Weed control in Swindon
We treat weeds on adopted public highways to help keep roads, pavements and public spaces safe, accessible and well maintained.
Our trained operatives use approved herbicides as part of a planned maintenance programme. Weed treatment focuses on gateway routes and other highway areas where weeds can affect safety, visibility or infrastructure.
What is a weed?
A weed is a plant growing in a location where it is not wanted. This means any plants growing in pavements and kerbs or around drains and street furniture.
Where we treat weeds
We are responsible for weed control on adopted public highways, including:
- public footways
- kerbs
- road edges and channels
- areas around street furniture, such as signs, bollards and bins
We are not responsible for weed control on:
- private land or property
- land owned by other public bodies or private organisations
- highways that have not been adopted by the council
If weeds are growing in these areas, the landowner is responsible for managing them.
Parish councils are responsible for weed control in their parish areas.
Why we control weeds
Weed treatment helps us:
- keep streets looking tidy
- reduce areas where litter can become trapped
- maintain visibility for road users
- prevent traffic signs and road markings from being obscured
- reduce damage to pavements and highway surfaces
Where are weeds treated?
We are responsible for gateway routes, across the borough.
This includes:
- public footways
- around street furniture such as signs, bollards and bins
- channels and edges of roads where weeds commonly grow
How often we treat weeds
As part of our highway maintenance programme, we conduct up to two weed treatment programmes each year across the areas of the highway network that are maintained by Swindon Borough Council. Treatment schedules are planned around the growing season, weather conditions and operational priorities to achieve the best results. The timing of treatments may vary according to weather conditions, weed growth and operational requirements.
In addition to the work carried out by Swindon Borough Council, local Parish Councils undertake grounds maintenance and environmental services within their own areas, including weed management.
How we prioritise treatment
We prioritise weed treatment where it may affect safety or cause damage to the highway.
This includes areas:
- near junctions
- at pedestrian crossings
- around road signs
- where weeds may damage road or pavement surfaces
This means some locations may be treated before others.
After weed treatment
Weeds do not die immediately after treatment. It can take several weeks for the weed killer to take full effect. During this time, weeds will gradually die back and turn brown.
Why we use herbicide treatment
Removing weeds by hand does not always remove the roots, particularly in paved areas. If roots remain, the weed can regrow.
Herbicide treatment reaches the root system, making it a more effective way to control weeds.
Is the weed treatment solution harmful to humans or animals?
We use approved herbicides that are safe when used correctly. These products are applied in controlled amounts by trained operatives.
Weed treatment products
We use Nomix, a glyphosate-based herbicide. Where we use contractors, they may use other named brands of glyphosate-based herbicides.
Report a weed problem
If you have seen weeds that may need attention, you can report them online.
Please provide as much detail as possible, including the location. This helps us assess and prioritise the area as part of our planned treatment programme.