Controlling weeds
Our chemical weed treatment programme, covering 244 parishes, was reinstated in 2024 and has started to bring weed growth under control. However, regular and ongoing treatments will be essential to prevent regrowth and to stop woody perennials from establishing in kerb edges and damaging the highway network.
The first treatments in 2024 helped reduce weed coverage across the county, particularly in areas where growth had become excessive due to the gap in treatment. Going forward, maintaining a consistent programme will be key to preventing persistent weeds from taking hold and ensuring a safer, cleaner streetscape.
The chemical treatments are applied twice a year in built-up areas within 40mph zones or lower, directly targeting weeds growing in road gullies and along the back of footways adjacent to buildings, walls, or fences. Typically, it takes three to five weeks for the treatment to take full effect.
While some communities prefer to minimise chemical use, many support a proactive approach to managing weeds effectively. A small number of areas—Cambridge City Council, Caxton, Duxford, Lolworth, and Morborne Parish Councils—have opted out of the chemical weed treatment programme.
Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor weed growth across the county and ensure that problem areas receive the necessary treatment to maintain control. This year’s treatment programme is due to start by the end of March and continue throughout the year. The proposed programme dates will be added before the treatment programme starts and updated as each area receives treatment. Regular reviews will be conducted to assess effectiveness and update the list of parishes receiving treatment accordingly.
How does the council deal with weeds?
Chemical weed treatment is applied directly to any weeds in the gullies of roads and at the back of footways abutting a building, wall, or fence line. A period of about three to five weeks is typically required for the weed treatment to take effect. Subsequently, road sweepers are deployed to remove dead weeds from the gullies. In cases where weeds persist at the back of footways, we will work with district councils' street cleansing teams and our own contractors to ensure any persistent weeds are removed.
Do you spray treatment on weeds growing on private land?
We will not apply treatment where private land. such as lawns and shrub/flower beds, meets the footway.
Do you go out in all weathers?
If rain is forecast we will not carry out treatment on that day as the treatment needs time to dry on the plant to take full effect. The weed treatment schedule is weather-dependent, and the schedule published is subject to change. However, we will make every endeavour to keep to the published timetable as we appreciate how vital the weed treatment programme is.
How can I report weed growth in my area?
You can report any issues relating to weed growth to the Green Infrastructure team by emailing greeninfrastructure@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by using our highways reporting tool, reports received through this tool will be assessed within 10 working days.
We appreciate your assistance and cooperation to keep weed growth under control.
What can I do to prevent weed growth?
Weeds grow in the debris that builds up on the side the road next to the gullies. With regular sweeping the debris does not build up and the weeds have less chance of surviving. If you can keep the section of kerb outside of your property clear of debris by sweeping, this will help us to reduce the amount of herbicides we need to use.
What impact does the chemical weed treatment have on the environment?
It is important to note that the assessment of the environmental impact of specific chemicals is complex and subject to ongoing scientific research and regulatory evaluation. The county council consider all points raised regarding the use of herbicide. We consult with relevant experts and regulatory bodies and make informed decisions on the use of chemical weed spraying, taking into account both the benefits of weed control and the potential environmental risks.
