Buzz
By this stage of the season, you’re likely tired of the unsightly grass creeping through your driveway cracks, the dandelions scattered across your patio, and the moss clinging to your rock wall. If so, a reliable weed burner is exactly what you need.
How does a weed burner work?
Essentially, a weed burner is a $30 attachment designed for a propane tank. It operates similarly to a hose attachment: simply pull the trigger to activate it. However, instead of water, it releases bursts of flame, perfect for tackling weeds. You can easily find these at Home Depot, Amazon, or Lowe’s, with various models available. For most home gardeners, a compact option is ideal. Here are a few recommendations:
An affordable, self-igniting weed burner perfect for home gardens
A robust, double-headed burner designed for expansive areas
A compact Benzomatic burner for beginners to experiment with
A flint ignitor for added safety
A hose attachment to keep your hose ready nearby for emergencies
Steps to effectively use a weed burner
Many homeowners already own a 20-gallon propane tank, typically used for gas grills. To operate the weed burner, detach the propane tank and connect the burner to the nozzle, then gradually open the tank. Some models include built-in ignitors, while others require a separate one. Avoid using a lighter, as maintaining a safe distance from the flame is crucial.
Gradually release the gas on the weed burner and ignite it to produce a steady flame. Pulling the trigger combines oxygen and propane, creating a strong, directional flame. The loud noise adds to its unique appeal.
Safety will be discussed shortly, but for application, target areas with flame-resistant surfaces like pavers, rocks, or concrete. Direct the flame at the weed, concentrating on the root, until it turns black and shrivels completely. For quicker results, trim the area with a string trimmer beforehand to reduce the amount of plant material, focusing solely on the roots.
This method also works effectively for moss. I apply it to my rock wall where moss tends to grow, and it efficiently (and noisily) removes it. A mask isn’t necessary since the burning process doesn’t produce toxic fumes or excessive smoke.
Safety tips for using a weed burner
As noted earlier, focus on areas where the risk of starting a large fire is minimal. Stay alert to your surroundings, keeping a safe distance from plants, your home, wooden structures, or any flammable materials. This is strictly a no-pets, no-kids activity.
As a precaution, I always keep a hose turned on, placed nearby at my feet, so I can quickly douse any unexpected flames if needed.
For what should be clear reasons, the weed burner isn’t intended for everyday weeding. However, it excels at eliminating weeds in hard-to-reach areas, such as between pavers or sidewalk cracks, where roots are difficult to access and weeds persistently return.
