Grass, shrubs, hedges and weeds
Grass
We cut the grass primarily to ensure that people can use the roads and pavements safely.
We cut grass areas on the public highway 12 times per year.
We do not cut grass on private properties.
Grass cutting is carried out from March to November, although weather conditions can influence this.
Grass clippings are not collected from grass areas during or after cutting. However clippings will be removed from footpaths and the highway to ensure that areas are left clean and tidy.
If grass has grown to block line of sight or to be a danger please complete our online form.
Shrubs
Shrub beds on the highway are pruned twice a year, but areas where there are proven sight line problems receive a further cut.
When shrub beds are cut, they are also weeded, cleaned and an approved herbicide applied.
If you know of a shrub bed that needs maintenance, has overgrown, been vandalised or has died please let us know.
Weeds
Weeds growing between paving slabs or along the edge of the road impact visually on an area and in the worst instance, cause damage to property.
The number of weeds growing increases throughout the months of spring due to the increase in temperature and sunlight.
From March through to October (weather permitting) steps are taken to remove weeds and prevent growth.
Spraying is carried out three times a year on public highways and footpaths by our weed spraying contractor SH Goss. It takes eight weeks to cover Havering.
This years weed spraying treatment plan started on 8 March and will continue through to October.
Approximately three weeks after the weeds are sprayed they will die off and turn brown.
Please let us know if you think an area has been missed and please provide a description of the problem. Please note we can only remove weeds from public areas.
See the weed treatment schedule
Hedges
Issues with a high hedge are often due to a private land owner not keeping the hedge trimmed.
Often it is about neighbours hedges overgrowing into your garden.
For information about issues with a high hedge and how you can request action please see our high hedges and hedgerows page.
Council housing residents
Grass and shrubs on Council estates are managed by the Homes and Housing team.
If you are aware of an issue with grass and shrubs on an estate please complete our Ask Housing form.