What's the best way to get rid of weeds growing between my interlock driveway pavers in Kanata?

Weeds pushing through interlock joints are one of the most common complaints from Ottawa homeowners, especially after our long winters when polymeric sand breaks down.

Why Weeds Keep Coming Back

Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles — we get over 40 per winter — crack and displace the sand between your pavers. Once gaps open up, windblown seeds settle in and germinate quickly during our warm, wet springs. Neighbourhoods like Kanata South and Stittsville with newer subdivisions often see this within 3 to 5 years of installation.

Manual Removal (Best First Step)

Pull weeds by hand or use a paver joint scraper tool (available at Ottawa hardware stores for $15 to $25). Work after a rain when the ground is soft. A simple flathead screwdriver works in a pinch. Get the full root — dandelions in particular send taproots deep into the base material.

Boiling Water Method

Pour boiling water directly on weeds growing in joints. This kills the plant and root without chemicals. It takes 2 to 3 applications over a week for stubborn weeds. This method is safe for your pavers and won't affect nearby garden beds — popular with homeowners in Orleans who have interlock driveways bordering flower gardens.

Vinegar Solution

Mix horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid, not kitchen vinegar) with a few drops of dish soap. Spray directly on weeds on a sunny day. This burns the foliage and weakens the root. Cost is about $12 to $18 per litre at garden centres. Be careful near limestone pavers — the acid can etch the surface.

The Real Fix: Re-Sand the Joints

Weed removal is temporary unless you re-sand. Sweep polymeric sand into all joints, mist with water to activate, and the sand hardens into a weed-resistant barrier. A 20 kg bag ($25 to $40) covers roughly 10 to 15 square metres depending on joint width. This is the single most effective long-term solution.

Chemical Herbicides — Use Carefully

Ontario's cosmetic pesticide ban (Ontario Regulation 63/09) restricts what you can use on residential properties. Glyphosate-based products are banned for cosmetic use. Stick to approved alternatives like iron-based herbicides or the manual methods above.

Prevention Schedule

Inspect joints every spring after the snow melts. Ottawa's heavy snowfall (averaging 200 cm per season) and plough damage accelerate sand loss. Top up polymeric sand annually in problem areas.

If your interlock joints are badly eroded and weeds have taken over large sections, it may be time for professional re-sanding or relaying. Check out Ottawa Driveways to find interlock specialists near you.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• JC Carpentry
• Eastern Residential Solution
• Speedy Pete's Inc
• Renovo Construction