Grass cutting and hedge maintenance

We cut around 560 hectares (1,381 acres) of grass. This includes verges in residential areas, rural verges and areas at road junctions so drivers can see clearly. We have different cutting standards for rural and urban verges.

Grass cutting in urban areas

We cut verges, roundabouts and traffic islands in built-up areas (urban areas). The current policy is to cut grass in urban areas five times a year.

Grass cutting in rural areas

In rural areas we cut grass twice a year, sometimes more if the length of grass could affect road safety. We aim to maintain the balance between pedestrian and driver safety and protecting the environment.

Roadside verges provide a habitat for many rare species, which need to be protected. These are identified and marked out for special maintenance. We will not cut these areas between 1 March – 31 August.

It is important to cut verges in rural areas regularly to:

• maintain visibility, particularly at junctions
• prevent grass overhanging roads and pavements
• stop road signs being covered
• provide a strip of verge for pedestrians to walk on
• reduce the chance of shrubs such as brambles taking hold.

Maintaining hedges

Most roadside hedges are the responsibility of the landowner. If we notice overhanging hedges during a routine inspection, or receive a complaint, we will ask the landowner to cut them back.

However, we do maintain some hedges on highway land and will cut them as necessary.

Your questions answered

Why are grass clippings not removed?
The clippings are relatively short and mulch down quickly which slows down regrowth. Raking up, loading, transporting and getting rid of them would increase the cost by around 12 times.

Do you cut grass in all rural areas?
We don't cut grass in all rural areas as it is simply not practical. We don't cut steep slopes and embankments unless they are directly next to a road, and then only if the vegetation would hang over the road. We cut verges next to any pavements.

I have a grass verge outside my house which I like to cut myself. Is that ok?
We know that some people like to cut the grass near their home more often than we do. You should be aware of the possible risk of injury to yourself, passing pedestrians and traffic. For more information, please contact your local highways office.

How you can help us

Please:

• don’t park on grass verges
• do not place decorative stones or logs on verges as these can be dangerous
• let us know about any junction where the view is blocked by long grass or overgrown hedges
• maintain your own hedges safely and responsibly.

Further information

This information can be downloaded as a leaflet, ESH02 – Cutting grass and maintaining hedges.

You can also contact your local highways office.