Weed control

Perennial weeds in the road channel and footways are sprayed twice per year.
The first treatment is usually completed by mid June, and includes all adopted highways, footways and paved areas. The treatment is only effective on existing weed growth and during dry weather.

The second treatment is programmed as required, but is usually carried out in September.

Cheshire East Council has a statutory duty to control harmful/noxious weeds on the highway such as broad leaf dock, creeping thistle, curled dock, spear thistle and ragwort. These weeds tend to grow in grass verges at the side of the road and are controlled using a targeted treatment. One of the more common harmful weeds is ragwort, most notable by its distinctive yellow flowers which bloom from July to October. Unfortunately, it can prove fatal to cattle if ingested. It is treated by a combination of targeted applications of weedkiller in the early part of the growing season and removal by hand later in the season if required.

Notifiable weeds such as giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed can occur in numerous locations across the highway network. Known locations will be treated as well as others identified through reports from members of the public.

We use environment-friendly chemicals which require repeated applications to control the weeds. These normally only work on contact with established plants and their effectiveness is reduced by rainfall.