Page contents
- Grass cutting programme
- Grass cutting in urban areas
- Grass cutting in rural areas
- High-speed roads
- Fire risk
- Grass cuttings and vehicles
- Blue Heart Scheme
- Apply to maintain a grass verge
- How to report a grass cutting issue
- Litter and Dog fouling
- Parking on verges problems
- Weed control responsibilities
Grass cutting programme
Surrey County Council is responsible for maintaining grass across most of the county’s highway network, including coordinating grass‑cutting on high‑speed roads.
The annual cutting programme begins in February to stay ahead of spring growth and runs through to November. During this period, we deliver:
- Six cuts in urban areas
- Two cuts in rural areas
- Two cuts on high‑speed roads (dual carriageways of 40mph or above)
Please see our grass cutting programme.
You can also now access our grass cutting map for information.
Grass can appear short at times but grows rapidly throughout the season. Cutting early and regularly allows us to manage this growth efficiently and prevents verges from becoming overgrown.
Grass cutting in urban areas
Urban grass cutting is carried out in residential areas using a ride‑on mower where possible, followed by strimming in areas the mower cannot reach. Any cut grass that ends up on footways or roads is then blown back onto the verge and spread safely. Cuttings may, at times, remain temporarily on pavements or roads. This is because mowing teams work ahead of blowing teams, who may follow up to 30 minutes later. Wet weather can also make clearing cuttings more difficult, although every effort is made to keep public areas clear.
Grass cutting in rural areas
Rural grass cutting is completed using a tractor with a side‑arm flail, trimming vegetation one to two metres from the highway or footway, with additional cutting carried out to maintain visibility where required.
High-speed roads
High‑speed roads are cut twice a year due to the need for traffic management, which is essential to protect both road users and maintenance crews. High-speed roads can be viewed on our grass cutting map.
Fire risk
There is no evidence to suggest that longer or dry grass increases fire risk; reducing ignition sources such as litter and smoking materials is far more important. Grass cuttings are left on verges because collecting them would significantly increase costs, labour, disposal requirements, and carbon emissions.
Grass cuttings and vehicles
We do not collect grass cuttings following mowing but they should be spread evenly over the surface. Any cuttings on the footpaths after mowing will be blown back onto the verge.
We acknowledge and understand the advantages of removing grass cutting but raking up, loading, transporting and getting rid of grass cuttings would also increase the cost of the grass cutting substantially.
We're aware there can be concerns about grass cuttings blocking drainage, increasing risk of flooding. We will always endeavour to blow cuttings off of footpaths and highways, but if grass does fall into a gulley it will quickly degrade.
There can sometimes be short term implications if matted grass sits on top of a gulley grating, temporarily restricting water from getting in, similar to large leaves in the autumn, but it is rare for this to be an issue.
Residents should be aware that the council does not cover cleaning costs for vehicles affected by grass during verge cutting, as parking on public roads is at the owner’s risk.
On occasion, tyre marks may be visible after cutting, especially in wet conditions and our service providers will avoid very wet areas where possible.
Blue heart scheme
Verges marked with Blue Heart signs are managed specifically for wildlife and biodiversity. These areas are only cut and collected at the end of the growing season. Spring‑flowering bulbs are also protected, with cutting delayed for 6–8 weeks after flowering.
Apply to maintain a grass verge
If a resident wishes to maintain a highway verge themselves then they can apply for a cultivation licence.
How to report a grass cutting issue in your area
We are responsible for cutting grass across roads and footpaths in Surrey. To report an issue, please use our online form:
(Please note: we do not cut grass or resolve issues with grass or weeds on private property.)
Litter and Dog fouling
Litter on verges or central reservations is the responsibility of the district and boroughs councils. We will work closely with them to ensure that, wherever possible, litter picking can be carried out before we cut the grass.
Dog fouling remains the responsibility of pet owners and should be reported to the district and boroughs councils.
Parking on verges problem
For help with the issue of parking on grass verges, please see our protecting grass verges page.
Weed control responsibilities
We are responsible for weed control across the whole county including the treatment of noxious weeds. Read more about weed control.
To report an issue with weeds, please use our online form Tell us about a weed issue.