How to avoid problems with weeds on asphalt / tarmacadam surfacing

If left uncared for, your asphalt / tarmacadam driveway surfacing can begin to look tired and weathered with the growth of weeds etc. The problem is that weeds can be really difficult to get rid of because they get caught up in nooks and crannies, and sometimes the removal (although immediate) does not help because secondary growth can be heavier.

Asphalt / tarmacadam surfacing can suffer from weed damage either at surface level or from deep underneath. Asphalt / tarmacadam normally suffers at the edge of the surfacing, particularly in close proximity to lawns, flower beds, trees, large shrubs  and at the edge of plant pots or other stationery objects.

Weeds tend to grow in soil or dirt accumulated on the surface or can push their way through from deep underneath. If the weeds roots do not penetrate the asphalt / tarmacadam surfacing, the weeds should be carefully removed and discarded by hand. However, if the roots have penetrated the asphalt / tarmacadam surface, or the weeds are coming up from underneath, a propriety water based total weed killer should be used (seek advice from your local DIY store). When the weeds have died off, remove the foliage, and when the asphalt / tarmacadam surface is warm, you should re-consolidate the raised patch of asphalt / tarmacadam (if any) through foot pressure. Only remove roots if they can be extracted without disturbing the surfacing.