Grass, shrubs, hedges and weeds
We cut the grass primarily to ensure that people can use the roads and pavements safely.
We cut grass areas on the public highway approximately 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 blown back onto a grass verge 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.
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.
At certain times of the year we may be unable to undertake work due to the risk any treatment may disturb nesting birds.
The bird nesting season runs between March and September each year. This is in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
We only maintain hedges on council land. Typically these are hedges on council housing estates or down rural roads.
If a council maintained hedge is blocking sight lines or is a danger please complete our online form.
At certain times of the year we may be unable to undertake work due to the risk any treatment may disturb nesting birds.
The bird nesting season runs between March and September each year. This is in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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.
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. See our treatment schedule.
Spraying is carried out three times a year on public highways and footpaths.
Our weed spraying is conducted by our partner FCC through an external weed contractor.
It takes eight weeks to cover Havering and about 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.
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.