“Question for folks on the right way to treat weeds growing on public spaces.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

“Dear Popville,

Question for folks on the right way to treat weeds growing on public spaces. We have a bunch poking through the sidewalk on our street and also through a recently-laid brick ally in the back of our house. In my own experience, I have never found natural remedies for weeds (i.e. vinegar, dish soap, etc) to be effective and would normally go for the hard stuff on my own yard. However, as this is public space with a lot of dogs who may eat said weeds while walking around, I don’t want to spray anything toxic on them. I don’t want my little stretch of neighborhood to look like trash (or be more attractive to rats who want to live in weed overgrowths) but not sure what to do. Anyone have suggestions?”