Why Steam?

Immediate weed knockdown.
No residual toxins or chemicals.
Very low environmental footprint.

People ask us,
"Why did you choose steam for weed control?"
Often followed by, "Does it work" and "How does it work".

Yes it does work and here is how, and why.

Plant cells generally die when they are heated to 80°C (175°F). Heat coagulates plant protein, cell walls rupture, vascular systems shut down and the protective, waxy leafcoating is melted away causing dehydration and death.

Both flames and steam can successfully destroy plant growth in this manner.

Care to learn more about options? Read this comprehensive comparison of weeding methods.

Spraying, Pulling or Blasting

There are only three basic ways to kill weeds - chemically (herbicides), mechanically (hoeing or cultivation), or thermally (heat by flame, infrared or steam).

The chemical option has been taken away from many of us with pesticide restrictions and an increasing environmental awareness.

Manual weeding, is labour intensive, slow and almost impossible on hard or paved surfaces.

Thermal solutions, like herbicides, are quick and easy to apply. Unlike herbicides, thermal options won't leave residual chemicals in the environment.

We focus exclusively on steam for two very simple reasons.

Steaming is FASTER

Moist steam transfers heat into vegetation at a dramatically faster rate than dry air or flames (Up to 10x). This means you'll get more done in less time.

Steaming is SAFER

Unlike flame or dry heat, steam won't start fires.

A properly adjusted steam gun actually extinguishes fires by choking off oxygen.

Steaming Background

Weeding with steam and scalding water predates modern herbicides. For example steam locomotives directed steam downwards to keep their own tracks clear of weeds. It works brilliantly! In the past sixty years, truck and tractor mounted boilers have been developed to provide commercially viable weed control for agricultural and urban applications. They are continually being refined to deliver greater value. A good example is the Weedtechnics line of machines we distribute.

The most recent innovation has been our own portable GS series urban weed steamer.

Fastest and Hottest

Speed of operation is the holy grail in a production environment. Flame works, but our patented flash-boiler system mounted inside the lightweight steamgun is capable of generating up to 550°C (1020°F) superheated steam on demand. This is the hottest (and fastest) hydro-thermal weed control system available today and delivers significantly better and safer performance than flaming.

Call or write for assistance selecting the right system for your application.
1-250-721-5004 or toll free at 1-888-422-0706