Will Pressure Washing Remove the Weeds?

Weeds creeping between the cracks of your driveway or patio can be an eyesore. As homeowners, we all want our exterior spaces to look pristine, and weeds are the way to that goal. A popular method is pressure washing, but does pressure washing remove the weeds, or are they putting a temporary bandage on the problem?

Can Pressure Washing Remove Weeds?

Yes, pressure washing can remove weeds — but here’s the catch: it’s only effective on the surface. Pressure washing is powerful, blasting away grime, dirt, and debris, and it will certainly knock out visible weeds between paving stones or driveway cracks. You’ll see instant results, and watching the weeds disappear can be quite satisfying.

However, the real issue lies beneath the surface.

The Problem of Large Weeds and Deep Roots

While pressure washing removes the visible parts of the weed, it’s not a miracle cure for the entire problem. Large weeds, especially those on block-paved driveways, have deep roots that burrow far beneath the surface. These roots are hardy and resilient. So, while the plant above may be washed away, the root remains hidden below, ready to regrow.

Block-paved driveways, in particular, pose a challenge because their construction creates small spaces where soil accumulates. Over time, seeds find their way into these crevices, and before long, you have an established root system thriving underneath your driveway.

In other words, pressure washing removes weeds on the surface but doesn’t prevent them from growing back.

Why Roots Grow Back After Pressure Washing

Weeds are like unwanted houseguests — they keep coming back! The reason is simple: roots are built for survival. Even after their tops have been blasted away, those remaining roots are still alive, thriving under your driveway or patio, just waiting for the chance to sprout up again.

Here’s what happens after you pressure wash:

1. Surface Removal: Pressure washing removes the above-ground portion of the weeds.
2. Root Resurgence: The roots remain intact and continue to draw nutrients from the soil.
3. Weeds Regrow: In a few short weeks, new weeds will emerge from the same spots you just cleaned.

It’s frustrating, right? This is why pressure washing alone isn’t enough to solve your weed problem for good.

The Best Solution: Treat Weeds with Weed Killer Before Pressure Washing

If you truly want to stop weeds from growing back, pressure washing needs to be part of a broader approach. Here’s where weed killers come into play.

Treating your driveway with a weed killer 1-2 weeks before pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to eliminate weeds for good. Here’s why this strategy works:

Kills Weeds Down to the Root

A weed killer, particularly one designed to target the root system, will penetrate the soil and attack the weed from the bottom up. By killing the roots, you prevent the weed from regenerating.

Allows Time for Weed Killer to Work

Applying the weed killer a week or two before pressure washing gives it the time it needs to fully absorb into the plant system. The weed will die off completely, including the roots, ensuring it won’t return after pressure washing.

More Effective Cleaning

By killing the weeds first, you make pressure washing much more effective. Without living roots anchoring them in place, the dead weeds can be easily washed away. You’re not just cleaning the surface — you’re preventing regrowth.

The Long-Term Benefits of Killing Weeds Before Pressure Washing

By taking the time to treat weeds before pressure washing, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Weed-Free Driveways and Patios: Killing the weeds at the root ensures they won’t return anytime soon. You’ll enjoy a clean, weed-free surface for months to come.
• Less Maintenance: No more constant battle with regrowing weeds. Once they’re killed off properly, you won’t have to deal with them reappearing every few weeks.
• Extended Driveway Lifespan: Weeds can cause damage over time, especially on block-paved driveways. By eliminating them, you help protect your driveway or patio from the long-term effects of plant growth and root expansion.

How to Apply Weed Killer Before Pressure Washing

The key to success is applying your weed killer properly. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

• Choose the Right Weed Killer – Select a weed killer that is effective against tough, deep-rooted weeds. Look for products that specifically state they target the root system.
• Apply on a Dry Day – To ensure the weed killer absorbs fully, apply it on a dry day when there’s no rain forecasted for at least 24 hours. Rain can dilute the effectiveness of the product.
• Spray All Affected Areas – Make sure you spray all the cracks, crevices, and any areas where weeds are present. Be thorough to ensure every weed is targeted.
• Wait 1-2 Weeks – Give the weed killer enough time to penetrate and kill the weeds down to the root. You’ll know it’s working when the weeds start to wither and turn brown.
• Pressure Wash – Once the weeds have died off, it’s time to pressure wash! You’ll now be removing not just surface weeds but also the remains of dead plants, leaving your driveway or patio looking pristine.

Conclusion: Is Pressure Washing Enough to Remove Weeds?

In short, pressure washing alone is not enough to remove weeds permanently. While it does a great job of cleaning the surface and removing visible weeds, it won’t tackle the root of the problem — quite literally. Large weeds, particularly on block-paved driveways, often have deep roots that will regrow if left untreated.

The best solution is to use a weed killer 1-2 weeks before pressure washing to kill the weeds at the root. This combination approach will reduce the chances of weeds returning, leaving you with a clean, weed-free driveway or patio that lasts much longer. So, if you want to get rid of those stubborn weeds once and for all, it’s time to arm yourself with both a pressure washer and a weed killer!