Grounds maintenance
We do all we can to ensure grassed and planted areas are kept neat and tidy for the enjoyment of residents and to benefit our wildlife.
Grass cutting
We are responsible for cutting and maintenance of grass on land and public spaces we own. This may include our housing estates, verges alongside roads, parks, and other open spaces.
We try to ensure that verges are safe and unobstructed at road junctions where clear visibility for motorists and pedestrians is crucial.
Grass cutting takes place on a schedule once every three weeks from the beginning of April to the end of October. We may not deal with grass cutting requests outside of this schedule unless the issue is causing a hazard or blocking access.
Some large open grassland areas that are not formally used for sport or leisure will only be regularly cut along the edges of footpaths and roads.
Some grass verges have rare or endangered species of flora and fauna. In these instances, the grass cutting programme is tailored to minimise the impact on local wildlife.
Weeds
Weeds on footpaths and roadsides are treated with a non-toxic herbicide on a schedule from April to October each year. We may not deal with weed removal requests unless they are causing a hazard or blocking access.
Hedges, shrubs and bushes
We will not carry out any work which may harm nesting birds or destroy their nests between April and October. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. We will not deal with requests outside of this period unless the issue is causing a hazard or blocking access.
Any works will be carried out on a programmed work schedule which is normally done throughout the autumn and winter months.
If a hedge is causing an obstruction on a road or footpath, please use our trees or hedges affecting road or footpath safety form to report it to us.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive rapidly growing plant. The plant suppresses all other growth and can affect walls, pavements and building foundations. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.
We are responsible for treating Japanese knotweed on our own land and for preventing it spreading.
We have a Japanese Knotweed schedule which we run annually as it can spread rapidly if not controlled.
We are not responsible for dealing with weeds, including invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed, on other organisations' land or on domestic properties. However, in all cases of Japanese Knotweed we will inspect the issue whether on private land or not. If it is on private land, we will inform and advise on what treatments or precautions are needed.
Under no circumstances should Japanese Knotweed be disposed of in your garden waste or recycling bins. Please use a specialist contractor.