A weed growing from brickwork and causing damage

Last spring and summer, trials took place in the Lady Bay area to look at alternative ways of treating weeds. This was undertaken in response to the recommendation from the Highway Services Review to investigate alternative weed spraying treatments/regimes.

There were four weed control zones, each using a different control method.

Results were affected predominantly by the weather. July and August saw the sixth driest summer on record. This meant weeds in the trial zones received less water, inhibiting their growth and germination.

Of the methods available in the first trial, the recommendation was to continue exploring the potential of the ‘Spray On demand’ and single Glyphosate application techniques.

The trial will comprise two different weed treatment zones monitored weekly. More information on the trial along with a map of the streets included can be found at our website

The trial is now underway and will run until the end of the year.

The saying goes that “weeds are wild plants in the wrong place!”. They may have benefits for wildlife in the garden and can aerate soil with their roots. They can also produce beautiful flowers and add interest to sites. However, many people find them unsightly.

Weeds are only an issue when they begin to damage the surface of the road, or in footways where they make surfaces uneven causing trips and falls or force users to move out into the road. Weeds can also force their way into walls and fences causing damage and making the structures dangerous. Weed problems such as these should be reported to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We know that residents have concerns around weeds in their neighbourhood but also around the methods used to control them.”

“We are particularly keen to further explore our initial findings that natural features of the area, such as shade and temperature, can help to manage the weeds.

“The trial does not mean weed treatment will stop entirely. If residents have concerns about dangerous weeds causing damage to the highway or a danger to people in their area, we encourage them to report the issue and we will investigate.

“Please bear in mind that it can take a while for a weed to die away completely, even after treatment. It’s best to wait for up to six weeks before reporting a site again. We will monitor the area weekly as part of the trial.”

Issues with weeds, grass cutting, trees and hedges can all be reported by calling the Customer Services Centre on 0300 500 8080 or by using the website or MyNotts App.