We are responsible for cutting grass and trimming hedges and shrubs on public land in the city.
Use our form to tell us if you notice:
- long grass that needs cutting
- overgrown plants affecting a footpath or public area
- a fallen branch on public land
Our form to report overgrown vegetation or a fallen branch is not working at the moment. Please phone us to tell us where you have seen the problem and we’ll report it for you.
Grass cutting
We usually cut grass on a fortnightly cycle from March to October. Grass cutting takes place between 7.30am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
We leave some grass areas uncut to support biodiversity, improve habitats for wildlife and encourage pollinating insects. To learn more, read long grass areas on parks. Read weed management to find out how we manage weeds.
If we have planted naturalising bulbs in a grass area, we will cut the grass six to eight weeks after they have flowered so they can regenerate for the following season. Regular mowing resumes after this.
We manage some open spaces as meadow areas, which can contain wildflowers. We usually cut these areas after the main flowering season to support pollinators and wildlife.
Hedge and shrub maintenance
How often we cut hedges depends on the type and location of the hedge.
We avoid cutting hedges during the main bird-nesting season from 1 April to 31 July, unless there is a safety concern. Where work is required, we check for nesting birds before cutting begins.
We maintain shrub beds to provide attractive planting and good ground cover. We prune shrubs as needed to maintain their health and prevent obstruction of paths, sightlines and public spaces.
Private land
If trees, hedges or shrubs from private land are obstructing a road, pavement or highway, please report the issue to the county council.
For problems involving vegetation on private land that is not affecting the highway, you should contact the landowner directly.
There is a separate process to follow if you have an issue with a neighbour’s high hedge.
