Gardens provide an important recreational resource in the human environment.
They are enjoyed as places of leisure and where ornamental and food crops can be grown as a hobby. Unfortunately, domestic gardens also attract a whole range of pests which may damage fruit, vegetables or ornamentals. Such plants are also at risk from fungal attack which can spoil ornamental flowers or kill off vegetable plants and damage fruit. Garden weeds are unsightly and compete with more valuable plants for light, nutrients and moisture. Weeds can also damage paths and drives, which if left untreated could require substantial repair.