Roads and footpaths

Street and footpath maintenance | Weed control | Street cleaning

Weed control

Weed eating

Auckland City Council is responsible for the control of weeds in our street gardens and berms.

A 95 per cent city wide 'chemical free' vegetation (weed) control programme is currently in place as outlined by the Weed Management Strategy. This is being achieved by using mechanical, manual and/or organic herbicide control methods. The most common herbicide currently used is Greenscape - a fatty acid product derived from coconut oil. It has an unusual odour which is mildly persistent. The product is sold under two trade names: Yates 'Greenscape' and as Agpro Biosafe.

Neither of these organic herbicides has so far shown any negative effect on people with sensitivity to synthetic herbicides.

The synthetic herbicide Glyphosate (commonly sold as Round-up) may still be used in small amounts to control noxious and extremely invasive weed species as a spot spray from backpack sprayers. Public notification is not required for spot spray applications. In the event of a need for a chemical application to a large area a public notice will be put in City Scene at least one week before application.