Hedges and Shrubs

There are a large number of hedges owned and maintained by the city council and mainly consist of Privet, but Hawthorn, Beech, Holly, Berberis and Conifers are sometimes planted.

We are responsible for cutting and maintaining hedges adjacent to land that we maintain like open parks, play areas and some highway verges.

Hedges next to public highways present a particular problem as in most cases we have to cut them with a tractor mounted flail and on occasion use hand tool like mechanical hedge trimmers. This work can cause some traffic problems as traffic can unavoidably build up behind the tractor.

During the spring and early summer, birds nest in our hedges and because of the environmental and conservation issues around this issue we do not cut hedges during this period.

Hedge clippings from tractor mounted flial cutting are not removed. The machine chips the trimmings into very small pieces and they fall mainly under the hedge were they become a refuge for small animals and help prevent weed growth. Any large amounts of hedge cuttings are swept up and removed.

Council estates and private hedges

Housing estate hedges are usually maintained by the tenant or the owner of the property, however, there are some hedges, mainly around council elderly persons bungalows, which we do maintain using mechanical hand held hedge cutters. The clippings are removed and sent for recycling at a bulk composting facility.

Privately owned hedges are not the responsibility of the city council, however, if it is overgrowing the pavement or obstructing drivers vision, the highways section could serve a notice on the householder to cut it back. If it is not cut back, the council can carryout the work and recover the cost of the work from the householder who is responsible for maintaining the hedge.

You can help by:

• Keeping any hedges you own adjacent to footpaths trimmed so that they do not cause an obstruction.
• Reporting overgrown hedges to Stoke-on-call on 01782 234234.
• Being patient when folowing a hedge cutting tractor.

Additional Information

General information on Grounds Maintenance

Contacting the grounds and Cleansing Service          

Information on our Service and Standards