary but the final result is a much cleaner look. All the charred spots disappear after the first rain.
Oh my gosh! I cannot express how much I appreciate this! We have been sick for awhile and my husband cannot help outside yet. Our weeds are out of control. This is exactly what we will be doing! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I appreciate the comment, thanks for watching! :)
@@Mikeattempts I never tried a torch. How potentially damaging, if at all, is a torch to the surface of a paving stone, presuming a prudential usage.
@@MrAquinas1 I've only tried the torch on the edge of concrete but I've never had any damage or discoloration. You only have the flame on each weed for a few seconds which isn't really even enough time to make stone or concrete hot.
THank you for showing the two different approaches between wilted and incinerated! I bought a lil torch set up and it just isn't enough. I think I will go with your recomendation! Good video thank you
I'm glad the video was helpful, thanks for the comment!
Thanks! You just saved me a bunch of money. We were going to pay someone to pull and spray our weeds in our huge backyard. Now that I saw your video we will be doing it ourselves for a fraction of the cost & time.
That's great, thanks for watching!
My husband is concerned with the smell and how strong it may be. Did you notice anything appalling after torching?
I had to think about it for a minute but I don't remember much smell at all so your husband should worry about it.
Ahhh... my OCD definitely approves! What a relaxing way to spend a weekend, "Fire! Fire! Fire!" -Beavis
It's definitely the most fun way to get rid of weeds. Thanks for watching!
this is called a right to the point video presentation, with an after...brilliant!
5 years an still going strong.
Congrats and wishing you and yours the very best.
and i agree with the other, job well done, if only other YT content makers followed your lead!
Thanks so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it! I make my videos like ones I'd want to watch, quality without all the fluff. :) It means a lot to me when I get positive feedback, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Great job! I wish everyone would do videos like this showing progress over time. Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it! :)
You make it look fun and it is. I got mine a week ago. I can already see grass coming back. I like that this is a good way to get every last drop of propane from a tank before I refill. I’m hoping it may kill weed seeds too.
Yep, it's definitely the most fun you can have getting rid of weeds. :) Thanks for watching!
Good little test there.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Nice video! Thanks for sharing the after effects weeks later, was very helpful!
I appreciate the comment, thanks for watching!
Very useful information! Obviously, your advice about what happens after various intervals of time is especially valuable.
Thanks, I'm glad the info was helpful!
I did the same at home. Despite online reviews recommending the wilting method, I've had much much better results torching them hard. Longer lasting and no regrowth.
I've also had good luck torching the entire area- not just the spots where the grass and weeds are growing. It seems that if you torch even the blank areas it prevents new growth from coming up- that you maybe can't even see yet.
I've had good luck with the wilting method and it uses less propane. Gotta wear jeans though, if you wanna keep your leg hair! ;)
Put that torch on a hand truck and use a tension strap to hold it in place, so much easier than lugging the tank around!
That's a good idea, thanks!
@@Mikeattempts also Fire King makes a nice backpack and 10lb tank to go with it, around $60 all in, but I'm on a farm, so it's a cost of doing business.
@@KSpyrka That actually sounds like a fair price for what you get. It probably makes you look more menacing as well! ;)
@@Mikeattempts I'm all about convenience! lol
Cool video. No nonsense. Looked at your channel and subscribed. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. As for the torch, it seems like exactly what I need for my numerous graveled areas, but I feel like there’s huge potential, as a fairly clumsy type, to burn down my whole back yard. Might have to give it a try anyway. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for subscribing! Yeah, things could easily get out of hand, have a garden hose close by. :)
That looks so satisfying
Can 't wait to get mine now
It is a pretty satisfying way to do a normally tedious chore. Thanks for watching!
Am attempting this tomo and am glad to have seen this to be ready to weedwack the overgrown stuff b4 burning.
Thanks👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the time-lapse! I wondered if "wilted" was good enough, because I didn't want to waste propane. Now I know!.
Yep, wilting is definitely the way to go. It's easy to get carried away and want to burn them completely to ash but it uses a lot more propane. :)
Soooo satisfying. Just think of all the time saved trying to pull all of those weeds.
Exactly! I'm just sorry I didn't buy the torch a few years sooner. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for a great video. I am in Toronto. This year the dandelions seemed so active and I literally burnt 1000+ seed bulbs a day trying not to let the seeds escape causing future problems using a plumber's butane torch. It was so tiring kneeling down hundreds of times as the torch is a tiny hand held one. Your more professional torch using in upright position is the way to go and the frame seems 10 times more effective. I really like your idea of including the results after periods of time. Well done and your voice is very clear and vitamins my ears.
Wow, that's a TON of dandelions! I would imagine you'll save a lot of time using a weed torch. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the time to show the regrowth.
Thanks for watching! :)
Great video, thank's. I've just ordered a burner on the strength of your video. I've always dreaded weeding my block paving but now I can't wait for my torch to turn up on Friday! Be gone......you demon weeds
Thanks for watching! The torch actually makes weeding fun... well, as fun as weeding can be.
Very helpful and informative. Many thanks for this.
Good to hear, thanks for watching!
you earned a sub! loved the video! going to pick one of these up tomorrow!
Thanks!
Clear and concise. Thanks. I don't have propane gas and will use Butane gas. It might just take a little longer
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it!
Thanks Mike. Very useful video.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
I'm really not able anymore to get down on hands and knees to hand dig in gravel. It's winter now, but as we approach spring I am thinking about what will make my life easier. I have a handcart that I can wheel the propane around so that I can get the sides of the driveways as well. I agree that even if you have to hit the weeds a couple of times a year, it's still going to save a ton of time and stress on the body. I just linked my husband to various torches to look at and figure out for me. Thanks for the vid.
A newly filled propane tank is heavy so a handcart would be a really nice addition. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! :)
Awesome video. Very helpful for me. I’m a little scared of the propane torch, but I’m going to give it a try. I have way too many weeds to pull!!
It's definitely a time-saver. I would recommend wearing pants while using the torch, unlike I did in the video, your shins get pretty warm in shorts. :) Thanks for watching!
You can also use a microtorch. It runs on propane. After frying the weeds I run around with my weed wacker and the plants are gone.
Talk about getting medieval on them! I use this around the brick pavers in my pool area because I don't want the chemicals. Works great. I also use the vinegar and salt solution in a sprayer in areas I can't get to with the burner. Works great. Nice video!
I'm gonna hafta try the vinegar and salt spray again. I tried it a long time ago and I was happy with the results at first but then they eventually turned green again and kept growing. Any tips? Does it require multiple applications? Thanks for watching!
@@Mikeattempts Well ... you know how weeds are down here! One coating does it, and knocks them back for about 2-3 months. Just a touch up periodically after that. Should see dramatic results within 12 to 24 hours and then completely dried up within 36 hours ... just sweep away.
Not as much fun as or satisfying as the the torch though!
@@ranger2316 Maybe my vinegar to salt ratio was wrong. I'll have to try that spray again. Thanks!
I used it for scorching the earth before I tilled and planted sod. The short handle would be great if you are 5 feet tall. I taped a wooden handle to mine, so I didn’t have to stoop so much.
Yeah, at first, I thought the handle was too short too. However, I think it's not supposed to be held too close to the ground. When I would bend over to get closer, I the flame would often extinguish itself. You're not having that issue with the handle extension?
@@Mikeattempts Not at all. I wasn’t pulling the trigger too often either. Cranking the dial up a bit seemed sufficient without burning gas too fast.
This is just what I was looking for to know how much to cook weeds I have. Ill try going fast, and come back for anything that remains.
I used mine to Blacken a toy box that I built. That was a lot of fun. Next I'm going to burn some grass and make a bike path for my five-year-old grandson. LOL that's why I'm here. Thanks for the video
Thanks for watching! I never thought to use the torch for something like that, very creative.
That looks awesome!
It's the most fun you can have gettin' rid of weeds. ;) Thanks for watching!
Spraying vinegar is another solution to weed control.
Thanks for sharing.
Yep, it's a good 1-2 punch to burn 'em and then spray with a vinegar + salt + dish soap solution a week later on any that are trying to grow back. Thanks for watching!
I'm 57yrs old, and I remember my dad doing this along the fence line for weeds! Didn't notice in the video, but in what state /area are you? In Oklahoma, the weeks can be quite troublesome and my husband and I are doing everything possible to avoid nasty chemicals. We use the strong vinegar with pretty good results, but a heavy dew or rain, and it's gone. Thanks!!
I've tried the vinegar, salt, & few drops of dish soap mixture to kill weeds. It does work but I found that if you don't reapply at least a few times, they'll turn back to green and keep growing. The torch is nice because it completely burns the tops off, you don't hafta look at the brown clumps of dead leaves like you do with sprays. Thanks for watching!
Good video. Thanks for making it.
No problem, thanks for watching it!
the dandelions have super deep juicy roots, no surprise they survive this treatment. might want to pull them out with something like the fiskars xact weed puller or similar tool. works great for my grass patches!
Yep! If I'm able to remember and give 'em a blast of heat when new growth starts, they usually give up by the 2nd or 3rd time. :)
I had that type of model but w the long straight wand and flint lighter, when that burned out in less than 5 uses (china) and replaced and it gunked up the fluid hole or gas adjuster once again went to the shorter model w the throttle control as well as the turning style gas adjuster with a bend to the shaft, also has a bbq style push button lighter attached, even though its a foot shorter it has an ergonomic handle and the throttle is great, like an old ski doo gas pull type throttle.
Yeah, I specifically choose the model without the ignitor because I assumed it'd fail, and I'd end up lighting it myself anyway. :) At first, I thought mine was too short but then I realized it doesn't need to be close to the ground. Actually, I've found that if I hold it closer to the ground, the flame with blow itself out sometimes.
Hi
Do you hook the hose up directly to the bottle with no regulator? I would think there must be heaps of pressure on that hose which could lead to a burst hose.
Thanks
Yep, you just connect the torch hose directly to the tank, no regulator. You don't need to open the tank valve all the way, just a little. Then there's another propane flow adjustment at the handle of the torch. If there's too much pressure, it'll extinguish the flame when you squeeze the trigger. Thanks for watching!
Just what I was looking for. Thx
Yep, thanks for watching!
You answered my questions. Thanks!
Great, thanks for watching!
I live in a crowded area so I'd probably just spray my weeds with a salt vinegar solution, but this was much more entertaining. I even ate my dinner while watching. lol
Yeah, it's the most fun you can have killin' weeds! :) I plan to do a future video comparing the torch to homemade and store bought weed killers. Thanks for watching!
Use roundup
Now that was a beneficial video. Thanks.
I appreciate that, thanks for watching!
After using the torch to burn off current growth, did you put down a granular pre-emergent broadleaf or spray? If not the burnt veg will provide great growing medium for any weed seeds laying under the top gravel. they are pesky things and you must addres not only the growth, the emerging growth but the seeds otherwise you must repeat your exercise monthly.
So far, the only thing I use is the torch. I burn 'em twice per growing season and it seems to do the trick. I've been thinking about following up with homemade weed killer spray (vinegar + salt + dish soap) but I haven't tried it yet.
Someone in another video suggested just wilting the tops of the weeds and leaving them for a few days will causes stress on the plant's root system... killing them from below as well. He then follows up with the incineration part a few days later... I assume to clean up the debris. I will try this method as I've try incinerating them and a lot do come back, so I've used bleach to kill the roots. If the wilting method works, that will save us so much time without having to do the bleaching part.
Yeah, as you can see in my video, the wilting does work for pretty much all weeds, except dandelions, and uses far less propane.
@@Mikeattempts - Do you find that if you keep burning the dandelions that they will eventually die off. I'm at my wits end with them and if you let even one go to seed they just keeps moving up the driveway. I love my gravel driveway, but it is so much work to keep it nice.
@@PhuongTran-rl1km Yeah, burn them 2-3 times, after the new leaves start to grow, they'll eventually give up and die. :)
This is great! Just bought the exact one and was unsure about it and how to use. Curious how much propane it consumes. Seems like it could be a lot.
It can use a lot of propane if you totally incinerate each weed or try to burn 'em when they're soaking wet. The good news is that you only really have to give them a flame kiss to kill 'em. :)
Thanks for uploading, fantastic video. I have real weed issue in my house so will go and buy one of these.
Just don't burn down the house. ;) Thanks for watching!
big tip dont try to scorch the weeds away completely like he is doing here. You just have to hit it wel for a short instance with the heat not even direct flame necesairly. If you see the folaige droop that's enough. It wil die of in the comming days and become matted shrivels and fades away pretty quick.. when you burn it completely away you will get faster resprout. It wil work best on tall and densely weeded areas or when there are fresh new sprouts. While it's less effective then weed killer on the short run. as some weeds & grasses dont completely die off and will regrow. On the long run its more effective at keeping areas clean as it kills seeds aswel. The vigour of weeds on the applied area gets less and less over time. Only certain tuberous, root weeds and grasses will grow there evetually.. Easier to remove those by hand once your at that point. It takes a few season. but trust me speaking from experience. It beats nuking your yard 2,3,4,5 6 times a year and still have periods of weedy pavements and driveways ... And it's oddly satifieing to do and whatch the weeds die. Plants like sedum and thistles are hardy and resist being burned pretty well.
@@regiodeurse6513 Thanks for taking the time to post your comment good advice that I will follow.
@@bcd689 It aslo gets rid of lichen/algea/mold on stone overtime. takes a while when theyre really dirty bbut your doing your weed run anyways so just hit the big spots well. If you find black scorches awfull looking you could scrub it away but if you just leave it as it is, and keep hitting it with flames over the season eventually you will have nice and clean looking stone pavements/street. scrubing or even brooming (to a lesser extent) wil make their surface more porous over time means easier regrowth of algea/mold. Might have to be more carfull around some more expensive tiles and stuff though. Some types could maybe crack or shatter due to the heat.
Thanks for the video. Did you notice any rocks discolored after doing the hard torching area? They look discolored right after you torched but the 1,2,3 weeks after they look normal.
Yeah, I do notice that the gravel changes color a bit, but it goes right back to normal once they cool off. However, if you heat the gravel for too long, it'll pop and crack causing small pieces to split off. That's how you know you're overdoing it. :) It doesn't change the color of concrete though.
Mike, thanks much for the video, especially for the comparisons on the different methods. Do you mind telling me how much of the propane tank you used up on the areas you burned. Thanks, again!
The torch doesn't use much propane at all. In fact, if you open the valve more than just a little, the flame will actually extinguish itself when you pull the trigger due to excess pressure. I just burned those areas again recently, as well as the area I showed that I had hand weeded before purchasing the torch. I started with a full tank of propane and, If I had to guess, I'd say I used less than 20%. Thanks for watching!
I’m looking at doing this as I’ve got a loads of horsetail or mares tail and no matter what I try I just can’t get rid of it🤬.. great video and very helpful. Cheers👍
Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!
@@Mikeattempts I’m just looking now at where I can get the torch at and is it propane gas or butane or are they the same thing? Cheers..
@@freedom2036 Butane is different than propane. This torch burns propane and connects to any standard gill tank. They make smaller torches ( amzn.to/2RB4PVj ) that connect to the little 1 pound camp stove propane tanks.
@@Mikeattempts Yeah I see what I need now I’ve been looking. Cheers and thank you again 👍
Excellent ! Now I know everyone will have a hissy but roundup is my best friend - until now. Never knew about torching those weeds till this video but that is going to be my new way of getting rid of weeds in the rocks- which my yard looks almost identical to your yard except a LOT bigger with a lot more weeds. ugh. Thank you !
Torching the weeds is almost as fast as spraying them but the results are instantaneous and it's a lot more fun! Thanks for watching.
bro this is exactly the video I was looking for.
Sweet, glad you found it! :)
I know I'm 2 years late....but you don't have to turn the weeds into char for the torch to work. Simply wilting the leaves with the flame will be enough to kill the weeds.
Yeah, that's why I tested both. Wilting 'em works as long as they get enough heat. Also, pre-wetting the weeds or burning them right after a rain doesn't help, it actually uses a lot more propane and takes longer. It's better when the ground is dry but be sure you have a hose ready just in case things get out of hand. :)
From anyone's experience, did this cause your rock to blacken? Did it last if so? I have larger river rock and need to get rid of bermuda that infested the area and wanted to make sure I don't burn the rocks and leave black marks on them.
No, it won't leave black marks on your rocks. However, one morning I was burning weeds after an overnight rain, and it required so much more propane to burn the wet weeds that the excess heat started popping the outer layers off of my driveway gravel. Of course, it's not safe to burn weeds when the ground is too dry, but I learned you also don't want to try burning them when they're dripping wet either.
Thanks for your great video! I just tried this yesterday to weed an overgrown baseball field after spending hours pulling weeds and using a hula hoe. There was still a lot I couldn't get to and the torch worked great to get the weeds and separate the infield from the outfield. I was curious as to how long it would take before the weeds came back and came to the web to try to find out. Your video answered that question? I will do this every year now to keep the field in shape so the kids can play. Much appreciated!
Thanks, I appreciate the comment! :)
This is a good video, the only negative thing I'll mention is when you first lite the torch, to me, you were dangerously close to the tank.
Thanks for watching!
What a tool
Great video. Do you have weed barrier underneath your rocks. I want to do this just worried because I have weed barrier under my rocks
Nope, I don't have a weed barrier under the gravel. I would assume using the torch would be fine because the heat doesn't seem to go much past the first layer of rock.
Dandelions have a dep taproot. That's why there regrowing after having the top growth killed back. However, the root system only has so much energy reserves. Repeated treatments would eventually lead to the roots dieing off as well.
Yep, I've since learned that the dandelions stop growing back after 2 or 3 burns. Thanks for watching!
why would any one wish to kill dandelions they are so essential
Awesome burn and go...
Yep, it's a huge time saver, I should have bought this torch years ago. Plus, it's obviously a lot more fun to burn weeds than to pull 'em! ;)
@@Mikeattempts The best part is when your neighbor comes out wondering why it sounds like an Aircraft Carrier deck in your front yard.
Hi, where do you get the propane and tank at? Do the tanks come filled? And also how much would everything cost roughly? Thanks
The tank I used is a standard grill tank. If you already have a propane grill, you could just use the same tank. If not, you can get 'em pre-filled (Blue Rhino, etc) or you can buy an empty tank any place grills are sold. There should be many local options for places to get it filled. A new 20 pound tank would probably be around $60 (pre-filled is about the same but the tank isn't brand new), about $15-$20 to get to get the tank filled, and $20 for the torch.
A saw a video using a burner that said that if you do it with wet weeds the steam it produces will kill the weed with less propane?
Someone else mentioned that too so I gave it a try and, in my experience, it's actually the exact opposite. It takes a lot more propane to burn wet weeds and the steam doesn't make a difference. I prefer to burn the weeds when it hasn't rained for a few days. Thanks for watching!
I've heard if you wet the weeds prior to burning the steam will help kill the roots, not sure if that's true.
Another viewer mentioned the same thing so I tried it. For me, it seemed like it wasn't any more effective at getting rid of the weed but I ended up using a lot more propane because the weeds didn't burn as fast.
The wilting method requires you to wet the weed first. You want to zap all the foliage of moisture but not damage them. By wetting them this prevents drying them out completely. With the foliage being stressed this way, the plants defense is to draw all the moisture from the roots which ends up killing it. This is why the dandelions grew back quickly due to larger root system.
What you're saying seems to make sense. Other viewers suggested the same but wetting the weeds or burning right after a rain didn't help at all. Actually, all it did was require a lot more propane and time to get the same results. I'm not suggesting you do it when it's dry, but I shoot for first thing in the morning, before it gets too hot.
I have larger river rock(1-2”) laid down over weed mat. Does torching melt or burn the weed mat in any way? I wouldn’t think it would because the rock is a fairIy thick 2” layer. It would be a real pain to have to replace the mat.
I don't have any weed mat under my gravel, but I think 2" of stone would protect it well. Especially if you only wilt the weeds, the heat is only in one area for a couple of seconds so the weed mat shouldn't even get warm. However, test it out at the edge of the mat and then push the rock back to see if there's any damage.
So Our lawn is almost all weeds we bought the house and they just rolled sod over uneven crappy dirt. Its pitted and full of weeds my husband set fire to the whole lawn to kill everything what do I do know?
I'm not a lawn pro but, if it were me, I'd spread topsoil over the whole area to even it out and then spread grass seed and cover it with straw. Water according to the recommendations on the seed bag and you should start seeing sprouts of new grass in about a week. Or you could hire a landscaper to do it which might produce better results and will save you time.
After burning it, do you leave the burned grass there? It's that I did this in small section, but then trying to remove them is b;tch too. I though burning then makes it easier to use a leaf blower
Yeah, I just leave the charred remains where they fall. After the first rain, everything's gone.
@@Mikeattempts glad to hear. Thanks.
Do you have black "skeletons" left afterwards? Do they just totally incinerate?
There's a little ash and black spots where the weeds go into the gravel but, after a single rain, it washes the black color away. To speed up the process, you could always hit 'em with the hose afterwards.
Would you please indicate the thermal output of your torch (in BTUs).
The torch specifications say, "maximum temperature = 3000 F". According to the first calculator I found online, that's 0.8698349357599999 BTU... is that helpful... Hahahaha! 😂
How much area can you clear with one propane tank using the first method ?
It's hard to say how many square feet of weeds can be burned with one tank. I will say, if done right, it doesn't use a lot of propane. I got some recommendations that it might kill the roots better if I burned the weeds right after a good rain, because of the steam. No only did that not help any, it actually used a LOT more propane to burn the wet weeds. So, I've found that it works best if it hasn't rained for a few days. The weeds burn quickly and it conserves the propane. Just be sure to have your garden hose ready in case things start to get out of hand. :)
I have rocks in my whole front yard and can’t seem to keep the weeds away I keep spending money on killers but nothing works. Maybe I’ll try this next
I do it once in the spring and usually again mid-summer. It doesn't keep my gravel areas weed-free all summer but it definitely keeps them from getting out of control. If I did it more often, maybe once per month in the spring and summer, I'm pretty sure it would make an even bigger difference. If you end up trying it out, let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot man I’ll getback to u
How long does a tank of propane last using the torch?
It's hard to say, I use my grill tank so it does dual duty. You saw the area I did in the video, plus I also do the area I had weeded by hand. Total, it takes around 20-30 minutes and, it's hard to tell, maybe that uses up 1/8 of a tank. That's just a guess, sorry I could give you a more precise answer. Thanks for watching!
Awesome! Just ordered my torch. Question..does the torch alter the color of the rocks?
The gravel does appear to get darker blue if you heat it too long but it's not permanent. The color returns to normal as soon as they cool down. This color change doesn't happen to concrete and no burn marks either.
Mike, thanks for doing this for everyone! Im curious, does the incineration method not leave the rocks burned at all? This is my wife's only holdup with doing this. Thanks!!
The flame doesn't discolor the gravel or concrete at all. Thanks for the comment! :)
@@Mikeattempts thank you so much!!
I just loaned my flame thrower to my friend that owns a Dairy Queen ... I told him it will quickly burn the chewing gum off his sidewalk ! He used it and was very pleased with how well it worked
That's a creative use! Any others? I tried to use it to melt snow once, but it didn't really work that well.
My front lawn is infested with all kinds of weeds, i want to burn it all and start new but i wonder if its illegal in the city to do that, any advices?
I would definitely ask the city first but, since it won't really be a fire, I doubt they'd have a problem with it. Just mow it as short as possible and bag it so there's not much left to burn. That'll save you propane and be less smoky. Let me know how it goes!
Do you pull the weeds after or spray with a hose?
I don't do anything. All the black char disappears after the first rain. Some of the deeper rooted weeds might regrow but most of them die completely.
I've sprayed grass and weed killer on existing weeds and now they are dead and dried out. I will be burning them now that they've dried out. Then I'll coat the driveway with a sealer. 💜
Sounds like a plan, I doubt any weeds will survive all that! :)
In your opinion, does this method also get the root of the weed? Great video!
Thanks! For weeds with shallow roots, the heat does seem to kill everything. Weeds with deeper roots, like dandelions, tend to grow back. I only had to burn the weeds in my gravel driveway twice last year and the second time was just to get the dandelions that regrew. If you have a lot of weeds, using the torch is much faster than pulling them.
I don’t see anything growing back at all, so excited about this method, thanks again! 🕺🏻
I believe the burner also pops weed seeds that make their way into the gravel or cracks. That's a plus. A little preventative maintenance at the same time. Having a thicker coat of gravel may help with some shallow rooted weeds also? Just a thought.
Yep, you're right about the seeds and the gravel. Thanks for watching!
Do you think there'd be a problem leaving the torch screwed into the propane tank when not in use?
As long as you turn the tank valve off when you're finished, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to keep the torch connected.
Not at all, the tank valve stops any gas going up the hose. Remember to empty the hose when you turn the tank valve off as there is a fair bit stored up there depending on the length of your hose :)
Is this something that can be done on asphalt and concrete? Or does it leave a mark on the concrete?
Yep, you can use the torch on concrete, it won't leave any burn marks. Thanks for watching!
@@Mikeattempts super thanks, I ordered one a couple days ago and wanted to make sure
Great video
Thanks for watching!
How often do you have to torch
So far, twice during the summer months is all I've needed to do to keep the gravel looking acceptable.
I got the model with built in igniter from Harbor Freight I think at 32 bucks after Christmas price it was worth it ~!
That is a nice price, thanks for watching!
How much propane did you use, do you have an idea on how many hours you can burn weeds with one tank. I want to compare cost, 1 gallon of poison costs around $50 and one tank of propane cost around $20 so which one is more economical ?
It's hard to say, I use my grill tank so it does dual duty. You saw the area I did in the video, plus I also do the area I had weeded by hand. Total, it takes around 30 minutes and maybe uses 1/8 - 1/4 of a tank. However, it also depends on how thoroughly you burn the weeds. One time I completely burned everything so there was no trace of a weed left and that used the whole tank. I think it's best to burn 'em until the outer edges turn black and fall off and the center turns dark green. A few minutes later, they'll look even worse. Even though I have to do this twice per year, I still think it's cheaper and safer than using weed killer. Thanks for watching!
@@Mikeattempts Thanks for the response, I had bought a torch from Harbor Freight in anticipation of doing the same thing , I just never put it in practice, so I sought out your video. Thanks for the help.
No problem, glad I could help.
what about the plastic bedding below the gravel
I don't have any plastic below my gravel but, even if you did, I don't think it would hurt it. The gravel should shield it from the heat.
I've turned into a weed pyromaniac and i love it. The ones i've burn't off haven't come back yet.
Nice, fun huh? ;) Thanks for watching!
Bro thanks for the video
Thanks for watching! :)
I sought this type of thing out so I could see how it's done, but I'm thinking I still can't do it between my rows of dahlias, I could inadvertently burn the flower leaves and harm my plants. I may have to stick with an organic spray. Do you have any gardens with precious plants that you have tested it around? (i looked for other gardeners comments about this didn't see any)
The torch I used has a large flame so I think it'd be hard to use around delicate flowers but what about this: amzn.to/2RB4PVj ? It's the same thing but has a much narrower flame. It requires those little 1 pound camping bottles of propane, it can't directly connect to the bigger grill tanks.
@@Mikeattempts Hey thanks, I thought it was a great idea till I thought about how many cans it might take LOL and I would venture to say I'd need around 20. I think I'm going to stick with Captain's Jacks organic weedbrew, it's safe for everyone, including my woods out back LOL but thanks for the reply. I will keep this in mind for areas like the gravel drive though, we do struggle with that.
@@BloominIvy With the smaller flame, I'd bet the little tank would last longer than you think. However, I haven't used that type of torch so I don't know for sure.
@@Mikeattempts Good point, I may try it! If you do, def make a video ;)
What about getting pine needles out of your beds?
It would probably be safer to use a blow for your beds. Not only would a big torch like this be bad to use even kinda close to bushes or flowers, there's also the proximity to the house. :)