Thermal weeding: safety, efficiency and good practice with Ripagreen®

Thermal weeding is now established as a sustainable, chemical-free solution for maintaining public and private spaces. At Ripagreen®, safety of use is a central pillar of our technology. Thanks to a patented system combining performance, ergonomics and advanced safety features, our tools offer a reliable response to the demands of professionals in the field.

Technology designed for safe thermal weeding

At Ripagreen®, safety is at the heart of our approach to innovation. Our thermal weeding equipment is fitted with SECURIPACK® regulators, an intelligent gas regulation system that guarantees safe use. This device constantly monitors the pressure in the cylinder and hose, and automatically cuts off the supply in the event of overheating, leakage or rupture.

But beyond technical safety, it’s the entire Ripagreen® technology that has been designed to adapt to demanding public environments. Thanks to this patented technology, our appliances work with 94% ambient air and only 6% gas or biogas, so they produce no chemical residues.

This control of thermal energy means we can work directly on green spaces, including near play areas, along pavements lined with pedestrian crossings, or in areas frequented by families and animals. Treatment is fast and precise, with no interruption to traffic and no danger to users. The spray width of 40 cm to 2 m and the short flame ensure immediate effectiveness, even in complex weather conditions.

That’s why so many local authorities, managers of sensitive sites and green space maintenance contractors choose Ripagreen®: for a solution that’s fast, environmentally friendly, ergonomic and safe, and perfectly suited to today’s urban maintenance challenges.

Thermal shock: a simple principle for lasting effectiveness

Contrary to popular belief, thermal weeding does not involve burning the plant. On the contrary, excessive heat causes burns that promote rapid healing, enabling the plant to grow back more quickly.

The right thing to do is to apply a brief but intense heat shock. By exposing the plant to the hot, pulsating air of Ripagreen® for two or three seconds, at a height of around 20 centimetres above the ground, the plant’s cells burst, stopping photosynthesis. This shock causes the plant to dry out gradually and naturally, without leaving any visible trace or residue. It’s a sustainable method that respects the environment and is particularly suitable for sensitive areas.

There’s a simple trick you can use on the ground to check the effectiveness of the treatment: just after you’ve sprayed, pinch the leaf. If the imprint remains, the heat shock has worked. If the leaf is yellow or black, the spray was too slow, too close or too long. Conversely, if there are no marks, the pass was too fast.

This apparently simple action is the key to truly effective weed control, even in complex environments. Thanks to Ripagreen® pulsed hot air technology, it’s possible to work in complete safety on prestigious, historic or highly aesthetic sites, without damaging the materials or leaving visible traces. What’s more, this method works even in wet conditions, thanks to a short, rigid flame that remains effective even in the rain.

Finally, to maximise results, it’s essential to intervene at the right time. One pass in early spring or autumn will limit summer regrowth and prepare the soil for winter. A second pass 8 to 10 days after the first will neutralise the most stubborn weeds.

Propane or biopropane: the right choice of gas for optimum performance

To guarantee the performance, durability and safety of Ripagreen® equipment, it is essential to use only propane or biopropane in the gaseous phase. These two gases are perfectly compatible with our thermal lances, and ensure stable, efficient combustion, even outdoors and in cold weather.

Biopropane, also known as green propane, is distinguished by its renewable origin: it is produced from organic waste, forestry residues or recycled oils. It retains exactly the same properties as fossil propane, while reducing CO₂ emissions by almost 78%. Its combustion emits virtually no fine particles, making it a clean and sustainable alternative.

Ripagreen® guarantees the total compatibility of its equipment with biopropane, with no installation modifications required. Its use is fully in line with an energy transition approach, in keeping with the environmental expectations of local authorities and landscape professionals.

For optimum safety, Ripagreen® recommends propane or biopropane in suitable cylinders.

To sum up

Choosing Ripagreen® means opting for a thermal weeding solution that is effective, safe and environmentally friendly. Thanks to an integrated safety system, our tools meet today’s challenges of maintaining spaces without chemical products. See our products in action in this video.