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We're responsible for cutting and maintaining grass in public spaces and along roadside verges in York.

Before you report a grass problem, see how we deal with:

Please be aware that:

  • some grassed areas are kept long to help improve the living landscape and to encourage natural habitats to form
  • areas where bulbs have been planted will be left uncut for about 6 weeks after they have flowered, to ensure the plants flower the following season
  • grass clippings are not collected, but we will clear the worst from footpaths
  • there are some grassy areas we're not responsible for

Report grass problems

Use our eForm to report a problem with grass. You can tell us about:

  • long grass causing access or visibility issues
  • grass cuttings causing a hazard on footpaths

Report an issue relating to grass

We aim to respond to grass cutting or clearing requests within 5 working days.

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Grass in urban areas

We're responsible for maintaining grass in public urban areas including:

  • highway verges
  • communal housing areas
  • open public spaces

Subject to weather conditions, we aim to cut grass in urban areas:

  • 6 times per year
  • between March and early October

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Grass in rural areas

In rural areas we cut a 1 metre wide strip of grass along the kerbside on:

  • grass verges of 'A' and 'B' roads
  • footpaths
  • cycle ways

On other rural roads, grass cutting is restricted to priority locations, such as:

  • road junctions
  • bends and corners
  • areas where grass may obstruct the line of sight, leading to a public hazard for example, bridleways and footpath exits, not private drives

Subject to weather conditions, we aim to cut grass in rural areas twice a year. The first cut is in June or July; the second cut is in September or October.

Read our policy statement for landowners and farmers, 'Caring for York's roadside Verges', which provides recommendations for grassy verge management and maintenance.

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Grass on sports pitches and recreations areas

We're responsible for maintaining grass on some sports pitches and areas used for recreation, including:

  • Knavesmire
  • Chesney’s Field
  • Acomb Green

Subject to weather conditions, we aim to cut grass in these areas every 3 weeks.

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Grassy areas we're not responsible for

The verges alongside the A64 are the responsibility of the National Highways. This includes the roundabouts which go over the A64.

You can report issues directly with them using the National Highways Report a problem form.

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Also see

Waste, Highways and Environmental Services

Telephone: 01904 551551