Weed management we did in 2025

What we did in 2025

In 2024, the council introduced Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) as the main method for treating weeds on hard surfaces. 

CDA uses significantly less glyphosate by applying small, targeted doses mixed with oil. Although the rollout started later than planned, delivery improved in 2025, with earlier treatments, a focus on streets where weeds were present, and follow‑up clearance by Street Cleansing Teams. While CDA has environmental benefits, challenges included weather disruption, parked cars limiting access, reduced effectiveness on woody weeds and some regrowth.

Exclusion zones were also expanded, where glyphosate is avoided and weeds are removed manually. Trials in Hangleton showed manual methods can be effective initially but are labour‑intensive and much slower than CDA.

An Opt‑Out Scheme was trialled to enable residents to manage weeds on their own streets with council support. Participation varied, but feedback helped identify improvements.

Alternative herbicides and traditional spraying were assessed, but none offered a better balance of cost, effectiveness and environmental impact. CDA therefore remains the recommended primary method.