Weed Control - Highways
How are weeds controlled?
Weeds are controlled using environmentally friendly but effective herbicides. When the herbicide is applied to a weed, usually by spraying, it works its way through the plant killing it completely in about 3 - 4 weeks. On contact with soil it breaks down into harmless substances.
This type of herbicide is known as a non-residual translocated herbicide.
The herbicides used in Surrey have a very low toxicity to humans, animals and insects and can be used in areas open to the public and their pets.
In areas close to water courses and reservoirs, herbicides are not used.
Surrey Heath Borough Council carries out spraying of highway hard surface areas on behalf of Surrey County Council who regularly consult with independent experts for advice on weed control and related issues. This ensures that the practice is fully up to date with changes in legislation, herbicide recommendations and commercial use.
Where are weeds treated?
All kerbs and gullies in residential roads are treated to control weeds. The back of the footway is treated when necessary, such as when the path is immediately adjacent to a wall or building.
Surrey County Council are responsible for weed growth in soft verges and shrub areas.
When are weeds treated?
Most residential roads in Surrey are treated once a year in the spring, with a second application later in the year.
The sprays are timed to coincide with the weed growth for maximum control.
The County Council monitors contractors involved in spraying herbicides.
Common Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea)
Common Ragwort is the only species of ragwort that is a notifiable weed.
Grazers of livestock are asked to avoid grazing where Common Ragwort is present, as it is poisonous to livestock, even after it has been treated or conserved.
If an area becomes infested with Common Ragwort then a notice can be served on the land owner/occupier requiring action to be taken to remove it.
For More Information
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Opens in a new window (DEFRA)
Japanese Knotweed
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant during the 1800s. It is commonly found today along railway lines, riverbanks, roads and footpaths, in graveyards, on derelict sites or anywhere that it has been dumped, dropped or deposited.
What does it look like?
Japanese Knotweed forms dense clumps up to 3 metres in height. It has large, oval green leaves and a stem that is hollow and similar to bamboo. Usually in early spring (although it can be later in the year) the plant produces fleshy red tinged shoots. These can reach a height of 1.5 metres by May and 3 metres by June.
Why is it a problem?
Japanese Knotweed grows pretty much anywhere, from field edges to sand dunes, through tarmac and out of lampposts. The speed with which it has spread to all parts of the UK has been spectacular when you consider that it does not leave seeds behind but grows from pieces of the plant or root system that is cut and transported by people or by water.
Because Japanese Knotweed does not originate in the UK, its does not compete fairly with our native species and is able to spread unchecked. Once established, Japanese Knotweed shades out native plants by producing a dense canopy of leaves early in the growing season. Although Japanese Knotweed is not toxic to humans, animals or other plants, it offers a poor habitat for native insects, birds and mammals.
What are the environmental issues associated with Japanese Knotweed?
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 / Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 it is an offence "to plant or otherwise encourage" the growth of Japanese Knotweed. This could include cutting the plant or roots and disturbing surrounding soil if not correctly managed.
Any Japanese Knotweed polluted soil or plant material that you discard, intend to discard or are required to discard is classed as 'controlled waste' and should be accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation (use link to 'Duty of Care Opens in a new window') .
For further information contact the Surrey Contact Centre on 08456 009 009 or contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk
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