Find out about the opt out scheme we're offering for weed treatment this year, and how to apply.
Residents have the option to opt out of our 2026 weed management programme, and undertake manual weed control themselves.
Volunteering for the opt out scheme gives you and your neighbours the chance to:
The scheme runs once a year, before our citywide weed‑management programme begins. Even if your street took part last year, you’ll need to submit a new application for 2026.
View our weed management map to check if your street has opted out already. Streets that have opted out are shown in yellow.
We'll update this map when we receive new data.
To take part in the opt out your street must:
There will need to be a 'Lead Volunteer', who will take on key tasks.
When you apply, you'll become your street's 'Lead Volunteer'.
We'll provide you with weeding guidelines for weeding roads. You'll also need to:
Other residents in your street need to support opting out. We recommend you have, on average, one volunteer for every 10 properties on the street taking part in each weeding session. Volunteers need to be over 18 years of age.
If you do not have tools, we can support you by providing adequate weeding tools.
You'll need to commit to at least three rounds of weed removal. You need to keep footways clear, and immediately remove any weeds causing trip hazards or access issues.
We'll carry out regular checks of your street to make sure you're maintaining it to a satisfactory level. If you aren't, we may remove your street from the scheme and put it back into our weeding treatment programme.
To apply for the Weed Opt-out scheme you must:
If we receive multiple applications for the same street, we’ll accept the first successful one.
You need to make your application by 29 March 2026
If you have any questions on whether your street is eligible to opt out, or whether you have enough volunteers, contact our team:
Our team can provide advice and information about applying for our opt out scheme for weeds