Weeds can be quite the little buggers when it comes to maintaining a tidy garden. Getting rid of them can be a nuisance too unless you use an effective method to clean them out. The perfect example of such a method is with a weed torch. Fire may sound harsh but chemicals are even harsher.
Also, not using chemicals means no harmful pesticides are going to get into the soil which poses other risks. Weed torches are easy to use and easy to maintain too while they don't require you to bend down so your back won't feel sore the day after. But these versatile tools can be used for more than just weed burning.
What Else Can You Use a Weed Torch For?
Ice Melting
When you want to clear your driveway or pathway in the cold months, there's no better way than with a garden weed burner. You will spend less time cleaning and also minimise injuries by using a weed burner torch.
Roofing
Roofing and fire may not sound like a good idea, but when used accordingly it makes a lot of sense. Contractors nowadays are using weed torches to lay felt on a flat roof as they help seal the roof from any leaks.
Thermoplastic Markings
There's a type of paint that's used on roads known as thermoplastic road marking paint or hot melt marking paint. In order for it to adhere to the road it needs direct heat and weed torches are the perfect tools for it.
What to Consider When Buying a Weed Torch
Heat Rating
The heat rating of a weed burner depends on the BTU or British Thermal Units it can produce. The higher the BTU the higher the intensity of the flame a garden weed burner can produce. Typically the heat rating of a weed torch ranges between 20,000 and 100,000 BTU. If you need to go over a large patch of weed on a regular basis, then a torch with a higher BTU rating is what you should go for.
Hose Length
What will greatly affect the use of a weed torch as well as your mobility is the length of the hose. The length of the hose will also determine if you'll need to carry the cylinder all the time. Using a longer hose than what you need is not going to be a good idea either as you don't want to drag a hose down with you and you don't want to end up tripping and falling from it either.
Bell
In order for a weed torch to create a more efficient burn it should have a bell-shaped shroud at the end of it. This is because the bell is able to direct the flame and make killing weeds a bit faster. A few seconds here and there can make all the difference. Also, a bell can help shield other plants from getting burned.
Built-In Igniters vs Manual Strikers
There are two options when it comes to the ignition method of a weed torch, built-in triggers and manual strikers. A torch with a built-in igniter is one that has a push-button on it to create the needed spark. You just need to have the gas turned on in order for the striker to light the flame. A torch with a manual striker may not be as easy to use but it gives you more control over the flame. You'll need to have the striker close enough to the gas when you use it in order for the flame to start.
Variable Flame Control
When it comes to flame control you'll want to get a weed burner that comes with variable flame control. This way you can reduce the chances of burning a plant with a large flame or even yourself. Variable flame control comes in the form of a valve that you can dial up or down. Heavy-duty torches even come with handles that can temporarily give the burner a boost to get rid of tougher weeds.
Tank
The size of the tank plays an important role in the runtime of a weed burner. The larger the tank the larger the area you can cover with it without the need to refill, but remember that torches with larger tanks are heavier too. Typically large tanks are at around 9 kg. If you want a more portable and easier-to-use weed burner torch, go for one that weighs the least while it provides enough gas to get you through your whole garden.
Nozzle
The nozzle size will determine the size of the flame. Therefore getting a torch with a bigger nozzle will allow you to take care of larger weeds more easily but it will also go through your supply of gas quicker. You can also go for a universal nozzle tip which is a size between small and large tips. Usually, it comes anywhere between 1.9 cm and 2.5 cm.
