Council’s summer maintenance operations are in full swing

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s StreetCare teams are now at the peak of their summer maintenance operations, such as grass cutting, weed spraying and floral bedding displays.

Grass cutting takes place between March and October, depending on weather conditions.  Mowing teams are now on their fourth round of cutting and the recent dry weather has helped to slow down the grass growth.

At this time of the year, verges containing old daffodil foliage is also able to be cut back, now the bulbs have recovered after flowering.

The Council is now in year two of its Wildflower and Grasslands Strategy.  As well as the numerous colourful, wildflower displays on roundabouts and verges across the borough, teams are also exploring other ways to boost biodiversity.  This has included leaving some grass to grow to its full height so it can naturally flower and seed itself.  This can only happen on wider highway verges so visibility for motorists is not affected.

After experiencing operational issues earlier in the grass cutting season, maintenance in cemeteries has now returned to the standards residents and visitors expect.  The Council sincerely apologises if these issues upset visitors.

Steady progress is being made with weed control, although it can take two to three weeks for any visible impact to appear.  Weeds start to turn brown and die off once treated either by staff on quad bikes or on foot.

Now the risk of frost has passed, spring floral displays will now be changed to summer planting in barrier baskets, tiered planters and formal flower beds in public parks and gardens.  Last weekend’s heavy rains will have helped to provide sufficient moisture for the new plants to establish.

Hedges are usually cut outside of the bird nesting season between September and February, however to keep residents and motorists safe, StreetCare teams are cutting back growth where it prevents access or obstructs visibility.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “Teams are very busy at the moment as we reach the peak of our operations.  The Council’s website has full details of our grass cutting, weed control and hedge cutting schedules if you need to check something in your area.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying our beautiful borough during the summer months thanks to the hard work of our StreetCare teams.  A big thank you everyone involved and to all our volunteers, friends groups and community groups for the wonderful work they are doing too.”