I went for a run this morning which gave me the opportunity to admire the new paving that’s been laid on Greenford Avenue. That’s if you go out the front door, turn right and up the hill to the main road and it’s that road. If you’re coming to visit then you can just reverse those directions. I’m number 125. They’ve made a really lovely job of the paving. You only have to cross the road to the other side - I mean the other side of Greenford Avenue - that hasn’t been repaved - to appreciate the standard of work. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen paving laid so precisely. You have to come and visit.
One thing that both sides of the road have in common though is that there are no weeds growing between the slabs or - on the not-renovated side of the road - between the cracks (in the slabs themselves). If you compare this to your typical block-paved driveway: I mean it’s very unusual to see a typical block-paved driveway that’s weed-free. In my experience. And if you’ve never really noticed what I’m talking about - firstly, that’s quite surprising - but secondly, now you can keep this in mind, and take notice in future.
So anyway I was wondering how the pavements are able to stay weed-free for so long. I’ve done a bit of research on the topic, and I’d like to share that with you now.
Naturally, I began with a Google search for, “how do they stop weeds growing between paving slabs UK”. “They,” is they “Tradesmen,” Tradesmen in general, because although of course I’m not referring to the actual two builders themselves, who’ve been doing the work at the top of my road - I am not either referring to a company or organisation. My preference for referring to a company or organisation would be, “How does it stop weeds,” not, “How do they.” But I’m not referring to a company or organisation anyway. My question is practical, and also without prejudice. Whether they prefer to refer to themselves as builders, or - and this is my point - as pavers, or paving specialists, or, if they so wish - and that’s their right - as street furnishing consultants - how do they stop the weeds?
Most of the listings from my initial search relate to amateur paving or garden landscaping. So in the end I did substitute, “do they,” for “does the council,” and helpfully, towards the bottom of page one, Merton Council is listed with their article, “How we control weeds on streets and pathways.”
I had absolutely no idea but by a stroke of pure luck I’ve discovered that Merton is a London Borough quite close to my own. In fact - you can turn right out the front door, up to the main road - Greenford Avenue - follow that south to join Boston Road, left onto the M4 eastbound, over Kew bridge, follow the river on the B351, cross Richmond Park and straight over onto the A3, bear left into Wimbledon and you’re there. So, highly relevant. I'm on the right track, right? Or pavement.
Anyway the answer is weedkiller.
Have a good weekend.