Burning Weeds with a Propane Torch 

Torch: amzn.to/2UVvc5U (affiliate*) -OR www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html *Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!

That's one of the many great uses of propane and propane accessories yup.

If doing this on a damp day or a day after rainfall be sure to wear eye protection as the damp soil and rocks will cause some gravel to crack and explode (speaking from experience)

Very good video and thank you for not making it too long. I like how you showed the progression at different durations after burning.

Excellent Video! Thanks for taking the time to make it. The 3 week review was the best.

Thanks for taking the time to share all of this!

Very helpful - really appreciated the how to and 1-3 week update.

Great video. Nice presentation. I wish more people would be this organized when making videos.

This is the BEST video demo compared to all of the others I viewed on burning weeds and other topics. I just ordered a torch and I'm hoping it will resolve the weed problem I have on decomposed granite pathways. Very well done - thank you.

Great job! I wish everyone would do videos like this showing progress over time. Thanks!

Nice!! We have one too. Love no chemicals. I usually rake (blow) over the area I’ve torched to get the dead stuff up so it doesn’t turn into nice compost for more weeds... well done!

Good little test there. Thanks for sharing.

this is called a right to the point video presentation, with an after...brilliant! 5 years an still going strong. Congrats and wishing you and yours the very best. and i agree with the other, job well done, if only other YT content makers followed your lead!

THank you for showing the two different approaches between wilted and incinerated! I bought a lil torch set up and it just isn't enough. I think I will go with your recomendation! Good video thank you

Thanks! You just saved me a bunch of money. We were going to pay someone to pull and spray our weeds in our huge backyard. Now that I saw your video we will be doing it ourselves for a fraction of the cost & time.

Very useful information! Obviously, your advice about what happens after various intervals of time is especially valuable.

Oh my gosh! I cannot express how much I appreciate this! We have been sick for awhile and my husband cannot help outside yet. Our weeds are out of control. This is exactly what we will be doing! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thanks Mike. Really appreciate your approach: testing both incinerating and wilting, and then doing 1, 2, and 3 week follow-ups. Nicely done. In the ares where the wilted weeds browned, could the leftover debris be blown off with a leafblower, or are they still rooted. The incinerated weeds left things much neater. I'd like to reciprocate for your thorough job by sharing what I know about weeds as a gardener. It helps to understand a few things about weeds, especially whether they are annuals (from last year's seeds) or perennials (underground surviving plant). Most of the annual weeds will burn off and not come back. But crabgrass is its own beast, very tenacious. That's annual and comes back from the previous year's seeds, so burning and fully killing with a 2nd try will be worth the extra effort if you get it before it goes to seed. August usually, at least in my parts (Massachusetts.) Perennial weeds are likely to survive one burning in most instances since they have a hearty underground part that will survive winters. 2 torchings may kill then, or an herbicide spray on whatever survives the first pass could also work. It's also the case that for the annual weeds, you can spread Preen in the spring to prevent any annual weeds in the first place, since preen inhibits germination. But some weeds are super early.

Nice video! Thanks for sharing the after effects weeks later, was very helpful!

This is just what I was looking for to know how much to cook weeds I have. Ill try going fast, and come back for anything that remains.

I did the same at home. Despite online reviews recommending the wilting method, I've had much much better results torching them hard. Longer lasting and no regrowth. I've also had good luck torching the entire area- not just the spots where the grass and weeds are growing. It seems that if you torch even the blank areas it prevents new growth from coming up- that you maybe can't even see yet.

Am attempting this tomo and am glad to have seen this to be ready to weedwack the overgrown stuff b4 burning. Thanks👍👍👍👍

Thanks for the time to show the regrowth.

I used it for scorching the earth before I tilled and planted sod. The short handle would be great if you are 5 feet tall. I taped a wooden handle to mine, so I didn’t have to stoop so much.

That looks so satisfying Can 't wait to get mine now

You make it look fun and it is. I got mine a week ago. I can already see grass coming back. I like that this is a good way to get every last drop of propane from a tank before I refill. I’m hoping it may kill weed seeds too.

Ahhh... my OCD definitely approves! What a relaxing way to spend a weekend, "Fire! Fire! Fire!" -Beavis

Thank you for the time-lapse! I wondered if "wilted" was good enough, because I didn't want to waste propane. Now I know!.

Cool video. No nonsense. Looked at your channel and subscribed. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. As for the torch, it seems like exactly what I need for my numerous graveled areas, but I feel like there’s huge potential, as a fairly clumsy type, to burn down my whole back yard. Might have to give it a try anyway. Thanks for the video.

Thanks Mike. Very useful video.

Thank you for a great video. I am in Toronto. This year the dandelions seemed so active and I literally burnt 1000+ seed bulbs a day trying not to let the seeds escape causing future problems using a plumber's butane torch. It was so tiring kneeling down hundreds of times as the torch is a tiny hand held one. Your more professional torch using in upright position is the way to go and the frame seems 10 times more effective. I really like your idea of including the results after periods of time. Well done and your voice is very clear and vitamins my ears.

Very helpful and informative. Many thanks for this.

I will never use any other method but this ever again!. The money spent on solutions for my area surpassed the price of filling my 40lb propane. When I was done… I used only half the bottle ($25) and at full throttle completely burning a double car gravel driveway. Best method by far!!!!

You answered my questions. Thanks!

That looks awesome!

you earned a sub! loved the video! going to pick one of these up tomorrow!

Soooo satisfying. Just think of all the time saved trying to pull all of those weeds.

Clear and concise. Thanks. I don't have propane gas and will use Butane gas. It might just take a little longer

I'm really not able anymore to get down on hands and knees to hand dig in gravel. It's winter now, but as we approach spring I am thinking about what will make my life easier. I have a handcart that I can wheel the propane around so that I can get the sides of the driveways as well. I agree that even if you have to hit the weeds a couple of times a year, it's still going to save a ton of time and stress on the body. I just linked my husband to various torches to look at and figure out for me. Thanks for the vid.

Awesome video. Very helpful for me. I’m a little scared of the propane torch, but I’m going to give it a try. I have way too many weeds to pull!!

Good video. Thanks for making it.

Put that torch on a hand truck and use a tension strap to hold it in place, so much easier than lugging the tank around!

Spraying vinegar is another solution to weed control. Thanks for sharing.

Great video, thank's. I've just ordered a burner on the strength of your video. I've always dreaded weeding my block paving but now I can't wait for my torch to turn up on Friday! Be gone......you demon weeds

Just what I was looking for. Thx

Talk about getting medieval on them! I use this around the brick pavers in my pool area because I don't want the chemicals. Works great. I also use the vinegar and salt solution in a sprayer in areas I can't get to with the burner. Works great. Nice video!

Now that was a beneficial video. Thanks.

bro this is exactly the video I was looking for.

I used mine to Blacken a toy box that I built. That was a lot of fun. Next I'm going to burn some grass and make a bike path for my five-year-old grandson. LOL that's why I'm here. Thanks for the video

Awesome burn and go...

Great video

I had that type of model but w the long straight wand and flint lighter, when that burned out in less than 5 uses (china) and replaced and it gunked up the fluid hole or gas adjuster once again went to the shorter model w the throttle control as well as the turning style gas adjuster with a bend to the shaft, also has a bbq style push button lighter attached, even though its a foot shorter it has an ergonomic handle and the throttle is great, like an old ski doo gas pull type throttle.

Thanks for uploading, fantastic video. I have real weed issue in my house so will go and buy one of these.

the dandelions have super deep juicy roots, no surprise they survive this treatment. might want to pull them out with something like the fiskars xact weed puller or similar tool. works great for my grass patches!

Bro thanks for the video

I live in a crowded area so I'd probably just spray my weeds with a salt vinegar solution, but this was much more entertaining. I even ate my dinner while watching. lol

Good job fair

I'm 57yrs old, and I remember my dad doing this along the fence line for weeds! Didn't notice in the video, but in what state /area are you? In Oklahoma, the weeks can be quite troublesome and my husband and I are doing everything possible to avoid nasty chemicals. We use the strong vinegar with pretty good results, but a heavy dew or rain, and it's gone. Thanks!!

That is simply sadistic

what about the plastic bedding below the gravel

I’m looking at doing this as I’ve got a loads of horsetail or mares tail and no matter what I try I just can’t get rid of it🤬.. great video and very helpful. Cheers👍

Worked great

Hi Do you hook the hose up directly to the bottle with no regulator? I would think there must be heaps of pressure on that hose which could lead to a burst hose. Thanks

I've sprayed grass and weed killer on existing weeds and now they are dead and dried out. I will be burning them now that they've dried out. Then I'll coat the driveway with a sealer. 💜

Now that's a fire!

Excellent ! Now I know everyone will have a hissy but roundup is my best friend - until now. Never knew about torching those weeds till this video but that is going to be my new way of getting rid of weeds in the rocks- which my yard looks almost identical to your yard except a LOT bigger with a lot more weeds. ugh. Thank you !

This is great! Just bought the exact one and was unsure about it and how to use. Curious how much propane it consumes. Seems like it could be a lot.

Someone in another video suggested just wilting the tops of the weeds and leaving them for a few days will causes stress on the plant's root system... killing them from below as well. He then follows up with the incineration part a few days later... I assume to clean up the debris. I will try this method as I've try incinerating them and a lot do come back, so I've used bleach to kill the roots. If the wilting method works, that will save us so much time without having to do the bleaching part.

After using the torch to burn off current growth, did you put down a granular pre-emergent broadleaf or spray? If not the burnt veg will provide great growing medium for any weed seeds laying under the top gravel. they are pesky things and you must addres not only the growth, the emerging growth but the seeds otherwise you must repeat your exercise monthly.

Thanks for the video. Did you notice any rocks discolored after doing the hard torching area? They look discolored right after you torched but the 1,2,3 weeks after they look normal.

Great video. Got rid of all the weeds and the shed….

Mike, thanks much for the video, especially for the comparisons on the different methods. Do you mind telling me how much of the propane tank you used up on the areas you burned. Thanks, again!

This is a good video, the only negative thing I'll mention is when you first lite the torch, to me, you were dangerously close to the tank.

Nice!

I got the model with built in igniter from Harbor Freight I think at 32 bucks after Christmas price it was worth it ~!

I have rocks in my whole front yard and can’t seem to keep the weeds away I keep spending money on killers but nothing works. Maybe I’ll try this next

If it hasn’t rained - wet the area thoroughly before you torch - works like a dream.

Dandelions have a dep taproot. That's why there regrowing after having the top growth killed back. However, the root system only has so much energy reserves. Repeated treatments would eventually lead to the roots dieing off as well.

Thanks

I know I'm 2 years late....but you don't have to turn the weeds into char for the torch to work. Simply wilting the leaves with the flame will be enough to kill the weeds.

From anyone's experience, did this cause your rock to blacken? Did it last if so? I have larger river rock and need to get rid of bermuda that infested the area and wanted to make sure I don't burn the rocks and leave black marks on them.

I just loaned my flame thrower to my friend that owns a Dairy Queen ... I told him it will quickly burn the chewing gum off his sidewalk ! He used it and was very pleased with how well it worked

Awesome! Just ordered my torch. Question..does the torch alter the color of the rocks?

NowThat’s Smoking Weed. Good Video.

Hi, where do you get the propane and tank at? Do the tanks come filled? And also how much would everything cost roughly? Thanks

I've heard if you wet the weeds prior to burning the steam will help kill the roots, not sure if that's true.

I've turned into a weed pyromaniac and i love it. The ones i've burn't off haven't come back yet.

A saw a video using a burner that said that if you do it with wet weeds the steam it produces will kill the weed with less propane?

Great video. Do you have weed barrier underneath your rocks. I want to do this just worried because I have weed barrier under my rocks

So Our lawn is almost all weeds we bought the house and they just rolled sod over uneven crappy dirt. Its pitted and full of weeds my husband set fire to the whole lawn to kill everything what do I do know?

What about getting pine needles out of your beds?

After burning it, do you leave the burned grass there? It's that I did this in small section, but then trying to remove them is b;tch too. I though burning then makes it easier to use a leaf blower

Would you please indicate the thermal output of your torch (in BTUs).

Mike, thanks for doing this for everyone! Im curious, does the incineration method not leave the rocks burned at all? This is my wife's only holdup with doing this. Thanks!!

In your opinion, does this method also get the root of the weed? Great video!

How much area can you clear with one propane tank using the first method ?

How long does a tank of propane last using the torch?

I have larger river rock(1-2”) laid down over weed mat. Does torching melt or burn the weed mat in any way? I wouldn’t think it would because the rock is a fairIy thick 2” layer. It would be a real pain to have to replace the mat.

I believe the burner also pops weed seeds that make their way into the gravel or cracks. That's a plus. A little preventative maintenance at the same time. Having a thicker coat of gravel may help with some shallow rooted weeds also? Just a thought.

Do you have black "skeletons" left afterwards? Do they just totally incinerate?