Page contents
- How to report overgrown weeds on the highway
- Why we control weeds
- How we control weeds
- What is a weed?
- Weeds on grass verges
- Invasive and injurious weeds
How to report overgrown weeds on the highway
To report an issue with weeds, please use our online form (also for trees and hedges):
Report weeds causing a safety risk
Why we control weeds
Surrey County Council is responsible for weed control and the management of invasive or injurious weeds across most of the county’s highway network. The purpose of weed control is to keep pavements and roads safe, accessible and in good condition. Weeds can damage surfaces, block drains and make walking routes more difficult, particularly for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and those with mobility needs.
How we control weeds
Weed control on the highway is carried out by specialist vegetation management businesses appointed by the Council. Treatment focuses on areas where weed growth can cause the most maintenance and safety issues, including pavements, kerb edges on residential roads, and path edges next to walls or buildings where necessary. Most residential roads are treated twice a year, although the exact timing may vary depending on local conditions and weather. Spring treatment typically begins in mid-April and continues for around two months, followed by a late-summer treatment beginning in mid-August to manage later growth and regrowth.
Street sweeping and cleansing, which can help manage debris that contributes to regrowth, is carried out by local borough and district councils. Where possible, these activities are coordinated between authorities.
The herbicide sprays used by the Council’s service providers are approved non-selective products that contain glyphosate. These target an enzyme found only in plants and are effective against a broad range of weeds, including invasive species. Approved herbicides undergo scientific assessment by regulators to ensure they are safe for people, animals, wildlife and the environment when used correctly. The Council does not spray everywhere; instead, a targeted spot-treatment approach is used to minimise herbicide use.
Residents may notice weeds returning after treatment because herbicides only treat existing plants, not seeds. Regrowth can occur if dirt and debris accumulate on roads and pavements.
What is a weed?
A “weed” refers to any plant growing where it is not wanted, including vegetation in pavements, kerbs, or surrounding drains, signs, posts and other street furniture.
Weeds on grass verges
Weeds on grass verges are not sprayed. They are controlled through routine grass cutting, and wildflowers are allowed to grow.
Invasive and Injurious weeds
The Council is legally required to manage certain invasive plants under relevant legislation, which makes it an offence to allow specified species—such as Japanese Knotweed—to spread to neighbouring land. Where these invasive species are recorded, action is taken to prevent their spread. The Council also treats injurious weeds like Giant Hogweed to protect people, animals and the environment, and removes Ragwort where it poses a significant risk of spreading to land used for grazing or animal feed.
Invasive and injurious weeds are treated twice a year using methods such as spraying or stem injection. Each treatment is recorded and continues until the weeds are fully controlled. Decisions about weed management are guided by legislation, environmental best practice and expert advice, and methods are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain safe, effective and up to date.