How to Stop Weeds From Growing Between Pavers

A beautifully installed paver patio, walkway, or driveway can instantly elevate your outdoor space—but nothing ruins the look faster than weeds sprouting between the joints. In Southwest Missouri, where warm weather and rain can create the perfect conditions for weed growth, keeping your pavers weed-free requires the right strategies.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we specialize in professional hardscaping services that not only look great but last longer with less maintenance. In this post, we’ll share why weeds show up between your pavers, how to stop them, and what long-term solutions offer the best results.

Why weeds grow between pavers

Weeds are incredibly resilient—and it doesn’t take much for them to invade your patio, walkway, or driveway. All they need is a bit of sunlight, moisture, and organic material like dirt or decomposing leaves. Once those conditions exist between your pavers, weed seeds (often carried by wind, water, or birds) settle in and start growing.

Several common factors make your pavers more vulnerable to weed growth:

• • Eroded or missing joint sand: Over time, foot traffic, weather, and cleaning can cause the sand between your pavers to break down or wash away. This creates gaps where soil can settle—and weeds can thrive.
  • Cracks or spacing in the paver layout: Poor installation or shifting over time can result in uneven spacing and cracks, creating the perfect crevice for seeds to sprout.
  • Unstable or improperly compacted base: If the gravel base beneath your pavers wasn't compacted correctly, pavers can shift and open up joints where weeds can root.
  • Moisture retention and poor drainage: If water tends to collect between or underneath pavers, it creates a damp environment that encourages weed growth and moss buildup.

Once weeds get a foothold, they can do more than just look unsightly:

• • Their roots may widen gaps between pavers
  • They can disrupt the structural integrity of the surface
  • Weed growth often invites ants and other pests
  • Over time, they reduce curb appeal and diminish the value of your outdoor space

The sooner you address the root causes of weed growth, the easier it is to maintain a clean, low-maintenance patio or walkway. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we not only install your pavers with weed prevention in mind—we also offer upgrades and maintenance solutions to stop weed growth before it starts.

Prevention starts with professional installation

The best defense against weeds is starting with a solid foundation. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, our installation process includes:

• • Proper base prep: A compacted gravel base with a layer of bedding sand prevents shifting and movement.
  • Tight paver spacing: Reduces the chance of weed seeds taking hold in gaps.
  • Polymeric jointing sand: A special type of sand that hardens when activated with water, locking pavers in place and creating a weed-resistant surface.
  • Correct grading and drainage: Keeps water from pooling in joints where weeds thrive.

If your patio wasn’t installed with these techniques, don't worry—we can restore or upgrade your existing paver areas to reduce future weed growth.

Ongoing maintenance to keep weeds out

Even when your paver patio, walkway, or driveway has been expertly installed, consistent upkeep is the key to keeping it looking sharp and weed-free. Weeds thrive on neglect—so the more proactive you are, the less likely they are to take hold.

Here’s what we recommend for homeowners throughout the Ozark area:

1. Regular sweeping and surface cleaning

Frequent cleaning is your first line of defense.

• • Sweep the surface weekly or after storms to remove leaves, twigs, and wind-blown debris.
  • Organic material breaks down into dirt, which collects between pavers and creates a seedbed for weeds.
  • If your patio is shaded or near trees, be extra diligent—moist, organic buildup accelerates weed growth.

2. Pressure washing (with care)

A periodic deep clean with a pressure washer can eliminate grime, algae, and small weed growth. But it must be done correctly:

• • • Use a wide-angle, fan-tip nozzle to avoid gouging or loosening the pavers.
    • Keep pressure under 3000 PSI to protect the surface and prevent damage.
    • Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle and at least 12 inches from the surface.
    • Reapply joint sand immediately after cleaning to refill any gaps and prevent weed-friendly voids.

Important: Never power wash polymeric sand unless you're prepared to reapply it, as it can erode under high pressure.

3. Re-sanding and sealing

Over time, foot traffic, rainfall, and cleaning can wear away the joint sand between pavers. If the sand gets low, it should be topped off and protected.

• • • Re-sand joints with polymeric sand, which hardens when activated with water and creates a weed- and insect-resistant bond.
    • Seal the surface after sanding. A quality paver sealer helps:
      • • Lock joint sand in place
        • Repel moisture and organic buildup
        • Protect color from fading
        • Make cleanup easier in the future

Sealing typically lasts 2–3 years, depending on sun exposure and wear. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we offer professional sealing services for new and existing patios to extend the life of your investment.

Pro Tip: Choose polymeric sand over standard jointing sand

Polymeric sand contains binders that help it set solid once watered in—creating a durable, semi-flexible surface between pavers. It offers:

• • Superior weed resistance
  • Better insect control (especially ants)
  • Enhanced durability in Missouri’s freeze/thaw cycles

Whether we installed your patio or not, Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor can help you keep it weed-free and looking great with expert maintenance and upgrade options.

Natural and chemical weed control options

Even with regular maintenance, weeds can still find their way between pavers—especially in older patios or those with worn-out joint sand. When that happens, the right removal method depends on the size of the problem and your comfort level with natural vs. chemical solutions.

Here are some of the most effective options we recommend to homeowners in the Ozark area:

Manual weed removal

• • Best for: Small patios, early weed growth, or areas with only a few problem spots.
  • How to do it: Pull weeds by hand or use a narrow weeding tool to extract the entire root.
  • Tip: Try this after rainfall when the ground is soft—it’ll be easier to remove the whole root and prevent regrowth.

Vinegar-based sprays

• • Natural and non-toxic, these are safe for children, pets, and pollinators when used properly.
  • Use a spray made with at least 5–10% acetic acid (standard household vinegar can work, but horticultural vinegar is stronger).
  • Apply on a sunny day when weeds are dry—sunlight boosts the effectiveness of the acid.
  • Caution: Vinegar can harm nearby grass and plants, so apply carefully only to targeted cracks.

Boiling water

• • A simple and chemical-free solution that’s surprisingly effective for small areas.
  • Pour boiling water directly onto the weeds. This kills the leaves and weakens the root system.
  • Best for: Surface-level weeds in tight joints or isolated spots that don’t justify stronger solutions.

Flame weeding (with caution)

• • This method uses a torch tool to apply brief bursts of heat to the weeds, destroying cell structure and killing them.
  • Works well on hardscape surfaces where no flammable material is nearby.
  • Not ideal during drought or dry conditions—use extreme caution and always follow safety guidelines.

Selective herbicides

• • For large infestations or recurring weed problems, selective herbicides may be necessary.
  • Choose a crack-safe formula designed for paver joints or hard surfaces.
  • Spot-treat problem areas rather than spraying everything—this reduces chemical runoff into your lawn or garden beds.
  • Always read the label and follow manufacturer instructions, especially around pets, kids, or edible plants.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we focus on long-term weed prevention by using proper installation techniques, polymeric sand, and sealing. If you’re dealing with stubborn weeds between your pavers, we offer both one-time cleanups and seasonal maintenance plans tailored to properties in and around Ozark, Missouri.

Long-term solutions for weed-prone patios

If you’re constantly battling weeds between your pavers—even with regular maintenance—it might be a sign that your patio needs more than just a quick fix. Over time, joint sand can degrade, pavers can shift, and drainage problems can worsen, creating the perfect environment for weeds to thrive.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we offer durable, long-term solutions designed to eliminate the root causes of weed problems and restore the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

Here’s how we help:

• • Joint sand replacement with polymeric sand
    We remove the old, ineffective joint material and replace it with high-performance polymeric sand. Once activated with water, this sand hardens in place—locking out weed seeds, preventing washout, and reducing the chance of future growth.
  • Surface regrading and drainage improvements
    Poor drainage allows water and organic material to collect between pavers, which accelerates weed development. We assess and correct grading issues to promote water flow away from the patio, keeping the area cleaner and drier.
  • Paver resetting or relaying to eliminate gaps
    Loose, uneven, or widely spaced pavers create more room for weeds to take hold. We can lift and relay the existing pavers, tighten joints, and ensure a smooth, level surface that’s both weed-resistant and visually appealing.
  • Hardscape sealing services
    Applying a professional-grade sealant over your patio helps repel water, block dirt buildup, and prevent seeds from embedding in the joints. It also enhances color and protects against fading, stains, and surface wear.

When is it time to consider a patio upgrade?

• • Your joint sand washes out after every storm
  • Weed problems return even after multiple cleanings
  • Pavers are noticeably sinking, shifting, or separating
  • The patio surface retains water or feels soft underfoot

If any of these sound familiar, a professional assessment can save you time, money, and ongoing frustration. At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we’ll evaluate the condition of your paver patio and recommend the most effective and budget-conscious solution for long-term weed control and surface integrity.

Whether that means minor repairs or a full patio renovation, you’ll get the expertise and craftsmanship we’re known for throughout Ozark and surrounding Missouri communities.

Proudly serving Ozark and surrounding Missouri communities

We provide expert hardscaping, landscape design, drainage, sod installation, and outdoor living services throughout:

• • Ozark
  • Springfield
  • Nixa
  • Rogersville
  • Republic
  • Clever
  • Highlandville
  • Sparta
  • Other nearby areas in Southwest Missouri

Ready to reclaim your patio from weeds?

Get lasting results with professional help

Don’t let weeds ruin the beauty of your pavers. Contact Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor today for expert hardscape installation, repair, or maintenance services tailored to your property. We’ll help you stop weeds at the source and keep your outdoor space looking its best.

Call now or request a free estimate—we’re proud to serve homeowners across Ozark and surrounding Missouri towns with high-quality, dependable service.