Flame weeders provide an effective, non-chemical method for controlling weeds in the garden. As the name suggests, these tools utilize a flame to burn weeds down to the roots. When used properly, flame weeders can help keep unwanted vegetation in check without the use of herbicides.
How Flame Weeders Work
Flame weeders direct a focused flame at the base of weeds, heating the plants up to the point of cellular damage. The intense heat essentially cooks the plant cells, disrupting the plant’s basic functions. This stops weeds from being able to transport water and nutrients or photosynthesize.
Within a short period from being exposed to the flame, the weed will wilt and die. The heat penetrates all the way down to the roots, ensuring the entire plant is destroyed. Regular use of a flame weeder can keep weeds from taking hold in garden beds and landscaped areas.
Benefits of Using a Flame Weeder
No chemical residues – Flame weeders provide weed control without leaving behind toxic residues that can contaminate food crops. This makes them a good option for organic vegetable gardens.
Cost effective – Propane is relatively inexpensive compared to continual purchase of chemical herbicides. Over time, a flame weeder can save money on weed control costs.
Targeted action – Flames can be directed right at the base of weeds without damage to surrounding plants. This level of precision is not possible with broadcast herbicide spraying.
Immediate effects – Weeds show visible damage within seconds and completely wilt away in a day or two. Chemical weed killers can take a week or more to show results.
Control of annuals and perennials – The heat of the flame kills all parts of annual weeds above and below ground. For tough perennials, it will destroy visible growth and starve the plant’s root system.
Soil sterilization – In addition to controlling existing weeds, the heat from flame weeding can destroy weed seeds in the top few inches of soil. This helps deter future weed growth.
Fast & easy – Flame weeders are very simple to use. Just a pass or two with the flame over small weeds is sufficient to eradicate them. Larger weeds may need more attention.
Doesn’t disturb soil – Unlike hand weeding and hoeing, flame weeders kill weeds without churning up and exposing more weed seeds from lower soil levels.
Can be used anywhere – Flame weeders are effective on gravel paths, pavement cracks and anywhere weeds emerge that is difficult to hand weed.
When to Use a Flame Weeder
Timing is an important factor when flame weeding. For best results:
- Flame weed when plants are small – Weeds under 3 inches tall can be quickly killed by exposure to flame. Larger, more established weeds take longer to destroy.
- Avoid wet conditions – Do not attempt to flame weed when plants are wet. Moisture protects plant tissues from heat damage. Only flame weed when plants are dry.
- Weed on sunny days – Bright, sunny conditions make plants more susceptible to scorching. Cloudy cool days are less effective.
- Weed when calm – Breezy days make controlling the flame difficult. There also is greater risk of accidental fires.
- Early and late in growing season – Use a flame weeder early to prevent weeds gaining a foothold. Repeat flaming late in the season to clean up leftover weeds.
- Avoid flowering and seed set – For annual weeds, flame before they bloom and go to seed. Destroy them in the growth stage for best control.
- Combine with hand weeding – Use flame weeding to weaken perennial weeds. Then hand pull roots after plants are stressed from heat effects.
How to Use a Flame Weeder Safely
While very effective, flame weeders do come with certain hazards if not used correctly. Safety precautions are a must.
Protect yourself
- Wear fire resistant clothing – Leather gloves, boots, long sleeves and pants provide protection from accidental flashing.
- Shield eyes – Use protective goggles designed for welding/brazing or a full face shield.
- Cover hair – Cover long hair with a tight fitting hat or hair net. Loose hair can ignite.
- Have water on hand – Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of accidental fires.
Assess the area
- Check for flammables – Remove dry grass, mulch, leaves and other flammable materials from area prior to use.
- Note wind direction – Only use on calm days to avoid flames spreading unintentionally.
- Clear a perimeter – Have at least an 18 inch perimeter cleared around weeds before flaming.
Use proper technique
- Keep nozzle moving – Continuously sweep the flame over weeds to prevent scorching of surrounding plants.
- Angle nozzle properly – Aim nozzle at the base of weeds, close to soil surface for best heat transfer underground.
- Work in short bursts – Flame weeds for just 1-2 seconds at a time. Then move nozzle to adjacent weeds before returning.
- Concentrate on edges – Direct most flame along garden edges and borders where weeds proliferate.
- Alternate directions – Make one pass from multiple directions to ensure all weed surfaces get heated.
- Stay upright – Hold torch upright or at a slight forward angle. Never point it horizontally or towards you.
- Monitor for fire – Watch for smoking plants or embers after use and extinguish immediately with water.
Types of Flame Weeders
There are various styles of flame weeders available for home gardeners. The most common include:
Handheld gas weed torches
- Use a small propane tank as fuel source
- Manually operated with a trigger nozzle
- Portable and easy to maneuver
- Low cost models under $50
- Good for moderate weed control
- Popular brands are Red Dragon and Bernzomatic
Push-behind gas weeders
- Propane tank mounts on wheeled frame
- Nozzle attaches to end of wand
- Controls located on handlebars
- More power for larger areas
- Models range from $150 on up
- Red Dragon and Flame Engineering are top brands
Liquid fuel gel weeders
- Use jellified gasoline fuel
- Fuel is thickened for better adhesion
- Applicators apply gel to weeds
- Light gel with a wand lighter
- Gel flame is more sustained and intense
- Messier than gas torches
- Sold under brand names like Fireaway
Butane powered flame weeders
- Use butane canisters as fuel source
- Portable and lightweight
- Low intensity flame
- Suited for small weed control jobs
- Models under $100
- Common brand is Hot Shot
How to Choose the Right Flame Weeder
Selecting the flame weeder best suited for your needs depends on several factors:
Weeding area size – Handheld torches work fine for small home gardens. Push-behind gas models are necessary for larger gardens and landscapes.
Portability – Handheld weed torches are most portable. Butane models are lightweight. Wheeled gas weeders are less mobile.
Power level – Standard propane/butane torches are lower intensity. Gasoline gel is much more powerful.
Ease of use – Handheld torches are simplest to operate via a trigger mechanism. Wheeled models involve more controls.
Flaming time – Standard gas torches provide a short burst of flame. Gel flame is more prolonged on weeds.
Safety features – Look for stable based, wheels for mobility and guards to prevent accidental contact.
User height – Wheeled models adjust for comfortable user height during operation. Important for extended use.
Specialty use – Gel weeders are preferred for pavement and gravel areas. Gas torches work fine in gardens.
Budget – You can spend under $50 for a basic propane torch up to $500+ for heavy duty wheeled gas models.
Maintaining Your Flame Weeder
A few simple maintenance steps will keep your flame weeder working properly for years:
- Follow manufacturer instructions for changing filters and spark plugs on gas models
- Yearly replacement of fuel lines helps prevent leaks or bursting from wear
- Keep the ignition electrode and surrounding area clean for reliable starting
- Confirm the nozzle opening is free of obstructions before use
- Store the equipment away from moisture to prevent rusting
- Return wheeled models to the upright position after use
- Allow gas tanks to fully cool before storage to avoid accidental ignition
- Drain fuel and run the engine dry if storing for long periods
Using Caution to Avoid Potential Risks
While flame weeders are generally safe when used correctly, the fire hazard should not be underestimated. Exercise extreme caution to avoid:
- Unintended fires – Have water or an extinguisher on hand in case flaming gets out of control.
- Damage to desirable plants – Precise nozzle control is vital to avoid creating dead patches in garden plantings.
- Harm to pets – Keep pets away from work area and supervise children during use.
- Explosion hazard – Allow hot equipment to fully cool before re-fueling.
- Skin burns – Wear protective foot and hand coverings and avoid touching hot surfaces.
- Breathing risk – Avoid inhaling smoke or fumes created during flaming.
- Fire danger – Never use during dry, windy conditions with high fire risk.
With prudent operating practices, flame weeders can be worked quite safely for effective, chemical-free weed control. But always exercise caution when dealing with an open flame device.
Flaming Weeds vs Other Weed Control Methods
How does flame weeding stack up against other options for controlling weed growth?
Flame weeding
- Non-chemical weed control
- Kills all growth above and below ground
- Best on small annual weeds
- Repeat flaming required
- Risk of fire must be managed
Mulching
- Smothers weeds by blocking light
- Must re-apply mulch regularly
- Mulch breaks down over time
- Can harbor slugs and snails
Solarization
- Uses heat from sun to kill weeds
- Clear plastic sheets required
- Takes weeks to have an effect
- Only practical in hot climates
Hand weeding
- Very labor intensive
- Can worsen weed problems if not done properly
- Needs repeated weeding sessions
- Hoeing harms soil structure over time
Herbicides
- Provides extended weed prevention
- Potential environmental contamination
- Possible risk to pets, beneficial insects
- Some weeds are herbicide resistant
For most home gardeners, flame weeding combined with hand weeding, mulching and other techniques often gives the best weed control with least negative impact.
Tips for Effective Flame Weeding
Follow these useful tips to get the most out of your flame weeder:
- Walk at a steady pace while flaming. Going too fast reduces heating exposure.
- For propane models, use only manufacturer recommended fuel. Substitutes can clog jets.
- Periodically clean nozzle opening and ignition electrode to maintain performance.
- Hold nozzle 6-12 inches from weeds for maximum heat transfer into plants.
- Avoid excessive grass buildup around landscaped areas that could carry fire.
- Time flaming to target young, actively growing weeds for fastest wilting.
- Concentrate on problem weed zones like along borders and fence lines where seeds blow in.
- Rotate between short flame bursts followed by periods of cooling to prevent nozzle overheating.
- Supplementary hand weeding to remove weakened plants can accelerate weed decline.
- Before storage, disconnect propane tank and run fuel line dry to purge any remaining gas.
Understanding Regulations on Flame Weeding
Before purchasing a flame weeder, be sure to check your local area codes and homeowners association rules regarding on use of open flame weed control tools. Some key regulations include:
- Prohibitions on use during designated fire risk seasons when burning of any kind is banned.
- Restrictions on the times of day use is permissible, often early morning hours only.
- Requirements to have fire suppression tools available during operation.
- Necessity of maintaining adequate clear space between flamed areas and structures.
- Permits needed prior to use in some high fire hazard locations.
- Bans on use near propane tanks, gasoline storage areas and similar flammables.
- Limitations on flaming in multi-family housing areas such as apartments or condos.
- Notification to neighbors prior to weed flaming.
While flame weeders are generally safe, local conditions like drought may dictate extra precautions be taken. Be sure to consult your city fire authority for specific requirements in your locale before purchasing or operating a flame weeding device.
Troubleshooting Common Flame Weeder Issues
Flame weeders are pretty straightforward devices. But occasional problems can arise. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
No ignition
- Check propane/butane fuel level
- Confirm fuel valve is fully open
- Replace empty fuel canister if required
- Clean electrode and retry ignition
Weak flame
- Unclog any blocked nozzle holes with fine wire
- Replace filter if clogged with particulates
- Check fuel gauge and refill if getting low
- Try fresh propane/butane canister
Flame sputters
- Clean nozzle opening and ignition points
-Ensure fuel line is not kinked or cracked - Flush fuel line with compressed air if blocked
Flame light but no heat
- Refuel with manufacturer recommended propane/butane
- Do not use substitutes that change flame properties
Unwanted grass ignition
- Raise nozzle height above vegetation
- Slow down movement between weed flaming
- Shorten flame burst duration
Excessive smoke
- Turn off unit and allow to cool
- Restart and use shorter flame bursts
- Ensure fuel and air settings are properly adjusted
Safety Gear for Flame Weeding
Operating a flame weeder safely requires wearing appropriate protective equipment:
Fire resistant clothing
Long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes made from leather or natural fibers offer protection from accidental flashing or sparks. Synthetic fabrics are more flammable.
Leather gloves
Durable leather welding gloves shield hands against heat and potential skin burns.
Eye protection
Shielded safety goggles deflect debris and any flare ups away from eyes and face.
Hair covering
A tight fitting hat or hair net prevents loose hairs from igniting.
Breathing mask
A simple particulate mask or bandana minimizes inhaling fumes during flaming.
Fire extinguisher
Have a fully charged ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher close by in case of unexpected flare up.
Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to protective gear. The potential hazards of using an open flame weed control tool demand vigilance. Gear up for safety.
Best Practices for Safe and Effective Use
Here is a summary checklist covering the key points for secure, successful flame weeding:
- Select an appropriate flame weeder model based on area size, power needs, and features.
- Wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles and fire resistant clothing when operating.
- Maintain clear area around flamed weeds and have fire suppression tools available on-site.
- Avoid use on high fire risk days and never leave unit unattended when lit.
- Allow equipment to fully cool before refueling and store properly between uses.
- When flaming, keep nozzle in constant motion and watch for any unintended ignition.
- Make multiple quick passes over weeds to build heat intensity gradually.
- Target small, young weeds and annuals when possible for quickest effects.
- Time weeding sessions for sunny conditions when weeds are driest and most susceptible.
- Combine flaming with other methods like hand weeding for best weed control over time.
- Exercise extreme caution and suspend use in windy conditions conducive to fire spread.
- Keep flammable materials away from work area and supervise operation if others are nearby.
By adhering to safe practices and manufacturer guidelines, flame weeders can be operated securely with impressive weed controlling results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flame weeders entirely replace herbicide usage?
Flame weeders work very well on young annual weeds and periodic re-treatment can keep them under control without herbicides. However, for large infestations of perennial weeds or grasses, supplemental targeted spot spraying may still be needed at times along with flaming.
How long does the weed killing effect from flaming last?
A single flame weeding treatment will typically keep weeds at bay for 2-4 weeks. But the exact duration depends on factors like weed type, density, soil temperature and moisture levels. Repeat flaming is needed to sustain weed free conditions.
Do I need a big tank model or will a handheld torch work?
For a small home garden, a standard propane torch is sufficient. However, if managing larger acreage, a push-behind model with a larger tank capacity will be more practical and cover more area between refueling stops.
Should I flame weed when plants are wet or dry?
Only use weed flamers when plants are completely dry. Moisture on weeds creates steam which helps insulate the plants from the intensity of the heat. Dry conditions allow the highest heat transfer for proper searing.
How do I prevent damage to desired garden plants when flame weeding?
Keep the torch nozzle moving at all times, avoid excessive flame duration in one spot and maintain proper height above vegetation. Precise control of the flame is key to avoid inadvertent damage. Use shields if needed to protect sensitive plants.
Can I get in trouble for flame weeding during a burn ban?
Always check local ordinances, especially during drought conditions. Some areas prohibit all outdoor burning activities, including flame