The official definition of a weed is a plant growing in the wrong place! We are all familiar with common weeds such as the dandelion, buttercup, daisy, and clover, as well as common grass weeds like Yorkshire fog. But where do they originate?

Weeds can be wind-borne, bird-borne, or even boot-borne, and can be found in lawn clippings or as invasions from surrounding areas. What we all know is that they shade out fine grass, compete with the lawn for nutrients, and spoil its appearance.

When it comes to weeds, prevention is better than cure, and the advice later in this guide will minimise the onset of weeds. However, if weeds do occur, there are mechanical and chemical methods of controlling them.

Good old-fashioned hand-weeding for the occasional plant or two is only practical for small areas, and raking and slashing through them with a knife can limit growth.

For widespread control, the right chemical weedkiller will ensure success. However, you must match a specific weed-killing product for the particular task – if in doubt, ask for advice at the garden centre.

Moss is a real tell-tale plant, indicating that there is a problem with your lawn. · The main reason for moss is surface compaction, with the moss thriving on the layer of moisture unable to drain away on the surface of the lawn.

The keys to avoiding a moss invasion on the lawn are good aeration, proper drainage, and maintaining soil fertility, as well as avoiding scalping the lawn when mowing.

To chemically rid your lawn of moss, moss killers are available in liquid or dry granular form.

Moss killers must be applied carefully according to product instructions. Once the moss has turned black or brown, it can be scarified and disposed of – it makes excellent mulch to smother weeds under shrubs.