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 an annual programme of weed spraying covering all public roads, footways and paved areas.

We start the programme in the south of the borough and move northwards. The treatments are only effective in dry weather, so rain can cause delays to spraying plans and this might change where we spray.

Our treatments normally only work on contact with established plants - they can't stop new weeds from growing.

We use Glyphosate to treat most weeds and we strim around street furniture. Although Glyphosate is safe if used under manufacturer’s instructions and by trained personnel, we are looking at other options.

Problem weeds

We have a legal duty to control certain harmful and invasive weeds on the highway.

We treat these types of weeds where there is a risk to highway users, adjacent landowners or livestock. 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.

We welcome reports of these weeds, which are:

Japanese knotweed