How do I prevent weeds from growing between patio pavers in NB?

The most effective way to prevent weeds between patio pavers in New Brunswick is using polymeric sand in all joints, which hardens when activated with water and creates a solid barrier that blocks weed germination, resists ant tunnelling, and withstands NB's heavy rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles. Standard joint sand is simply not adequate for Maritime conditions — it washes out, settles, and creates the perfect germination bed for weeds.

Polymeric sand is your primary defence. This specially engineered sand contains polymer binders that activate when wetted, forming a firm but slightly flexible joint fill. It locks pavers together while blocking seeds from reaching soil below. Apply on a completely dry surface when air temperatures are above 10C with no rain forecast for 24 hours. In NB's Maritime climate, timing the application for a clear, warm day is sometimes the biggest challenge — check extended forecasts carefully. Quality polymeric sand costs $25 to $30 per bag and covers approximately 30–40 square feet depending on joint width.

Proper installation technique matters. Sweep the polymeric sand into all joints, then use a leaf blower to remove every particle from paver surfaces before wetting — any sand left on the surface will haze and stain. Activate with a gentle mist, not a hard spray, applying water in 3–4 cycles with 5-minute intervals between each. The sand should darken and begin to firm up. After 24 hours, the joints should be solid enough to resist a fingernail press. In NB's climate, expect to reapply polymeric sand every 3 to 5 years as freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rainfall gradually erode the joint fill.

A proper base prevents weeds from below. If your patio was built with the correct 12–16 inch granular base for NB's climate, there's very little organic material beneath the pavers for weeds to root in. Geotextile fabric between the native soil and gravel base provides an additional weed barrier from below. Most weed problems in NB paver patios actually start from above — seeds blown or dropped onto the surface germinate in accumulated dirt and organic debris in joints, not from roots pushing up through the base.

Regular maintenance prevents weed establishment. Sweep your patio thoroughly every 2–3 weeks during the growing season (June through September in NB) to remove organic debris, leaf litter, and soil deposits that accumulate in joints and provide germination medium. An annual power wash in May — after NB's spring thaw and before the growing season — removes winter grime and any early weed sprouts before they establish.

For existing weed problems, pull weeds by hand or use a paver joint scraper tool before they seed. Avoid chemical herbicides like glyphosate on paver joints — they can stain certain paver types and damage polymeric sand. Boiling water poured directly on weeds is an effective organic alternative. White vinegar (horticultural strength, 20%) also kills existing weeds without harming the paver or joint material. After removing weeds, top up joints with fresh polymeric sand to prevent recolonization.

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