Weed control

Part of: Leaves, grass and weeds

Contents

We are responsible for weed control and weed spraying on the public highway, which includes roads, pavements, kerbs, and grids (gullies). 

Once an area has been sprayed, it takes roughly seven to ten days for weeds to die off. 

What we do

  • We spray weeds in the warmer months using a low-toxicity herbicide (Glyphosate).
  • As part of our commitment to reducing glyphosate spraying, we use technology that only targets areas where there are weeds.

What we don't do

  • We don't maintain privately owned land or land that is the responsibility of a social landlord. If you are concerned about invasive plants on private land, visit the GOV.UK website for advice.
  • We don't spray weeds when it's windy or wet.
  • We don't use weed spray in our public parks, green spaces, grass verges, and cemeteries. This means grass is left to grow around them for longer.

Opt out of weed spraying

You or your community can adopt local tree pits (where trees are planted on pavements) to plant flowers. If you do, you can request that they not be sprayed with herbicides. 

Residents on a street can also collectively request to opt out of routine weed spraying as long as the whole community agrees to manage the weeds themselves. This is not an option for individual properties.

To opt out of weed spraying, contact us online and specify the exact area. We will then consider your request.

Opt out of weed spraying

2026 Weeding programme

Trafford’s 21 wards will be weeded in the following order:

  1. Lostock and Barton, Ashton upon Mersey, Broadheath
  2. Gorse Hill and Cornbrook, Sale Central, Timperley North
  3. Old Trafford, Sale Moor, Timperley Central
  4. Longford, Brooklands, Hale Barns and Timperley South
  5. Stretford and Humphrey Park, Manor, Hale
  6. Urmston, Bucklow St. Martins, Altrincham
  7. Davyhulme, Bowdon
  8. Flixton