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If you’re battling weeds pushing up through cracks in your walkways or driveways, then consider fighting those weeds with fire. While pulling weeds or using a broad-spectrum herbicide is often an effective option for taking out weeds in landscaping, a weed torch is a better approach for taking out weeds in hardscaping.
This aggressive weeding tool, sometimes referred to as a weed burner, consists of a metal wand that shoots a high-intensity flame of around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When passed over weeds, it damages the plant cells, causing them to turn brown, wilt over, and die.
Even though a weed torch is a more natural alternative to weed sprays, they are inherently dangerous since they use an open flame. Understanding how to operate a weed torch properly, knowing where to safely use one, and using appropriate safety protection when operating one are key to achieving good results while minimizing burn hazards and fire risks.
Does burning weeds actually get rid of them?
Flame weeding with a weed torch is a great natural alternative to herbicide weed killers when used in the right places, according to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal. “Weed torches are useful for killing weeds in cracks and hardscapes without using any harmful chemicals,” he says. A weed torch also offers a faster and easier alternative over physically pulling out weeds and they don’t harm bare soil when used correctly. Plus, they work quickly, killing weeds within 1 to 2 seconds of exposure.
Even though a weed torch is an effective weed killing solution, you can’t use it everywhere. It works best for weeds growing up through nonflammable material like gravel and concrete driveways. A weed torch is also a tool that can naturally clear weeds out of garden beds when prepping for planting.
While weed torches offer the instant satisfaction of frying weeds, Caballero notes that they aren’t great for long-term weed prevention. A weed torch is effective for killing weeds at the surface level, but they don’t do a good job of destroying the roots, which means perennial weeds will often return, he says.
Parts of a Weed Burner
Weed burners consist of several key parts, including the torch wand, hose, and accompanying propane tank.
- Torch wand: A weed burner consists of a long metal wand that’s connected to the burner nozzle.
- Burner nozzle: A bell-shaped opening where the flames orginates.
- Torch handle: The handle is the part you hold and is on the opposite end of the burner nozzle.
- Adjusting valve: Located near the handle, this valve controls the size the flame.
- Trigger: This valve engages the flame when squeezed and returns it back to a pilot light when released.
- Spark lighter: The Piezo lighter produces a spark to light the pilot light on the end of the wand.
- High pressure hose: The hose connects the wand to the propane tank. A length of 13 to 20 feet is usually ideal, since it will allow you to cover a large area without having to constantly reposition the tank.
- Propane tank: Most weed burners use a 20-pound propane tank for fuel.
Propane Weed Torches: Pros and Cons
While there are both electric and propane weed torches, propane versions are most common for home use. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of propane weed-burning tools.
1. Large Propane Torch Weed Burner
This type of propane weed torch burner uses a 20-pound propane canister for fuel. This large tank design offers both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Economical: A new 20-pound propane tank costs around $65, and refill exchanges are about $23. Over time, it’s more affordable than spending around $6 each for individual propane canisters.
- Runtime: A large propane tank lasts longer than a small propane canister. Using a propane tank for fuel allows you to cover more ground before you need to replace the tank with a new one.
Cons
- Weight: Even though it’s called a 20-pound tank, it gets its name from the weight of the empty tank. A full propane tank can weigh more than 40 pounds, making it heavy to carry around as you are weeding.
Our Recommendation: Sunlight Propane Torch Weed Burner at Amazon for $39.99
The Sunlight torch has a user-friendly build with mostly metal construction, and its easy-to-use controls adjust flame intensity and size.
2. Small Torch Weed Burner
This type of propane weed torch uses a 1-pound canister that attaches under or behind the handle. The lighter fuel source makes the torch more portable, but there are trade-offs for its lighter weight.
Pros
- Portability: Since it uses a lightweight 1-pound canister, this type of propane torch is much easier to tote around than a torch that uses a heavier 20-pound tank.
- Hose-free: The canister attaches directly to the torch body, so you’re not tethered to an awkward hose nor do you have to worry about checking the hose for dangerous leaks.
Cons
- Runtime: A 1-pound canister holds far less fuel than a 20-pound tank, which means you’ll need to stop more frequently to replace it.
- Expensive: Given that a 1-pound propane canister costs around $6, weeding with this tool can get pricey if you’re clearing weeds from a larger area.
Our Recommendation: Sondiko Propane Torch Weed Burner for $35.99
This weed torch has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold with a convenient flame adjuster attachment and Piezo ignition.
Weed Torch Safety Tips
Weed torches use an open flame to take out weeds and it’s a very effective method of killing weeds. However, the flame makes these tools inherently dangerous. Follow the precautions below to protect yourself and prevent fires.
- Wear protective gear. Whenever using a weed torch, wear eye protection to shield you from burning embers and heavy gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from intense heat.
- Don’t use flammable materials. Only use a flame torch on nonflammable materials like bare soil or hardscapes like gravel, paver, or concrete driveways and walkways. Never use one near flammable materials. “Avoid using it near mulch, dry grass, or in windy conditions, especially anywhere near a structure,” Caballero says.
- Check the weather. A weed torch presents a fire hazard, so avoid using it on windy, dry days when fire risks are high.
- Have water nearby. Always have water nearby. Keep a fire extinguisher or a garden hose with a sprayer near where you’re working.
Setup and Calibration
First, make sure the torch control valve is closed. Then, connect the end of the propane hose that has the connector on it to the propane tank. You’ll need to thread the hose onto the tank turning it counterclockwise. Hand tighten, then tighten it further using an adjustable wrench.
After it’s tight, open the valve very slowly. If you suspect a leak, spray some soapy water on the connections to see if those areas bubble up. When the connections are secure, you are ready to use the weed torch.
How to Use a Weed Torch
Using a weed torch isn’t complicated, but you do need to follow the proper steps to operate it safely and effectively.
Step 1: Light the weed torch.
Open the tank valve on the propane tank by slowly turning it counterclockwise. Next, slowly open the control valve on the torch handle by turning it counterclockwise. You should hear a faint hissing sound as the gas begins to flow out of the torch.
Press the built-in Piezo lighter to produce a spark to light the torch. For manual models, you’ll need to use a grill lighter or torch striker to start it. Turn the adjusting valve until you have a small consistent flame coming out the end of the torch.
Step 2: Sear the weeds.
You don’t need to engulf weeds in flames for it to work. Pull the trigger on the handle to increase the size of the flame. Hold the torch such that the flame is about 3 or 4 inches from the weed for about 1 to 2 seconds or until it begins to wilt. The intense heat will destroy the plant’s cell structure, causing it to wilt and die in a day or so.
Step 3: Cool and store the weed torch.
Cut off the propane valve to stop the flow of gas to the propane torch. Allow the torch to cool completely before storing it. Disconnect the torch from the propane tank then store the tank and the weed torch in a cool dry place.
Step 4: Wait for results.
Weeds may not instantly wilt and die when you burn them. Be patient. Wait a day and then check on the weeds to see if you need to repeat searing the weeds with the weed torch.
Tips for Using a Weed Burner
- Use a weed burner in the spring or early summer when weeds are small, young, and easy to kill off.
- If possible, use a weed burner after rain to reduce the risk of fire.
- When using a weed torch, always make sure to use the proper protective gear, including eye protection and safety gloves.
- Limit weed torching to weeds growing up through hardscapes.
- Using a weed burner on weeds in landscaping can ignite flammable materials like mulch or damage plantings and shrubs.
Weed Torch Maintenance Tips
Properly maintaining and storing your weed torch is key to ensuring it works properly.
- Clean the nozzle: Clean the nozzle with a wire brush and compressed air periodically to remove any carbon deposits that can prevent the torch from lighting properly.
- Check for leaks: Leaks in the line or fittings create a safety hazard. Check the hose and tank connections for any damage that can lead to leaks. You can check for leaks by spraying a little soapy water over the hose and connections and checking for bubbles.
- Store properly: Store the weed torch in a cool dry place when not in use to prevent corrosion from forming on the fittings and torch end.
Final Thoughts
A weed torch is a very effective option for getting rid of weeds that doesn’t involve using chemicals and is far easier than pulling weeds. However, it’s not for all weed situations. Since a weed torch uses an open flame, it’s inherently dangerous. Wear protective gear and only use a weed torch on weeds growing through hardscape materials like concrete, pavers, and gravel.
The post Why You Should Use a Weed Torch Instead of Herbicide—and How to Use One appeared first on Bob Vila.