Weed control

Find out how we control weeds in Wellington City.

Spraying and chemical practices

The Council uses Glyphosate 360 (Roundup). This is one of the most commonly used garden herbicides and has a low toxicity level. 

Roundup is used to spray the cities hard surfaces (for example, asphalt) as part of road maintenance contracts. It's also used for weed control in a variety of locations. 

We have strict controls in place around what can be sprayed and the times that spraying can take place. 

These include:

  • Weather conditions: We continually monitor the weather when spraying, as we cannot spray if the wind speed exceeds 10 knots.
  • Equipment: The spray equipment we use is designed to apply the minimum amount of spray by having adjustable low flow nozzles. 
  • Time limitations: We have limits around the times that spraying takes place near schools, playgrounds and kindergartens.
  • Pedestrian levels: Spraying is done when there are low pedestrian levels.
  • Staff and contractors safety: All staff and contractors are required to wear appropriate levels of protection for what they are spraying to comply with health and safety regulations. 

All work with this agrichemical is completed by suitably qualified people (including Council staff and contractors) holding Growsafe and Approved Handlers Certification.

While we continue to monitor the alternatives to the use of agrichemicals, at this stage we do not have suitable alternatives that protect and maintain infrastructural assets, ensure public safety, and protect our natural environment from invasive or difficult-to-control weed species.

No Spray Register

If you don't want herbicides applied to the road frontage outside your property, you can request to be added to our No Spray Register. Those currently on the No Spray Register can also request to be removed.

If your application is accepted and you're added to the No Spray Register, it'll be your responsibility to maintain and control weeds in the agreed areas.

Apply online