If you’re fighting weeds pushing up through cracks in your walkway or driveway, consider fighting those weeds with fire. While pulling weeds or using a broad-spectrum herbicide is an effective option for removing weeds in landscaping, a weed torch is a better approach for pulling out weeds in hardscaping.
This aggressive weeding tool, sometimes called a weed burner, consists of a metal rod that shoots a high-intensity flame of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When weeds are passed over, they damage plant cells, causing them to turn brown, wither, and die.
Although weed torches are a more natural option for spraying weeds, they are inherently dangerous because they use an open flame. Understanding how to properly operate a weed torch, knowing where to use it safely, and using proper safety precautions while operating it are the keys to achieving good results while minimizing burn risks and fire hazards.
Does burning weeds really get rid of them?
Flame weed with that Weed torch According to Jean Caballero, co-founder of Greenpal. “Weed torches are useful for killing weeds in crevices and hardscapes Without using any harmful chemicals“he says. The weed torch also provides a quick and easy alternative to physically pulling out weeds and does not damage exposed soil when used properly. Plus, it works quickly, killing weeds within 1 to 2 seconds of exposure.
Although a weed torch is an effective weed killer, you can’t use it everywhere. It works best for weeds growing through noncombustible materials such as gravel and concrete driveways. There is also a weed torch A tool that can clear weeds naturally outside of Garden beds When preparing for planting.
While weed torches offer the instant gratification of smoking weeds, Caballero notes that they aren’t the best for long-term weed control. Weed torches are effective at killing weeds at the surface level, but they don’t do a good job of killing the roots, which means perennial weeds will often come back, he says.
parts A weed burner off
A weed burner consists of several main parts, including the torch wand, hose, and accompanying propane tank.
- Torch Stick: A weed burner consists of a long metal rod that is attached to a burner nozzle.
- Burner nozzle: A bell-shaped opening where flames originate.
- 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 of the flame.
- Trigger: This valve engages the flame when squeezed and returns it to the pilot light when released.
- Spark Lighter: A piezo lighter produces a spark to illuminate a pilot light at the end of a stick.
- High pressure hose: A hose connects the stick to the propane tank. A length of 13 to 20 feet is usually ideal, as it will allow you to cover a large area without constantly relocating 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, the propane version is the 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
- Financial: A new 20-pound propane tank costs about $65, and a refill exchange is about $23. Over time, it’s much cheaper than spending about $6 for an individual propane canister.
- Runtime: Larger propane tanks last longer than smaller propane canisters. Using a propane tank for fuel allows you to cover more ground before you need to replace the tank with a new one.
opposition
- 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 over 40 pounds, making it heavy to carry around when you’re weeding.
Our recommendation: Sunlight Propane Torch Weed Burner for $39.99 at Amazon
The solar torch has a user-friendly build with mostly metal construction, and its easy-to-use controls adjust the intensity and size of the flame.
2. Small torch weed burner
This type of propane weed torch uses a 1-pound canister that is attached below or behind the handle. A lighter fuel source makes the torch more portable, but there is a trade-off for its lighter weight.
pros
- Portability: It uses a lightweight 1-pound canister, so this type of propane torch is lighter than a torch that uses a heavier 20-pound canister.
- Duct-free: The canister attaches directly to the torch body, so you’re not stuck with a clunky hose and you don’t have to worry about checking the hose for dangerous leaks.
opposition
- Runtime: A 1-pound canister holds much less fuel than a 20-pound tank, which means you’ll need to stop more often to change it.
- Expensive: Given that a 1-pound propane canister costs about $6, weeding with this tool can be expensive if you’re weeding a large area.
Our recommendation: Sondico 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 blow out weeds and are A very effective method of killing weeds. However, flame makes these tools inherently dangerous. Follow the precautions below to protect yourself and prevent fire.
- Wear protective gear. Whenever using a weed torch, wear eye protection to protect you from burning embers and heavy gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from the intense heat.
- Do not use flammable materials. Use flame torches only on non-combustible materials such as bare soil or hardscapes such as gravel, paver or concrete driveways and walkways. Never use near flammable materials. “Avoid using it near mulch, in dry grass or anywhere in windy conditions, especially near structures,” says Caballero.
- Check the weather. Weed torches present a fire hazard, so avoid using them on windy, dry days when fire risk is high.
- There is water nearby. Always keep water nearby. Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose with a sprayer near where you are working.
Setup and calibration
First, make sure the torch control valve is closed. Then, attach the end of the propane hose to the propane tank that has the connector on it. You will need to turn the hose on the tank counterclockwise. Tighten the arm, then tighten it further using an adjustable wrench.
After it is tight, open the valve very slowly. If you suspect a leak, spray some soapy water on the connections to see if those areas have bubbled up. When the connections are secure, you are ready to use the weed torch.
How to use a weed torch
Using a weed torch is not difficult, but you 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 gas begins to escape from the torch.
Press the built-in piezo lighter to create a spark to light the torch. For manual models, you will 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 of the end of the torch.
Step 2: Weed Seer.
You don’t need to engulf the weed in flames for it to work. Pull the trigger on the handle to increase the size of the flame. Hold the torch so that the flame is about 3 or 4 inches from the weed for about 1 to 2 seconds or until it goes out. Extreme heat will destroy the plant’s cell structure, causing it to shrivel and die within 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. Disconnect the torch from the propane tank then store the tank and weed torch in a cool dry place.
Step 4: Wait for the results.
Weeds may not die immediately when you burn them. Be patient. Wait a day and then check the weeds to see if you need to repeat weeding with a weed torch.
Tips for using a weed burner
- Use a weed burner in spring or early summer when weeds are small, young and easy to kill.
- If possible, use weed burners after rain to reduce fire risk.
- When using a weed torch, always be sure to use the proper protective gear, including eye protection and safety gloves.
- Limit weed burning to weeds growing through hardscapes.
- Using weed burners on weeds in landscaping can ignite flammable materials such as mulch or damage plantings and shrubs.
Weed Torch Maintenance Tips
Properly maintaining and storing your weed torch is key to ensuring that it functions properly.
- Clean the nozzle: Periodically clean the nozzle with a wire brush and compressed air to remove any carbon deposits that may prevent the torch from lighting properly.
- Check for leaks: A leak in a line or fitting poses a safety hazard. Check hose and tank connections for any damage that may cause leaks. You can check for leaks by spraying some soapy water on the hoses and connections and checking for bubbles.
- Store properly: Store the weed torch in a cool dry place when not in use to prevent rust on the fittings and torch tip.
Final thoughts
A very effective alternative to a weed torch Getting rid of weeds No chemicals are used and it is easier than pulling weeds. However, it is not for all weed situations. Since a weed torch uses an open flame, it is inherently dangerous. Wear protective gear and use a weed torch only on weeds growing through hardscape materials such as concrete, pavers, and gravel.
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