We recognise that weeds play a role in biodiversity, providing places to live and food for different species.
As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we embrace the idea that some level of weed presence is natural and beneficial. By balancing safety with respect for nature, we aim to create a healthier, more vibrant community.
Where we remove weeds from
We’re responsible for treating and removing weeds on all council-owned land, which includes:
- Roads and pavements
- Kerbs and gullies
- Public footpaths
- Parks and public open spaces
- Cemeteries and memorial gardens
We do not remove weeds:
- On land that's privately owned.
- On properties owned by any other housing association or private landlord. You should also speak to them directly if you have a question about getting rid of your weeds. View contact details for housing associations in the borough
Report weeds that may cause a trip hazard
We prioritise the manual removal of weeds only when they pose a trip hazard.
If you know of an area where weeds may cause a trip hazard, you can report it to us
Report weeds that may cause a trip hazard
Report Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds
Plants not native to the United Kingdom such as Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed are highly invasive as they have no natural enemies to control them. Invasive weeds can be more problematic than native weeds as they can displace native species and disrupt local ecosystems.
Many invasive weeds grow and reproduce quickly and can be difficult to get rid of. Find a list of invasive plant species and more information on GOV.UK
We take the removal of invasive weeds on public land seriously. If you find what you think are invasive weeds on public land, please report this to us
Report Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds
What we do to manage weeds in the borough
We treat weeds 3 times a year. We can’t treat weeds when it’s wet or windy but we try to follow a set schedule when the weather allows.
- Apply a first weed treatment between March and May
- Apply a second weed treatment between May and July
- Apply a third weed treatment between July and September
Why we remove weeds
We remove weeds in the borough for:
- Appearance – weeds detract from the overall appearance of an area
- Safety – weed growth can make road signs hard to see for road users, block drains and cause trip hazards
- Physical structure – weed growth can destroy road paving, force apart kerbs and crack walls
How we remove weeds
We usually treat weeds with herbicides that are safe to use without harming humans, animals or insects.
We carry out spot checks and assessments across the borough to decide what areas need treating.
For the treatment to be effective there must be weeds visible above the ground as our spray treatment works only on contact with the weeds directly. Once treated, the weeds should start to die off within 10-14 days.