Tackling weed growth following one of wettest springs on record

 Kent Highways has begun an intensive drive to tackle weeds on roads and pavements across the county after one of the wettest springs on record forced crews to postpone regular treatment.

The record rainfall has also boosted growth of the untreated weeds. Now crews are concentrating on spraying weeds across Kent.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, Bryan Sweetland, said:

“The spring months saw exceptionally high rainfall and we adjusted our work to take account of this. It meant postponing weed spraying, so that we didn’t waste money on weed killer that would simply have been washed away.

“We are now spraying weeds across the county. Once the spray takes effect, which usually takes within two to four weeks, we will return to the worst affected areas to remove and dispose of the larger dead weeds. I'm sure residents will notice an improvement very soon.”

A further spray will be undertaken during September and October with a special focus on targeting weed growth that has taken place since the first spray. This will help tackle the problems caused by the weather conditions, as well as restricting weed growth in the following growing season.

Kent County Council encourages communities to help with the maintenance of vegetation on roadsides in front of private homes and properties. Please see our website for useful information about how residents can help to control vegetation in their local area: www.kent.gov.uk/roads_and_transport/highway_maintenance/trees,_hedges_and_verges/trees_and_hedges.aspx.