To stop weeds growing between pavers, remove existing growth, clean out loose joint material, and restore the joints with appropriate joint sand. Keeping water from washing out the joints and addressing windblown seeds can help prevent weeds from returning.

Why do weeds grow between pavers?

Weeds usually appear because paver joints collect soil, organic debris, and seeds over time. Wind can carry seeds into small gaps, while rain and foot traffic can gradually disturb or wash away joint sand.

In the Charleston area, heavy rain and humid conditions can make this problem more noticeable. On properties in Seabrook Island, coastal conditions, sandy soils, and regular moisture can also contribute to debris collecting in joints.

How should you remove weeds between pavers?

Start by removing visible weeds before replacing or treating the joint material. For a small patio, manual removal with a suitable hand tool can be effective without affecting the surrounding pavers.

•Remove the visible weeds and as much of the root material as practical.

•Sweep loose debris out of the joints.

•Clean the surface using a method appropriate for the paver material.

•Allow the joints to dry as needed before installing new joint material.

•Refill the joints with the appropriate sand.

Avoid aggressive methods that can damage pavers, remove excessive joint material, or disturb the base beneath the patio.

Does polymeric sand stop weeds?

Polymeric sand is joint sand designed to bind after it is installed and activated correctly. It can help reduce weed growth because properly installed joints are less hospitable to seeds and loose soil than joints filled with ordinary loose sand.

Polymeric sand is not a permanent guarantee against weeds. Installation conditions, drainage, existing joint material, moisture, and product requirements all matter. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.

Does sealing pavers prevent weeds?

Sealing can be part of a maintenance plan, but it should not be treated as a substitute for properly filled joints. A sealer primarily protects the paver surface and can provide other maintenance benefits depending on the product.

If joint sand has already washed out, sealing the surface alone will not correct the underlying problem. The joints may need to be cleaned, refilled, and prepared properly before sealing is considered.

What weed-control methods do not work long term?

Simply pulling weeds without addressing the empty joints often provides only a temporary fix. New seeds can settle into the same gaps, especially when loose sand and organic debris remain.

Repeatedly adding a thin layer of loose sand over weeds also does not solve the underlying issue. Chemical weed killers may control existing growth, but homeowners should follow the product label and consider nearby plants, drainage, pets, and local requirements before using them.

How can you keep weeds from coming back?

•Keep paver joints filled and in good condition.

•Remove leaves and organic debris before they accumulate.

•Address areas where rain repeatedly washes out joint material.

•Inspect the patio periodically for loose or missing sand.

•Use polymeric sand when appropriate for the paver system and installation conditions.

•Consider professional cleaning, re-sanding, or sealing when the patio needs more than routine upkeep.

Drainage matters too. Heavy Lowcountry rain, clay or sandy soils, and high water tables can affect how water moves around a patio. If water repeatedly collects or washes through the joints, the cause should be addressed rather than treating weeds as the only problem.

Frequently asked questions

•Can I just pull the weeds?

Yes, for a small amount of growth, but pulling weeds alone does not replace missing joint sand or prevent new seeds from settling.

•Is polymeric sand better than regular sand?

It can provide more resistance to weed growth when properly installed, but it must be compatible with the pavers and installed according to the product requirements.

•Should I seal my patio to stop weeds?

Sealing can be useful maintenance, but it does not replace proper joint sand. Missing or damaged joint material should be addressed first.

•How often should paver joints be checked?

Inspect them periodically, especially after periods of heavy rain. The right maintenance frequency depends on the patio's condition and site conditions.

•Need help with paver maintenance?

Pave the Way Hardscape Design provides paid patio maintenance services including soft washing, re-sanding, and resealing. If you are considering a new paver patio, we also provide a free design and build estimate with an on-site visit, three price points for the same scope, and a custom 3D design once booked.