AboutRussel Ray Expertise I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors The privilege of working with people.
Question Hey there Russel. I really couldn't find a category for my question so I picked you! Aren't you lucky! I have that boring but annoying problem with weeds growing between pavers. I understand that many of the weeds (if the paving job was done right) are airborne vs from underneith. Either way, I need to rid of them. I just powerwashed my paved patio and now I need to ???? I need a product that will not hurt my 2 and 5 year old who play on the patio. I've tried white vinegar but the color of the pavers changed a little and I'm afraid to eat away at them with further vinegar use. Good'ole salt works great but is too thin to brush easily. Is there a course salt on the market that I can brush in between the pavers easily? Or, is that too damaging as well? Thanks for your time!!!!!!!!!!
Answer Hey, Diane.
I would not use salt. It creates its own problems, as you have found out.
Rather, use a pre-emergent weed killer, available at your local home improvement store. Follow the directions on the container. Usually you'll want to apply it when the weather is relatively warm and when it's not raining. If it rains within, I think, 24 hours, then you'll need to re-apply, but, again, follow the container instructions. Generally you'll want to keep children away for 24 hours, and since you do have children, use the liquid variety and not the granules. We don't want the little ones eating the stuff. I ate everything when I was their age, and we don't want them following in my footsteps. :)
