Can You Plant Flowers in Concrete Cracks?

Can You Plant Flowers in Concrete Cracks? Why It Destroys Your Driveway

You can plant flowers in concrete cracks, but you shouldn't. While it might look nice initially, the roots will grow and widen the crack, destroying your driveway over time. Understanding why this happens helps you make the right choice between aesthetics and protecting your investment.

Why Planting in Cracks Seems Appealing

Planting flowers in cracks can look attractive:

• Softens hard edges: Adds color and life to concrete
• Hides cracks: Makes cracks less noticeable
• Natural look: Creates a more organic appearance

However, the aesthetic benefit comes at a high cost.

The Problem: Root Growth Widens Cracks

Plant roots are powerful and destructive to concrete.

How Roots Damage Concrete

The process:

1. Roots grow into the crack
2. As roots expand, they push against crack walls
3. Crack widens to accommodate growing roots
4. Wider crack allows more water entry
5. Water causes freeze-thaw damage
6. Damage accelerates, crack grows larger
7. Eventually, section fails completely

Why It's Destructive

• Mechanical force: Growing roots physically push concrete apart
• Widens cracks: Small cracks become large cracks
• Allows water: Wider cracks let more water in
• Accelerates damage: Water causes freeze-thaw cycles that destroy concrete

The Timeline of Damage

Damage from planted flowers happens gradually but inevitably:

First Season

• Flowers look nice
• No visible damage yet
• Roots begin growing into crack

Year 1-2

• Crack may widen slightly
• Roots expanding
• Damage beginning

Year 2-5

• Significant crack widening
• Water entering crack
• Freeze-thaw damage beginning
• Concrete deterioration accelerating

Year 5+

• Major structural damage
• Section may need replacement
• Cost far exceeds aesthetic value

The Better Solution: Seal the Crack

Instead of planting, seal the crack to protect your driveway.

Why Sealing is Better

• Prevents damage: Stops water entry and freeze-thaw cycles
• Prevents widening: No roots to expand the crack
• Protects investment: Maintains driveway integrity
• Long-term solution: Lasts for years

How to Seal Properly

1. Kill any existing weeds: Remove all plant material
2. Clean crack thoroughly: Remove all dirt and debris
3. Insert backer rod: If crack is wide (1/4 inch+)
4. Fill with flexible sealant: Use polyurethane sealant (like Sikaflex)
5. Smooth surface: Create clean finish

If You Want Flowers Near Concrete

If you want flowers, plant them properly:

Plant in Adjacent Areas

• Plant in beds next to driveway
• Not in the concrete itself
• Provides color without damage

Use Containers

• Place potted plants near concrete
• No root damage to concrete
• Easy to move or change

Create Planting Beds

• Build raised beds adjacent to driveway
• Separate from concrete
• Best of both worlds

The Bottom Line

You can plant flowers in concrete cracks, but you shouldn't. The roots will grow and widen the crack, destroying your driveway over time. What looks nice initially becomes expensive damage. Better to seal the crack with flexible polyurethane sealant. This protects your investment, prevents water damage, and maintains driveway integrity. If you want flowers, plant them in adjacent beds or containers, not in the concrete itself.

Don't sacrifice your driveway for temporary aesthetics. Sealed cracks protect your investment and last for years.

Need help sealing cracks or removing plants from cracks? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can help eliminate weeds, seal cracks, and protect your driveway investment.