Our approach to weeding
Camden, in its role as land manger, has a legal obligation to:
- maintain the functionality, safety and look of the pavements and hard surfaces (such as our highways, roads, cobbled streets, and paved areas)
- prevent the spread of invasive weeds (e.g. Japanese Knotweed) from our land
If left unmanaged, weed networks can break up pavement surfaces (potentially tripping up pedestrians), trap litter and crowd out local plant life.
Our contractors use a variety of approaches to weeding on our streets, housing estates, parks and open spaces. Regular street sweeping; the focussed use of chemicals; and hand weeding all play a part, and are timed to coincide with expected weed growth.
Their operatives all receive the training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need to do the job safely.
The use of ‘weed killer’ is minimal and targeted in response to specific weed growth.
We do not 'broadcast spray' or use chemicals for the control of weeds (except Japanese Knotweed) in tree pits, flower or shrub beds, on lawns, or in nature conservation areas within the borough.
Email us about our weeding at street.environment@camden.gov.uk