Weed control

We control weeds on roads, pavements and other paved areas on adopted roads in Cheshire East.

How we deal with weeds

We do not routinely spray weeds on the highway. This is because of cost and effectiveness.

We will consider action if weeds:

block visibility
affect drainage
make it hard to pass

We remove weeds using mechanical methods (for example cutting or pulling).

This work is usually carried out in road channels, kerb edges, pavements and alleyways next to walls or fences, footpaths and link paths.

Harmful and invasive weeds

We have a legal duty to control certain harmful and invasive weeds on the highway (defined by law and regulation).

We treat invasive 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.

Your responsibility as a landowner

If you own or occupy land, you must control invasive weeds on your property and stop them spreading.

If you do not take action, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) can:

arrange for the work to be done
recover the cost from you

For a complete list of invasive non-native plant species and detailed information on legal responsibilities, visit the UK Govenment's guidance on invasive non-native plant species.

You can report any sightings of invasive weeds on the highway, which include:

Japanese knotweed