Sustainable ways to control weeds
Weed control has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. In the past, pesticides were commonly used, often with negative consequences for both the environment and human health.
Today, with growing focus on sustainability and environmental protection, new regulations have been introduced to limit the use of pesticides and encourage more sustainable methods of weed control.
Click through to explore the different methods:
Today, the use of certain harmful pesticides is no longer permitted in Denmark, and there are strict regulations on how and when pesticides may be applied. At the same time, there is increased focus on alternative methods.
Which method is best depends on several factors. We are happy to advise you on the right solution for your specific task.
Weed control with hot water
Benefits of using hot water to kill weeds
- The most effective alternative for weed control.
- Treats weeds very precisely with the spray head without damaging surrounding vegetation.
- Gentle on the environment.
- Supports your ESG reporting and sustainability goals.
- Can be used by anyone who needs to control weeds.
- No need for chemical handling courses.
- Cost-effective – work speed is up to 30% higher than other weed control methods, and up to 60% fewer treatments are required. That makes WeedPLUS the most economical alternative.
Does hot water effectively control weeds?
Weed control with hot water is the most effective alternative way to remove weeds. The hot water boils the plant, killing it in the same way as with a gas torch.
Hot water has the advantage of reaching hard-to-access areas, such as between paving stones, and it penetrates deeper to destroy the plant’s roots. This is something a gas torch cannot achieve, as it only damages the top of the plant, allowing the weed to grow back.
To effectively control weeds with water, the temperature should be between 70–100°C. At these temperatures, the water causes immediate damage to the plant’s cells, causing the weed to wither and die. This method uses only hot water, making it very environmentally friendly.
Products for weed control with hot water
Watch how our product from Meclean tackles weeds efficiently. See the impressive results in just 2 days
Study by the University of Copenhagen
Hot water weed control has been studied by the University of Copenhagen (research by Prof. P. Kristoffersen) and is clearly the most effective alternative method for weed control.
Conclusion:
- Hot water weed control requires only 4 treatments per year (compared to 8 treatments with hot air/torching).
- The overall weed percentage throughout the year is significantly lower (compared to all other methods).
Improve your ESG score with hot water weed control
Efficiency:
Our WeedPLUS® system for weed control makes it possible to handle tasks anywhere. With the spray head and wheeled spray wand, you can work extremely selectively, without causing any damage to the surrounding vegetation.
Alternative methods, such as gas torch weed control, carry a significant risk of fire, especially in dry and flammable conditions. Water-based methods do not have this risk, making them safer and also suitable for use during dry periods.
Work environment:
Water-based weed control eliminates the need for potentially harmful chemicals. This reduces the risk of health issues or injuries for employees who could be exposed to toxic substances when using chemical treatments.
Weed control with hot water can contribute to a healthier, safer, and more comfortable work environment for employees. It highlights the organization’s commitment to employee well-being and can also align with health and safety standards and guidelines.
Environment
Hot water weed control leaves no chemical residues in the soil or surrounding environment. This reduces the risk of pollution and negative impacts on the ecosystem.
Herbicides can lead to the development of weed resistance over time. Using hot water does not carry this risk, as it does not rely on chemical mechanisms that weeds can become resistant to.
Water-based weed control methods are generally more environmentally friendly compared to gas torching. Water does not cause air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important consideration for climate impact.
Cost efficiency:
- Hot water weed control is cost-effective, as work speed can be up to 30% faster than other alternative weed control methods, and up to 60% fewer treatments are required. For these reasons, WeedPLUS® is the most economical alternative.
Weed control with steam
Why is steam for weed control good?
- Treats weeds without damaging surrounding vegetation.
- Steam also kills small seeds that have just started to sprout.
- Soil and pavements are not washed away.
- You cannot overapply steam — the more steam a weed receives, the more effective the treatment.
- There is no significant loss of effectiveness when steam is transported through pipes and hoses.
- Can be used during dry periods.
- Uses significantly less water than hot water weed control.
- Can be used by anyone who needs to control weeds.
- Healthier work environment.
- No chemical handling courses required.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Enhances your company image and ESG performance.
Is weed control with steam effective?
Like hot water weed control, steam has also become a popular method. Steam weed control (also called thermal weed control) uses only water — and very little of it.
When the steam condenses back into liquid, it releases the heat energy that was used to turn the water into vapor. This released heat can be used to kill weeds.
In this process, a stream of steam is applied directly to the plant. The plant is exposed to high temperatures, which break down the protective waxy layer on its surface. The plant dehydrates, its cells are destroyed, and it dies.
Steam can also warm and moisten the soil, which can slow down germination and growth of new weeds, making it a useful method for prevention.
A single steam treatment can usually eliminate most annual and young plants. Older weeds may require multiple treatments for complete removal. While steam does not directly reach the underground parts of the weed, repeated applications target the above-ground sections, inhibiting photosynthesis and gradually depleting the plant’s energy reserves.
The video shows how steam can be used to control weeds effectively and in an environmentally friendly way. You’ll also see how dandelions are permanently removed using our tool, which reaches 150 mm into the soil to kill the root.
Improve your ESG performance with steam!
Efficiency
Weed control with steam allows you to tackle tasks anywhere without causing damage to surrounding plants.
Using steam for weed control is often easier and requires less specialized training compared to more complex methods, which can improve efficiency and reduce the time needed for employee training.
Alternative methods, such as gas-flame weed control, carry a significant risk of fire, especially in dry and flammable conditions. Steam-based weed control does not pose this risk, making it safer and usable even during dry periods.
You also avoid the need for chemical handling training.
Working environment
Steam-based weed control eliminates the need for potentially harmful chemicals. This reduces the risk of health issues or injuries for employees who might otherwise be exposed to toxic substances when using chemical treatments.
Weed control with steam can help create a healthier, safer, and more comfortable work environment for employees. It also highlights the organization’s commitment to employee well-being and can align with health and safety standards and guidelines.
Environment
Steam weed control leaves no chemical residues in the soil or surrounding environment. This reduces the risk of pollution and negative impacts on the ecosystem.
Herbicides can lead to weed resistance over time. Steam does not carry this risk, as it is not based on chemical mechanisms that weeds can adapt to.
Steam-based weed control methods are generally more environmentally friendly compared to gas torching. Water does not cause air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important concern in relation to climate change.
Steam cleaning also requires less water than traditional cleaning methods, supporting sustainable water management.
By choosing steam cleaning, companies can reduce their environmental footprint and meet sustainability commitments, strengthening their ESG reporting.
Economy
Eco-friendly products are often gentler on materials, which can extend the lifespan of equipment and surfaces. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and repairs, helping the company save money over time.
By choosing sustainable cleaning solutions, your business can strengthen its brand and increase customer satisfaction, which can lead to greater loyalty and higher revenue.
Weedsweep – efficient weed removal with brushes
Get rid of weeds quickly and effectively
If the weeds have grown too tall, or if you don’t want to wait for them to wither and disappear over time, Weedsweep is a great solution.
The machine effectively removes weeds from the surface using a powerful steel brush.
The powerful steel brush is designed for long-lasting use and is ideal for brushing along sidewalks, curbs, cycle paths, courtyards — anywhere with tiles, asphalt, or cobblestones.
The machine is available in two versions: one with an EGO battery drive and one with petrol. The battery-powered version has the advantage of reducing noise levels during operation.
Products for brush-based weed control
