August, 2005
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Brick Patio Weed Control
by Hans Dekker

On researching this article, I found one instance where a homeowner was so incensed by the weeds in her patio that she set fire to them with a blowtorch! Luckily, several items provide better service as a weeding tool and there are several better alternatives for brick patio weed control.

Of course, the best method of brick patio weed control is proper installation of your brick patio. An under-layment of pea gravel, topped by a layer of sturdy landscape cloth, covered with a layer of sand will give your brick patio a firm footing as well as cramp the style of any weeds in the area. Nevertheless, if your brick patio is already installed and running rampant with weeds, here are some tips to help you succeed in brick patio weed control.

First, to make your brick patio weed control plan a success, implement your plan before weeds flower. This keeps weeds from going to seed and helps make a short-term plan last for a longer time.

For the following tip and other tips that involve weed dousing of one sort or another, use a piece of cardboard or scrap of Plexiglas to protect nearby plants.

One of the best ways to kill a vegetable of any kind is to cook it. Boiling water is a natural and very inexpensive weed-wilter and works to kill most forms of annual weeds and kills or weakens many types of perennial weeds. A teakettle is your weeding tool. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. While you're waiting (because a watched pot never boils, you know!) go outside and cut the culprits down to their crowns. When the water begins to boil, grab the kettle (using a potholder) and pour the water on the crowns of the weeds, holding the kettle high enough only to avoid splashing. Killing weeds with boiling water will also scald any biological organisms that get splashed, but more will return as soon as the soil cools.














Vinegar will kill most weeds. However, grocery store vinegar is normally a 5% solution and is too weak to do the job. Ten-percent vinegar will kill most weeds and usually is found where canning and pickling supplies are sold. A 20% solution of vinegar kills really stubborn weeds, but is frequently more than twice as expensive as 10%. Try the 10% for brick patio weed control before you make the investment in a stronger solution. Spray the vinegar directly on the weeds, using the shield mentioned above and taking care not to inhale fumes. You may also want to wear gloves and eye protection as a further safeguard for this type of brick patio weed control.

About The Author
Hans Dekker is the owner and one of the authors of Patio Furniture Ideas. We offer tips, tricks, reviews and ideas about patio living.
How to Modify Your Landscaping to
Protect Your House from Burglars
by TC Thorn

Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a good home security plan. A burglar who is "casing the joint" from the street will choose the house with tall shrubs and trees that provide hiding places. Homes with little or no outdoor lighting are preferred targets as well.

So, how can you landscape to protect against burglars while still creating an aesthetically pleasing yard? Here are a few tips:

You don't need to eliminate trees, but keep them trimmed back from your house; tree branches can be used as a ladder if they are next to a window or skylight.

Mow your lawn regularly; an unkempt lawn can suggest to a thief that the owners are away on a trip.

Store ladders, lawn chairs, and picnic tables out of sight lest they be used as a means to reach high windows.

Trim back shrubs growing near doors and walkways, keeping them 3 feet or shorter in height. Also, don't allow shrubs to block any of your windows.

Adding gravel under windows makes for noisy footing for would-be thieves.

Consider planting thorny bushes (of the low growing variety) around windows. Some examples are: Hawthorne, Rose Shrub, and Barberry.

Forgo privacy and keep your trees and shrubs trimmed back in order to allow a clear view of the outside of your house. Having neighbors that can see your doors and windows can help deter thieves even if you happen to be out of town.

Keep your yard well lit. Motion-detecting lights make decent choices; body heat-triggered sensors are even better (less likely to be triggered by a waving branch or a passing animal).

Dogs are not a complete home security plan, but can make good home protectors because they have keener hearing than humans, along with a propensity for barking at strangers. Dogs training can help your dog learn exactly what you want him to do.

About The Author
TC Thorn writes content for numerous web sites, including a number she owns such as www.homesecurityinformation.com where you can find more information on homeowner's insurance and home security.
One of the best ways to kill a vegetable of any kind is to cook it. Boiling water is a natural and very inexpensive weed-wilter and works to kill most forms of annual weeds and kills or weakens many types of perennial weeds.