Best Weed Torch

[bluesurf]

...searched but did not find

We are renovating our front yard, and in need of a good weed torch. There is a ~hundred yards of weeds to disburse between the front and back yards; nothing too great/over a foot, but I would like a torch that will be effective and last.

I prefer to purchase things once, knowing that they will serve well for many years. I've read all of the reviews on HD/Lowes/etc, and still have not found a clear winner. What I am looking for is a solid torch that does the job, with minimal maintenance or worry about returning for warranty service. It feels like 50K BTU would be sufficient, but am open to 100K BTU units if they are more reliable/effective.

What say GJ?

 

[J Persons]

I got this one from amazon.com and it works well. I use a hand dolly with the tank strapped to it to roll the propane tank around.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z2FP/ref=oh_details_o07_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[volleyball]

A gallon of roundup may work better and be cheaper to use. A couple gallons of vinegar is another option.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I can't see torching as a permanent solution to weed control. Use Roundup or Roundup Pro. Be sure to read the reseeding time.

 

[RAYJAY]

I can't see torching as a permanent solution to weed control. Use Roundup or Roundup Pro. Be sure to read the reseeding time.

the torch is so much cheaper to use than the round up is, when doing very large areas and also a lot better for you round up is nasty if you have kids or animals around

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

the torch is so much cheaper to use than the round up is, when doing very large areas and also a lot better for you round up is nasty if you have kids or animals around

So I'm guessing that you want to mow weeds 6 weeks from now?

 

[J Persons]

So I'm guessing that you want to mow weeds 6 weeks from now?

If you apply enough heat it will kill the root and any seeds in the area. I used it aroound the foundation of my shop last Aug, and the soil is still bare. Just be sure you have a water hose nearby.

 

[RAYJAY]

If you apply enough heat it will kill the root and any seeds in the area. I used it aroound the foundation of my shop last Aug, and the soil is still bare. Just be sure you have a water hose nearby.

+1 and round up is really $$$$$$ when your doing a lot of area and the torch works 100% of the time

thin of it like a brush fire after it burns nothing grows for a long time

 

[Bondo]

If you apply enough heat it will kill the root and any seeds in the area. I used it aroound the foundation of my shop last Aug, and the soil is still bare. Just be sure you have a water hose nearby.

Ayuh,.... If there's Any dandelions, They'll be back,.. Guarantied,...

Ya either gotta Dig out the root, ALL of the root, or use round-up, or bleach,....

 

[Bojans]

We have had this one for over 10 year - use it 2-3 times per year and it is still working fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html#.UzLf2Ffz7kE

 

[bluesurf]

Thanks for the responses. Fwiw Roundup or other non organic solutions are not an option.

 

[ljhhontx]

We have had this one for over 10 year - use it 2-3 times per year and it is still working fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html#.UzLf2Ffz7kE

Same with me, this one is a good HF product. Have found it a lot better to start BBQ pit with too, charcoal or wood, no nasty starter fluid taste ever.






b

 

[W_KY]

I think you will have weeds back unless you can get something else growing there pronto. If you can get your healthy grass to consume that spot, you might have success.

I understand that some folks want an organic solution, and I think its possible, but it will just take a lot of work, and I expect will take more resources than using the herbicide route.

If the price of roundup were the concern, you could go the generic route. The same active ingredient is available in cheaper products (glyphosate)

I agree with you on buying as good torch. I expect you will be using it quite a bit.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've had one for years, might be a red dragon or red devil brand or red something but my wife just calls it "Dragon's Breath".

 

[theoldwizard1]

A couple gallons of vinegar is another option.

How well does vinegar work on typical "pasture" weeds ?

I have a friend looking for an "organic" solution also.

 

[ljhhontx]

How well does vinegar work on typical "pasture" weeds ?

I have a friend looking for an "organic" solution also.

9% vinegar will burn that plant but won't prevent regrowth, it will probably kill any plant in the right concentration, grass included.

 

[bluesurf]

I understand that some folks want an organic solution, and I think its possible, but it will just take a lot of work, and I expect will take more resources than using the herbicide route.

If the price of roundup were the concern, you could go the generic route. The same active ingredient is available in cheaper products (glyphosate)

We are building a dry river, among other features. The intent is to clear out all of the weeds, then put down anti-weed cloth.

An effective organic solution is a requirement, as I previously stated. We also have edibles growing in the nearby planter boxes, fruit trees, and one neighbor has grapes.

 

[bluesurf]

I've had one for years, might be a red dragon or red devil brand or red something but my wife just calls it "Dragon's Breath".

lol...good moniker. If you happen to notice the model designation, I would appreciate knowing it.

 

[bluesurf]

We have had this one for over 10 year - use it 2-3 times per year and it is still working fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html#.UzLf2Ffz7kE

Same with me, this one is a good HF product. Have found it a lot better to start BBQ pit with too, charcoal or wood, no nasty starter fluid taste ever.

Thanks. This looks like a good solution, and I've been needing to make an HF run. Probably more fun to start the smoker with, too.

 

[volleyball]

A good organic solution is to dig out the top few inches.

 

[bluesurf]

A good organic solution is to dig out the top few inches.

Seriously now, how fun is that?

 

[Kingcreek]

Found it.
Red dragon 500,000 btu
I recommend using it at night for maximum visual effect. The weeds won't know the difference but it will impress the neighbors.

 

[bluesurf]

Found it.
Red dragon 500,000 btu
I recommend using it at night for maximum visual effect. The weeds won't know the difference but it will impress the neighbors.

Thanks! That looks like a great unit.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

If you are not in a huge hurry and can wait for warm weather and some sunshine (not sure where you live) you can make the ground virtually sterile by covering with clear plastic and letting is sit for a week or two. The sun and lack of oxygen will kill everything.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

If you are not in a huge hurry and can wait for warm weather and some sunshine (not sure where you live) you can make the ground virtually sterile by covering with clear plastic and letting is sit for a week or two. The sun and lack of oxygen will kill everything.

That's an excellent method but I like to seal the edges as much as possible with short metal stakes (coat hanger pieces) or boards or whatever to air from getting in and out. It will sterilize the ground.

 

[WVBrady]

If you are not in a huge hurry and can wait for warm weather and some sunshine (not sure where you live) you can make the ground virtually sterile by covering with clear plastic and letting is sit for a week or two. The sun and lack of oxygen will kill everything.

I would think black plastic would be better. I remember a vo-ag teacher laughing about having no weeds the next year after doing that. The weed seeds would sprout and then die.

 

[Kingcreek]

Black plastic works. Some weeds thrive under clear like a greenhouse.

 

[Tejaas]

Last I heard, the DEA will torch your weed for you!


~Tejaas~

WTB: Snap-On Orange Hard Handle SDD6 & SSDP63 in Very Good Condition!

 

[volleyball]

How dry is the plant material? Setting off a burn in a dry area has been known to make the news.
I used a sod cutter last time I did a dry river. The cutter makes a nice flat recessed base for fabric.

 

[Jim in Wis]

I burned the weeds around my pond a few years ago, in the spring when there was a bunch of dried grass around it. The good part was it cleared the area around the pond. The bad part was having the Johnsonville Fire Dept. come put out the rest of it.
The neigbor kids thought it was just great - I still hear about that little boo-boo.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Thread title reminds me of this:

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Stoner's_Pot_Palace

 

[lynnbilodeau]

Black or clear will work. And yes, I didn't mention it, but using old boards, bricks, rocks, gravel or whatever you can find to seal the edges is necessary for complete coverage.

 

[Sureshot]

We used to make torches by knocking the ball out of a grease ****** and putting a 2" pipe around the 1/4" holding the ******. A needle valve for control.

 

[rlitman]

+1 and round up is really $$$$$$ when your doing a lot of area and the torch works 100% of the time

thin of it like a brush fire after it burns nothing grows for a long time

What the heck are you talking about?
Roundup is expensive of you buy premixed. Gly concentrate is dirt cheap.

Fire is necessary in the life cycle of many plants, and I've seen much more growing shortly after burning.

IMNSHO, "organic" is total BS. Copper is recommended as an organic fungicide, and is far more toxic than the commercial chemicals that it is replacing.

 

[bluesurf]

What the heck are you talking about?
Roundup is expensive of you buy premixed. Gly concentrate is dirt cheap.

Fire is necessary in the life cycle of many plants, and I've seen much more growing shortly after burning.

IMNSHO, "organic" is total BS. Copper is recommended as an organic fungicide, and is far more toxic than the commercial chemicals that it is replacing.

So, did you have an on thread recommendation for a weed torch?

 

[Mandres]

I have one of the Harbor Freight ones too. It's a hell of a lot of fun at parties. Haven't tried it on the weeds yet XD

 

[Toxicscrew]

I bought mine last year at Lowes, think it was like $50. Higher than HF, but was using it to burn wood for one of my pieces going to a client. Then went and torched the weeds in lot. Some came back, some didn't. Wasn't too upset about firing that beast up again for another round.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I use liquid chlorine from the pool store in one of those pump sprayers. Within 2 days weeds turn brown and start falling down. Just keep the pets away till it dries.

 

[bluesurf]

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback, especially the organic ones. I picked up the $20 HF unit, and things seem to be going well thus far.

 

[Rory Bellows]

I literally bought the $19.99 (on sale) HF weed torch yesterday. With 25% off it was $14.99. You can't beat the price. I tried it today and it works awesome! It should be a definite buy for everyone even HF haters. It doesn't have a deadman switch like some others and I like it that way. Easy to start with a flint torch starter. It has become a favorite tool in less than 1 day of ownership. Buy one now you will not regret it.