Remove weeds yes or no?
Opinions differ greatly on this question - some people want to give nature free rein and allow all "wild herbs" - as weeds are also known - to grow unchecked. For others, the aesthetic aspect takes centre stage and a weed-free garden is the top priority. Basically, it can be said that the growth of plants of all kinds is not desirable in every place around the house, yard and garden - in some cases more, in others less. Especially as damage to buildings, for example, caused by heavy weed growth can also be a solid reason to put a stop to nature in some places. The question now arises as to how weed control can be organised in the most environmentally friendly way possible without endangering the health of humans and animals. Here you will find information on biological weed control with hot water - including a comparison with other methods.
How does weed control with hot water work?
Quite simply! The hot water is applied to the plant. Thanks to gravity, the water flows downwards and reaches the roots of the weeds. This method has various effects on the weeds, which break through the plant's protective mechanisms and systematically destroy the entire plant.
The water-impermeable wax layer (cuticle) that surrounds each leaf is damaged
Hot water now penetrates to the individual cells of the weed and these burst due to the high temperatures. The protein in the plant's cells freezes at temperatures above 42 °C. This reaction can no longer be reversed, like the protein in a boiled egg.
Thanks to gravity, the water seeps into the upper soil layers and destroys the fine roots of the weeds there.
Removing weeds permanently - Effects on the plant and the long-term effect
Thermal weed control using only hot water is a modern and proven method of getting rid of weeds in the long term. The process affects the entire plant, leaves, stalk and roots. The long-term success is mainly due to the fact that these effects cannot be reversed.
- In-depth effect : The method does not exclusively affect the foliage, but also on the roots and seeds of the plant. The fine secondary roots are destroyed, which significantly reduces the surface area for the absorption of nutrients and water is significantly reduced - the plant becomes weaker and weaker.
- The method is very effective. This is due to the properties of water. The hot water quickly covers the entire surface of the leaves, not just part of them, as is the case with vapour.
- Due to the high level of efficiency, the majority of the plant is destroyed with just one application. The frequency ofnecessary applicationsdecreases significantly in subsequent years.
No sunlight
The leaves of the weed can no longer absorb light and therefore cannot photosynthesise
No water
No nutrients
The weeds can no longer absorb nutrients and are weakened down to the roots in the long term
Advantages of the hot water method
For the sake of the environment WITHOUT chemicals, danger to insects and pets and without any risk of fire.
Problem-free use on terraces, paths, lawns, flower beds and high-quality ceramics
Targeted and pinpoint work, e.g. for individual weeds in the lawn
Sustainable effect - minimises the weed burden in the long term
The method is chemical-free and does not pollute the environment.
Plant, seed and root are killed
Can be used in any weather
Compatible for humans and animals
Environmentally friendly
The use of herbicides is no longer permitted on many areas and is also no longer desirable in many cases. Mechanical methods often do not lead to satisfactory and long-lasting results. Hot air from expensive gas cylinders harbours a high risk of fire. For these reasons, weed control with hot water is an ideal alternative to minimise the environmental impact. There is no more natural way to control weeds and maintain your areas.
- By using only hot water, you can dispense with weed control with vinegar, herbicides, other chemicals and household remedies
- 100 % ecological
- minimal air pollution due to electric drive
- Water without additives is decomposed without residue or utilised in the soil. There is no long-term damage to the soil, e.g. by using household remedies such as vinegar, baking soda or salt to destroy the weeds. These change the pH value of the soil and, in the worst case, cause even more weeds to grow.
Harmless
for humans and animals
Without the use of chemicals, the method is ideal for households with pets or children. This means you do not have to demarcate treated areas as danger zones. Herbicides and other household remedies such as salt or vinegar for weed control not only harm the environment, but are also unsuitable for households with children and pets.
High efficiency
The hot water method is proven to be 20 times more effective than gas burners or hot air.
The test carried out by Dr. Ir B. De Cauwe at the University of Ghent showed that hot water has the highest thermal conductivity and heat capacity, which means that it delivers the highest kill ratio compared to others tested.
Versatile use
On all surfaces
Problem-free use on sensitive surfaces surfaces such as wood or high-quality ceramics
- No mechanical damage to treated surfaces
- No damage from chemicals such as baking soda or acids
On all substrates
- Problem-free application of hot water on loose surfaces such as gravel
- Targeted use of hot water, for example in flower beds between crops
Use in any weather
Hot water can be used in any weather. You do not have to wait for sunny days, as is the case when using herbicides or hot air devices.
Highly effective even with stubborn plants
- Successfully combats goutweed, field horsetail, field bindweed
- Also combats moss, green deposits, lichens and algae
- Also works on allergy triggers ragweed
- Helps to contain the highly toxic giant hogweed
Authorisation-free according to § 12, para. 2 of the Plant Protection Act
You can dispense with complicated laws such as the Plant Protection Act, which is concerned with the protection of people, animals and the natural environment. Hot water weed killing is a purely thermal process and is therefore not affected by this.
Facts, figures and data
Why is the hot water method a better solution than steam and hot air?
&95 °C hot water can transfer up to 27 times more energy than hot air or steam
more effective, less expensive and less time-consuming than other non-chemical methods
High efficiency
20 times more effective than gas burners or hot air
Effective in the long term
due to effects that cannot be reversed
The hot water destroys the protein and cell structure, which permanently stops plant growth
Right down to the roots : Thanks to gravity, the water flows downwards and quickly reaches the roots of the plant
Hot air and vapour always rise so that some of the heat disappears upwards before it reaches the plant
No fire hazard with dry shrubs, hedges or grasses, as with flame blowers or hot air blow dryers
Scientifically proven
"The hot water system can be applied accurately and the heat penetrates the root of the weed and kills it in a way that has no negative impact on our water, our environment, our staff or our wildlife."Dr. Ir B. De Cauwe, University of Ghent, Belgium
Comparison of weed density and frequency of application methods
The use of hot water offers an economical solution and an ideal alternative to weedkillers. The highly efficient technology is also gentle on the environment. The hot water (95° C) first destroys the cell structure in the leaves of the plant above ground. Photosynthesis can no longer take place. The plant can no longer absorb nutrients and dries out. The hot water penetrates to the roots, causing the plant itself to die after repeated applications. Removing weeds with hot water is up to 20 times more effective than with conventional methods such as gas burners or hot air blowers and other household remedies. Our Unkrautfuchs works with constantly regulated hot water (temperature above 90°).
University of Copenhagen
A study carried out at the University of Copenhagen shows that treatment with hot water results in the lowest weed coverage, even with the lowest treatment frequency.
It also shows that, in comparison, treatment only needs to be carried out 4 times a year.
Studies by the University of Ghent
The experiment carried out by Dr. Ir B. De Cauwe at the University of Ghent showed that hot water has the highest thermal conductivity and heat capacity, which means that it provides the highest kill ratio compared to others tested.
In the figure below you can see the tests carried out 7 days and 21 days after the application of three different methods at the University of Ghent.
Methods used by the University of Ghent
Comparison of the costs of different weed removers
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Ecological weed removal with hot water
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