Physical

• For the gardener or smallholder, weeds can be controlled by the use of hand tools, harrow, mower, strimmer or flame gun. The decision to use physical control may be influenced by the type of crops being grown, the density and variety of problem weeds, and the available time.
  
  

Smothering

• Weeds can be smothered using mulches. These can be dense, low-growing annuals through which a taller crop can grow; tree bark and similar organic cover; or sheets of natural or artificial material spread over the soil. Plastic sheets and straw mulches have been used in strawberry cultivation for many years.
  
  

Chemical

• Weeds can be effectively controlled by using chemical herbicides. There are two basic types, selective and non-selective. Lawn weedkillers are selective in that they only kill broadleaf weeds. Non-selective herbicides kill any plant that they come into contact with. Chemicals may break down into harmless substances in the soil (as with glyphosphate) or be residual (such as Dichlobenil) and of use for long-term weed control on paths.