The appearance of a lawn is marred when there are weeds growing in it, especially dandelions and nettles. There are 2 types of weeds, very broadly speaking: the annual and the perennial.

The annual weeds grow very fast, and can complete their life cycle many times in one season.  Their seeds might persist in the soil.

These are plants like the White Clover, Great Plantain, daisies and also docks and dandelions. Perennial weeds have long tap roots which can grow to varying lengths in the ground. There might even be a spreading root system that spreads over several feet.

These would send out their shoots over the area they are spread. Examples of these weeds would be the speedwell, mouse-ear chickweed, pearlwort and the sea milkwort. These weeds often have very small leaves which might have tiny hairs on them.

Dandelions and Burdocks are exceptions. Though they fall in the category of weeds, they are used as food and in medicine. They also draw away many insects that destroy crops.

Healthy turf grows in a manner that fills all the bare areas, and shades the soil. Areas that are left bare or become bare, are a prime place for weeds to grow. These areas should be covered with grain straw which is a good mulching agent, till the turf grows and fills this area. Without sunlight, weed seedlings will not be able to survive. As soon as the grass grows long enough to be cut, use a mower. Make sure that the blades are sharp. Timely use of recommended fertilizers and controlled watering of the lawn would go a long way in weed control.

Another way to control the growth of weeds would be to use herbicides. Some herbicides are absorbed through the leaves. Here, liquid sprays applied with a fine-holed watering can would fall on the leaves and thus destroy the weeds. Lawn weed guns are available and can be used with the appropriate herbicide. While using a herbicide, care should be taken that it does not spread to the turf. Thus, with proper use of herbicides, careful watering and regular mowing, your lawn should look beautiful.