How we treat weeds 
Bolton Council has a dedicated in-house weed spraying team. They carry out a weed spraying service on all council adopted roads and footpaths.
We aim to treat weeds at least twice a year between April and September. The operation can only be carried out on dry, windless days, so it is not possible to publish a programme.
The treatment must be applied to growing weeds and it can take up to three weeks to take effect, so there will be weeds visible before and shortly after applications.
Weed treatment on highway verges is carried out to prevent encroachment on paths. No other treatment is carried out to control weeds in grass verges.
Harmful or Invasive Weeds
Japanese Knotweed
When notified, we will treat to control Japanese Knotweed on council land where it occurs:
- Within 5m of the boundary to adjoining residential land
- If it poses a threat to sensitive wildlife habitats
- If established on an area to be designated for mowing
- If growing in an ornamental area
Specific site assessments need to be carried out by our team before the start of any treatment.
You can find more information and advice about Japanese Knotweed by visiting: Japanese knotweed / RHS Gardening.
If you need to report issues with Japanese Knotweed on council land, please email neighbourhoodservicesinbox@bolton.gov.uk.
Giant Hogweed
Contact with giant hogweed sap is dangerous and can cause severe skin burns.
We will treat the hogweed chemically or destroy it on accessible areas of council land.
Specific site assessments need to be carried out by our team before the start of any treatment.
If you need to report issues with Giant Hogweed on council land, please email neighbourhoodservicesinbox@bolton.gov.uk.
You can find more information and advice about Giant Hogweed by visiting: Giant hogweed / RHS Gardening.
Giant Hogweed is often confused with similar looking harmless hedgerow plants such as Common Hogweed and Cow Parsley.
Use our guide to help identify giant hogweed.
Himalayan Balsam
We do not treat Himalayan Balsam as this is not a danger to the public.
However, you can find more information and advice about Himalayan Balsam by visiting: Himalayan balsam / RHS Gardening