Weed control
On behalf of the local highway authority, the Council is
responsible for weed control on hard surfaces on
the public highway throughout the borough, for example:
- Public Footpaths
- Kerbs / Channels
- Cycletracks
- Underpasses
The Council does not treat
land that is:
- Privately owned
- On properties/estates owned by bodies other
than the Council
How is weed control carried out in the Borough of
Broxbourne?
The chemicals used by local authorities is
strictly controlled and reviewed by DEFRA (the Department of
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). Weeds on hard surfaces
are treated two/three times a year. The weed killer used is a
contact herbicide which is a Glyphosate mix; it can only act on
weeds that have already emerged above ground level and is absorbed
through the leaves into the plant. When the weeds are growing the
herbicide should take effect in approximately 7-10 days.
The benefits of the contact herbicide are that
it does not contaminate the soil and water table and does not harm
wildlife or pets. It is important to note that the weed killer
cannot be used:
- in extreme weather conditions - for instance in hot
temperatures weed control has to be halted due to evaporation of
the spray
- if there is risk of rain - because the weed
killer would be washed off before it could be absorbed by the
weed
- if it is too windy - the herbicide could
drift on to the adjacent land and cause damage
In certain circumstances where the weeds have
grown very large, they may be strimmed or manually removed
instead.
Who carries out weed control in the Borough of Broxbourne?
Broxbourne Services, the Council’s in-house
contractor, carries out the specialist activity of weed spraying
and where appropriate removal by hand.
Reporting problems with weed control
To report a problem with weed control on hard surfaces in the
Borough of Broxbourne, please complete the
online report form. Alternatively you can contact the Council’s
Helpline on 01992 785555.
Your report will be investigated within five
working days and appropriate action taken, which may involve manual
removal and/or targeted spraying.