Police warning: Weed burners are dangerous in the heat!

Police warning: Weed burners are dangerous in the heat!

Especially now that the warm days are making the gardens bloom again, many home and garden owners are struggling with unwanted weeds. But what if the methods of combating it prove to be risky? This is exactly what became clear recently in Cologne when the police warned about the dangers of burning weeds. On June 17, 2025, an incident occurred in Birkenallee. A resident used a burner to burn down weeds on her patio at 11:30 a.m., which unfortunately led to a small fire. Sparks flew and ignited several cypress trees, damaging the top of a garden fence. Fortunately, neighbors were able to extinguish the fire themselves and the damage caused was reportedly minimal, but this is still a clear wake-up call.

According to the Uelzener Presse, such incidents are not isolated, and weed burning can lead to dangerous situations, especially in dry weather. Police recommend switching to other weed control methods.

Classic methods of weed control

Flaming is considered a popular method of weed control because it is perceived to be effective and not very strenuous. A weed burner can heat weeds up to 110 degrees Celsius, destroying the plant cells. These devices work with a hot gas mixture or infrared radiation, not with open fire, as the Füssen Fire Department reports. But this method also has advantages and disadvantages.

• Vorteile: Ungiftig, keine umweltschädlichen Rückstände, schnell und effektiv.
• Nachteile: Gefahr, auch andere Pflanzen zu schädigen, hohe Anschaffungskosten und nicht klimafreundlich.

In order to work safely, certain precautions are necessary: ​​sturdy shoes, long pants and gloves as well as choosing a windless day are essential. In addition, highly flammable materials should be removed from the work area.

Alternative approaches to weed control

Although flaming may seem tempting, there are numerous environmentally friendly alternatives that are not only effective but also safer. Regular weeding in the first few weeks after sowing can be crucial. Mulching with bark mulch or using high-pressure cleaners are also tried and tested methods. As the Federal Environment Agency explains, wild herbs can actually bring benefits as they provide habitat and food for many animal species. Therefore, you should think carefully about whether the weeds actually bother you or perhaps even enrich the garden.

When discussing the best methods for weed control, one thing is clear: safety and environmental friendliness should always be the top priority. A thoughtful approach and consideration of ecological diversity in home gardens help ensure that both plants and animals have access to a healthy habitat.