When you see grass growing in the driveway, it’s extremely annoying, we know. But, if it’s left there, it can actually cause real damage. In Toronto and across the GTA, it’s something we see all the time, thanks to our unpredictable weather and the daily wear your driveway takes.
At Asphalt Sealing, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners take back their driveways from weeds, grass, and other stubborn growth. If it’s starting to take over your pavement, here’s what we recommend:
Why Does Grass Grow in Driveways?
Once cracks start forming in your asphalt (which happens naturally over time), they turn into little pockets for dirt, moisture, and seeds. Before long, you’ve got grass poking through – and it doesn’t take much for roots to start widening those cracks even more.
In other words, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Left alone, grass can actually speed up the breakdown of your driveway. Don’t let it get to that point, we can fix your damaged driveway and make it look brand new.
Step 1: Pull It Out While It’s Fresh
As soon as you notice grass growing in your driveway cracks, your best bet is to pull it out by hand or with a weed tool, making sure to get the root. If there’s anything left behind, it’ll grow back stronger.
Pro tip: It’s best to do this right after it rains or when the area is generally wet. The ground will be softer, and it’ll be easier to get everything out at once.
Step 2: Use Weed Killer
If the grass has been there for some time, you might need a little backup. A safe, asphalt-friendly weed killer can help get rid of what’s hiding in the cracks. Please be cautious and follow the instructions carefully. Also, avoid spraying on windy days to protect your garden or lawn nearby.
There are eco-friendly options if you’re trying to avoid chemicals, and they work great with a little patience.
Step 3: Clean Out the Cracks
When the grass is gone, clean out the cracks with a stiff brush or pressure washer. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just try to remove any loose dirt or debris. This helps prep the surface for repairs and prevents anything else from growing back in.
Step 4: Fill Cracks to Prevent Spreading
Most damage is caused by water seeping into the cracks (especially in the winter). To prevent headaches, make sure to seal them with a proper asphalt filler. Doing so will also help block out dirt and seeds, resulting in no more surprise sprouts.
We use high-quality crack filler, perfect for handling Toronto’s weather, so it doesn’t peel or crack a few months later.
Step 5: Get the Driveway Sealed
Want to stop this from happening again? Seal your driveway.
A good sealcoat does more than make your asphalt look sharp – it protects it from water, sun, salt, and yes, unwanted grass. We usually recommend sealing every 2-3 years, depending on how much use your driveway gets.
If you’re not sure when yours was last done, we’re happy to come take a look.
Why Bother With Grass Removal, Anyway?
Aside from looking messy, grass and weeds can slowly wreck your driveway. Once those cracks open up, water gets in, freezes, and starts breaking things apart. What starts as a small crack can turn into a big headache (and a bigger repair bill) pretty quickly.
Getting it resolved early saves you time and money later.
We’ll Handle It for You
Whether you have grass growing in driveway cracks or you just want your driveway looking its best again, we’re here to help. Reach out today for a free estimate – we’ll take care of it so you don’t have to.