We are responsible for cutting a wide range of grassed areas. These include roadside verges, formal gardens, ornamental lawns, fine turf areas, war memorials, public parks and open spaces, playing fields and cemeteries. The verges are cut, not only to enhance the appearance of the area but also to ensure that motorist's visibility is not impaired by long grass at roadsides and junctions.
Where there is a footway we also cut on each side of the footway. In general, on rural verges, a single swathe is cut to allow wild flowers and animals to continue in their natural habitat. However, areas such as junctions where visibility is more important are cut back further.
Timing of the cutting is variable and depends upon weather conditions. Efforts are made to allow verges to support wild flowers and wildlife, but this has to be blanked against safety considerations and the need to keep verges looking tidy. Different types of open space require different levels of maintenance, so the frequency with which we cut the grass varies according to the location.
In high quality amenity areas such as formal gardens, war memorials and ornamental lawns, you can expect us to cut the grass 32 times between March and October each year.
The number and type of plots is detailed below;
- 91 Fine turf areas
- 16 Roadside verges
- 16 Play areas
- 32 Cemeteries
- 16 Public open spaces
- 16 School grounds
- 32 Football pitches
- 16 Communal areas within housing schemes
Care of gardens/Greenlight
In partnership with Greenlight Environmental, West Dunbartonshire Council are able to offer garden maintenance for those elderly tenants/residents who are not capable of doing the work themselves. It is not possible to offer this service to all our elderly residents. Details are:
- Only infirm and disabled householders should apply
- You will not be accepted for the scheme if there is a relative in the house or living nearby who could be expected to tend the garden
- Holiday houses will not be considered
- The scheme is available to tenants and owner/occupiers
- A charge for the scheme will be made
- If accepted, the garden squad will visit your garden to provide a minimal level of garden maintenance comprising grass cutting, strimming and hedge cutting. Additional garden tidy request will be recorded and considered outwith the growing season
- A doctor, registered home help, health visitor, or professional person must verify that you are permanently physically unable to attend your garden, due to illness or handicap
The garden maintenance covers the cutting of grass and any hedges but does not include the maintenance of bushes, shrub beds, and trees. In addition, extra work is often required to a garden before it is added to the list. If necessary, this work will also be carried out as a 'one off' only, prior to the maintenance outlined above.
Waiting list
There is no waiting list for the care of gardens, however, a waiting list may be implemented if the volume of applications exceeds our staff resources.
