Controlling weeds across Milton Keynes

We are working to reduce the use of pesticides across the city. The term ‘pesticide’ includes pesticides and herbicides, commonly known as weedkiller. 

How do we do this?

Weed control methods:

• We use chipped pruning waste as mulch to suppress weeds and reduce drought effects.
• Herbicides are used minimally when no other cost-effective options are available.
• All our staff using herbicides are certified.

Weed control on roads and footpaths:

• We spray herbicides from May to September, and the weeds are removed about two weeks later.
• The herbicides used are safe and break down in the soil to prevent pollution.

Private land weed control:

• Landowners must control certain weeds as required by the Weeds Act 1959.
• We focus on controlling Common Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed to prevent damage and spread.

What we expect from our contractors 

• Use only approved herbicides and comply with all relevant legislation, regulations and best practice guidance.
• Herbicides will be actively used within shrub beds where year-round weed control is required to maintain plant health, appearance and accessibility.
• Our approach is to target herbicide use where it delivers the greatest operational and aesthetic benefit, while reducing unnecessary applications in lower-priority areas.
• Routine herbicide spraying beneath hedges, around tree bases and in locations away from high-use public areas will be avoided wherever possible, supporting a more natural vegetation cover and enhancing biodiversity. 

Areas responsible for their own maintenance are listed on the Devolved Parishes page.

Report weeds in play areas, parks and open spaces 

Weed control on private land, The Weeds Act 1959 requires that five specified weeds are controlled. The landowners are responsible for the control of the weeds listed below. 

• common ragwort – senecio jacobaea
• broad-leaved dock – rumex obtusifolius
• curled dock – rumex crispus
• creeping thistle – cirsium arvense
• spear thistle 

Identifying injurious weeds can be difficult and the council aims to limit the growth and spread of Common Ragwort on its highways, parks and open spaces in accordance with The Weeds Act 1959. 

Japanese Knotweed is a particularly invasive plant which can cause damage to property as well as rapidly spreading in the environment - it is important that landowners try to prevent the spread of harmful and invasive weeds.