Elected Member Briefing Note 2026, No. 59
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Andy Clegg, Community Greenspace Manager
EMBN Number: 059-26
Date: 14 May 2026
Subject: Perth and Kinross Street Weed Control Update
Responsible Officer: Lesley Ann Cassidy, Community Greenspace Team Leader (Infrastructure)
Details
Purpose
Following the budget increase approved in November 2025, this briefing provides Elected Members with an update and route plan for the street weed contract for the current season.
Briefing information
Contractor performance issues were addressed through the appointment of a new contractor and the extension of service delivery areas allocated to an existing contractor. These actions were implemented following the withdrawal of the underperforming contractor over the previous two seasons.
Contractors have now begun work on this year's spraying programme, which will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase is due to start in mid-May and is expected to be completed by the end of June. During this time, a residual treatment will be applied to help slow weed regrowth.
The second phase is planned to begin at the end of July and finish by the end of September. However, as part of the trial of the residual treatment, there may be slight adjustments to the timing depending on how vegetation responds.
The programme aims to control both annual and perennial weeds across pavements, rural footways, road edges, building bases, wall bases, bridge parapets and kerb lines on adopted roads and footways. All areas will be regularly monitored.
Additional locations have also been included in the programme. This now covers public link paths within housing areas and roundabouts that were not treated previously.
The treatment works by being absorbed through the leaves and moving down to the roots, so some visible weed growth is required for it to be effective.
The contractor covering the Perth and Scone, and Highland and Eastern areas will commence works along the Carse, starting in Invergowrie and progressing into Perth. Subject to weather conditions, this phase is expected to be completed within one week. Works will then continue through Scone to Meigle, onward to Alyth and the Glenshee area, before progressing to Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. Operations will subsequently move south via Dunkeld to Perth, concluding in the Blairgowrie area.
Please note that some locations within Perth will be treated at a later stage, when weed growth is more suitable to ensure effective treatment.
The contractor responsible for Kinross and Strathearn will begin in Kinross and Milnathort, continuing to Crook of Devon. The route will then extend to Auchterarder and Crieff, before returning towards Bridge of Earn and surrounding areas.
Further information about grounds maintenance, including street weed control, verge cutting and the Grow Wild Initiative are available on this website at Encouraging wildlife and biodiversity in parks and open spaces and Ground and verge maintenance.
