Is something green growing in your asphalt driveway? Here’s how to fix it.

There’s nothing like smooth, fresh asphalt under your car tires as you pull up to your garage. A new blacktop gives your home great curb appeal. Unfortunately, you might have noticed that your asphalt pavement is not looking like that pristine picture. There aren’t just cracks and rough spots on your driveway; grass is also popping up. Even more troubling, your driveway might be relatively new. Why is grass growing in the asphalt driveway? What can you do about it? We’ll give you the answers here. If you have any questions, Tri-State Paving is happy to help.

Why Is Grass Growing through My Asphalt Driveway?

Improper Soil Preparation

One possibility is that the asphalt contractor did not prepare the soil properly before installing the asphalt driveway. The soil must be completely stable, compacted, and free of weeds and weed seeds. Asphalt even a few weeks old can start having grass growing through it because of improper preparation.

An Insufficient Asphalt Base

Similarly, the contractor might have failed to install a sufficient asphalt base. There is more to the blacktop than the blacktop; there are at least two or three layers below it that give the pavement stability. The worst case scenario would be that the contractor poured hot asphalt over soil directly, its heat prompting grass seeds to germinate.

Severe Asphalt Cracks

Severe asphalt cracks only happen after years of no maintenance or severe, sudden damage. If the asphalt has failed, grass seeds can settle and sprout in the asphalt cracks.

How to Remove Grass Growing in an Asphalt Driveway

Pour Boiling Water Over the Weeds

How do you remove the grass? The first step is to kill the grass or weeds present. The easiest, most affordable way to do it is to pour boiling water over the weeds multiple times until the leaves and roots die.

Use a Natural Weed Killer

Alternatively, you can use a natural weed killer like a white vinegar and a dish soap solution. Be aware that this method does not necessarily kill the roots.

Use a Commercial Weed Killer

A commercial weed or grass killer is likely to exterminate the grass growing through the asphalt driveway. Make sure the commercial product can kill the type of plant you want gone.

Maintain the Asphalt

Once you have killed the organic matter, fill the asphalt cracks and seal the pavement. If the damage is widespread, it is better to replace it entirely.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

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