JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
If you don't mind bending down, a regular, inexpensive propane torch
will do the trick. Any decent hardware store carries Bernz-O-Matic or
whatever it's called.

Remember that if you're using a torch (a general use one, or one marketed
specifically for week killing - doesn't matter), your goal is to do enough
cellular damage to kill the weed. You shouldn't be burning the weeds to a
crisp, or turning them into ash.

If you apply too much heat near the edges of concrete, you may cause the
edge to pop. And the piece that pops can take out an eye, or cause a burn
to skin. (Even if you're not intending to torch to that extent, wear eye
protection, and cover any skin you don't want to risk scarring.) Torching
too hot near wood can have some predictable consequences, too.

You also don't want to torch weeds when there are any burning
restrictions, either. One hot ember can do a lot of damage. For example,
I'm hearing on the news that a wildfire was started by a spark from a
gas-powered string trimmer that was, ironically, being used to cut down
vegetation to lower fire risks.

But under the right conditions, properly torching weeds can be quite
effective, avoids any toxic chemicals, and is less labor intensive than
manually uprooting weeds.

If you're in a situation where torching isn't appropriate, Round-Up is the
best choice. (If you're mixing your own, remember that a stronger mix may
be *less* effective than the proper mix because of the way Round-Up works
as the plant metabolizes it.) Keep the dogs away from it for a day...
maybe two days if they tend to try to eat every weed they see. Your
biggest danger is that they'll get some fresh Round-Up on their paws, and
then lick their paws.

Also, whether you torch or use Round-Up, it's important that the foliage
isn't trimmed first. Both methods depend on the foliage being there to
work correctly.

--
Warren H.

==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.

Power Lawncare Tools for Spring Clean-up:
http://www.holzemville.com/mall/blackanddecker/