Weed control
We are responsible for weed control on roads, footways and paved areas on all adopted roads in Cheshire East.
Routine weed control
We have a routine programme of weed spraying covering all public roads, footways and paved areas. We spray at least once a year. and the programme is due to start on the 18 May 2020, subject to weather conditions. Where needed, we spray again, usually in Autumn.
Our treatments normally only work on contact with established plants - they can't stop new weeds from growing. The treatments also are only effective in dry weather, so rain can cause delays to spraying plans.
Problem weeds
We have a legal duty to control certain harmful and invasive weeds on the highway. We welcome reports of these weeds, which are:
Japanese knotweed - we have a list of known Japanese knotweed sites and treat them every
year.
Ragwort (which can kill cows and horses)
We treat these weeds as soon as possible once we know about them. This may be by a combination of repeated applications of weedkiller and removal by hand.
Where landowners or occupiers have these weeds on their property, they have a duty to control the weeds and stop them spreading. If they refuse, DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) can take appropriate action and charge the costs to the land owner or occupier concerned.
Report problem weeds
You can report problem weeds online.
Report problem weeds