9 common weeds and how to stop them dead

Weeds can be tricky to spot, but here are nine of the more common ones you'll find in your yard and garden — and how you can get rid of these pesky plants.

• An annual that spreads by seeds.
• Easy to pull by hand, getting all the root system.
• Don't hoe, since bits of plant left in the soil can resprout.

• An annual that spreads by seeds.
• Pull, getting all the root system.
• Don't hoe since bits of root and stem can resprout.

• Perennial that spreads by seeds and creeping stems.
• Very invasive but easy to pull out by hand.
• Don't hoe ground ivy because it will resprout from any part left lying on the ground.

• Annual that spreads by seeds.
• Pull small plants by hand.
• For larger plants, hoe out the top of the plant, making sure you get all of the crown.
• Knotweed likes compacted soil, so hoe the area.

• Perennial.
• Dig out to remove deep roots, or it will resprout.
• Plantains like compacted soil, so hoe the surrounding area.

• An annual that spreads by seeds.
• Pull out by hand.
• Don't hoe or otherwise cut out.

• An annual that spreads by seeds.
• Pull or hoe out.
• Keep the garden watered, since spurge likes dry soil.

• Perennial that spreads by seeds and thrives in low-nitrogen soil.
• Pull or hoe out.

• Perennial.
• Pull before it goes to seed, taking care to get all of the deep root.

• If you want to minimize weeding, consider using landscape fabric.
• Install it around trees, shrubs and perennials.
• Landscape fabric is porous, so it lets water and air to filter through.
• To install landscape fabric, lay it on the ground, unroll as much as you need and cut it to size. Then, cut a hole in the fabric at each location where you want to place a plant.
• After planting, cover each area thoroughly with at least eight centimetres (three inches) of mulch, so none of the fabric shows through.
• Landscape fabric is also good for use underneath non-permanent paths and patios, like those made with wood chips or gravel.