Questions
General
Weed control
Hedges
Shrubs
Grass
Play areas
Golf
Waste
Floral displays
Answers
General
1) Who does your grounds maintenance?
We use Glendale Grounds Management, who are based at Warwick, and are contactable on 01926 408747.
2) Where can I...?
Please take a look at our "Where's a good place for..." pages.
3) What are the park opening times?
The only open spaces which are locked are Jephson Gardens (Leamington), Mill Gardens (Leamington), Pageant Gardens (Warwick) and Elizabeth Park (Leamington). These parks are opened at about 8:00am and closed at dusk. All other parks and open spaces are accessible at all times.
Weed Control
4) How often is weed spraying carried out on paths and hard surfaces?
Paths in Parks and Open Spaces are sprayed at least three times a year or when it is needed. Highway paths on the street are the responsibility of Warwickshire County Council.
5) What chemicals do you use to kill the weeds?
The council approve the use of a Systemic Biodegradable herbicide which will only attack green leaves and degrades on contact with the soil, the herbicide will be applied through a knapsack sprayer or a CDA sprayer. Glyphosphate is the active ingredient of an appropriate weed killer.
6) Does the Council use pesticides?
Yes, under certain circumstances e.g. the treatment on fine turf areas.
7) How do you control Japanese Knotweed?
By using an appropriate herbicide as directed by the manufacturer’s label. The weed cannot be dug up because the smallest piece left in the ground will regrow. The waste needs to be taken to an approved tip for handling.
8) What precautions should the contractor take when spraying?
The operator should be certificated to apply the pesticide and signs should be out to warn the public. The operator should also be spraying responsibly.
Hedges
9) How often are the hedges trimmed?
If the hedge is the Warwick District Council's responsibility it should be cut between July and November to avoid disturbing nesting birds. The frequency is determined by the amount of growth the hedge makes, and it is cut using good ecological and horticultural practice.
Shrubs
10) How often are the shrubs pruned?
We have different standards for different shrub beds that we are responsible for, but the shrubs are generally pruned if they encroaching over paths etc. The number of times they are cut depends on their growth with some only cut once a year. This generally takes place over winter because of recommended horticultural practice.
11) Is it OK to cut back shrubs on Council land so that I can carry out work to my boundary?
No, please arrange a site visit with a Council Officer who will advise you what course of action can be taken.
Grass
12) Why has the grass not been cut?
Firstly we must identify if the area in question is to be maintained by the Council, because it could be in the ownership of others, and therefore not our responsibility. Secondly, if it is an area that the Council should be maintaining, then we need to check with the contractor why it is not being cut, and then act as necessary. When we are made aware of any missed grass, we will notify the contractor on every occasion and within the same day. We maintain in the region of 3 million m² of grass, and so occasionally areas do get missed.
13) Why is the grass so long?
We will endeavour to keep grass within many of parks and open spaces and on the highway, between 50mm and 100mm in height, subject to weather conditions. The grass is no longer cut on a regular frequency basis of twice a month, but on performance basis within these height limitations. At times, weather conditions can quicken grass growth, but at the same time slow the contractor in cutting it, resulting in longer grass.
14) Why have you stopped grass cutting?
Grass cutting can be suspended during persistent wet weather conditions when there is a likelihood of causing damage, creating an eyesore or concerns over operator safety.
15) Why are the grass cuttings not taken away?
It is currently not Warwick District Council standard practice to ‘box off’ grass cuttings, and therefore the grass cuttings are not collected but left to go back into the ground. To remove grass cuttings would more than double the costs of this service, and the ground would deteriorate as cuttings and leaves put nutrients back into the ground. The contractor is required to sweep or blow off any cuttings that get transferred to footpaths at the time of cutting.
16) Do you take account of wildflowers when carrying out grass cutting?
In certain areas grass cutting is carried out a reduced level, promoting a balance between pedestrian and driver safety and the protection of wild flowers.
17) Why are certain areas of grass within the highway not cut, while the remainder of the grass is cut?
Certain areas of highway grass are planted with drifts of bulbs and will not be cut until the bulb foliage has died down, approximately six weeks after flowering.
18) People keep parking their cars on the highway grass verge near my property which is making them unsightly; can you repair them?
You need to contact the Warwickshire County Council with respect verge repairs. Our service is purely to cut the vegetation within the verge?
19) There are weeds within the highway grass verge, can you remove them?
We do not remove weeds within grass verges. Our service is purely to cut the vegetation within the verge.
20) When is the meadow grass cut?
The meadow grass is usually cut once a year, and when the wild flowers have set seed. They are cut in accordance with good ecological practice. Some areas are not cut at all so please contact us so we can advise.
Play Areas
21) How often are the play areas inspected?
Some play areas are not maintained by Warwick District Council, these are mainly in rural areas. Please contact the appropriate Parish or Town Council. The play areas are inspected at least weekly by our Contractors and by Warwick district Council, as a visual inspection. A monthly inspection is also carried out to check the workings and safety of the equipment. An annual inspection is carried out by an independent inspector to check if the play areas conform to a higher specification than the other two inspections.
22) Where do you get play bark from?
Our contractors purchase the play bark as it is part of the grounds maintenance contract, so please contact Glendale Grounds Management direct on 01926 408747. The play bark must conform to BS 1176-7
23) Who manufactured and installed the play areas?
Various suppliers manufactured and installed the play equipment within the District e.g. Russell Leisure and Kompan. All playground equipment manufacturers have websites, with useful product details and general play information.
Golf
24) Where is the course, what times does it open, how much does it cost?
All the answers to these questions can be found on our golf course page, or phone the golf shop on 01926 421157.
25) Can I buy a season ticket?
Yes, there are 4 different options. Please visit our golf course season ticket page for more information.
26) How do I join the golf club?
Details of golf club membership and application forms are available from the golf shop at the course, phone 01926 421157.
Waste
27) What is wrong with dumping garden waste?
Dumping garden waste on a verge or in a public open space is classed as flytipping and can lead to prosecution and a fine. It also detracts from the area causing more rubbish to left there and can provide a haven for vermin.
28) When are the bins going to be emptied?
Bins in the parks and open spaces should be emptied when they are 50% full but if they are not, please contact us and we will instruct the contractor to empty them.
Floral displays
29) Who supplies your floral displays?
The council instructs Glendale to purchase the floral bedding. They purchase from different nursery suppliers. Please contact Glendale on 01926 408747 for more information.
Grounds maintenance frequently asked questions (FAQs) - search for answers in the FAQ section.
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