29/08/2026
Weeds popping up in your block paving this spring? Here's something most people don't realise: they're not growing up from below.
Block paving w**ds germinate in the jointing sand (that fine sand between the blocks), from airborne seeds that landed, settled, and took root. Which is actually good news, because it means prevention comes down to a handful of well-timed habits.
Five pro tips from our surfacing team:
1. Sweep regularly. Leaves, moss spores, and general debris break down in the joints and create perfect conditions for w**d seeds. A quick sweep with a stiff brush every couple of weeks removes most of the problem before it starts.
2. Keep the joints topped up. Kiln-dried sand is what locks your pavers together and keeps w**ds out. If your joints have dipped below the block surface, they need refilling. For a longer-term solution, ask about polymeric sand, it hardens with water into a firm finish that w**ds really struggle with.
3. Seal every 2-5 years. A good sealant binds the jointing sand and adds a protective layer over the blocks, so airborne seeds can't reach the sand to germinate. Bonus: it also protects against oil stains and keeps colours from fading.
4. Pressure wash the right way. Low pressure, wide fan nozzle, held at a shallow angle (30-45°). Never aim straight down into the joints or you'll blast the sand right out, which is the fastest way to make w**ds worse. Always re-sand afterwards.
5. Catch w**ds early, chemical-free if you can. Boiling water poured directly onto a young w**d in the joints works brilliantly. A vinegar-based (acetic acid) w**d killer is a gentler alternative to glyphosate. Both work best before the w**d has had a chance to flower and seed.
Looked after properly, block paving can stay sharp and tidy for 20+ years. The trick is catching the small stuff early.
Got a block paving problem we haven't covered? Drop a comment or give us a shout, always happy to help.
