In Italy weed control in urban areas is mainly performed by means of mowing cutting and herbicide distribution. While trimmers are not effective in reducing weed density and they are also potentially injurious for hard surfaces and the safety of citizens and operators, chemical control induces resistance to active compounds in spontaneous plants and it is surely a source of environmental pollution and a risk factor for the health of human beings and animals. For this reason the use of herbicides in urban areas is strictly regulated by laws. As an alternative to ordinary weed control devices, thermal equipments can be used successfully for weed control on hard surfaces. Flaming machines are the most efficient among thermal devices and they are suitable for treatments in many urban contexts. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different weed managements (flaming, mowing, herbicide application, and flaming+herbicide application) on weed dynamics in two cities of Tuscany (Central Italy) and to compare the total working time and costs of operations in order to define a proper strategy for the control of weed flora growing on hard surfaces in a typical mediterranean environment. A hand knapsack device and three motorized flaming prototypes were also projected, built and tested at the University of Pisa. One of the self-propelled versions of the flaming machines was also used for a trial of weed management in the city of Livorno between October 2006 and June 2007 in order to evaluate its technical performances and effectiveness.