Weed spraying information and schedules
The City of Cape Town is sharing its latest available weed spraying schedules and related information. These schedules will be updated regularly, as spraying programmes may change due to weather and other unforeseen delays.
Please note
Because spraying is weather-dependent, the spraying schedules may change without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the City implement weed control?
Why doesn't the City only remove weeds by hand or mechanically?
How does the City ensure that its weed control programme is safe?
Weed spraying protocol
The City follows a rigorous and safety-focused spraying protocol, which includes:
- Supervision by a qualified pest control operator, who also serves as the designated safety officer
- Compliance with all safety regulations under Act 36 of 1947
- Application is performed by experienced, trained operators (most with over five years of experience)
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by all applicators
- Exclusion of the public and domestic animals from treated areas during application
- Public warning signage before, during and after spraying
- Spraying is conducted only under favourable weather conditions: wind speeds below 15 km/h, using Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) technology, and drift control or cover sprayers to minimise drift
- Re-entry to treated areas is allowed one to two hours post-application, once safety signage is removed.
Herbicides currently being applied
| During summer: | During winter and spring: |
|---|---|
| Systemic Non-Selective Herbicide on hard surfaces Product: KleenUp (Glyphosate 360 g/L) Application rate: 10L/ha Action: Kills existing weeds; no residual effect. Absorbed within two hours. Any herbicide landing on non-plant surfaces degrades within 10 to 24 hours. |
Pre-Emergence Herbicide on hard surfaces Product: Esplanade (Indazyflam 500g/L) Application rate: 150ml/ha. That is 150ml on a road distance of 20km Action: Prevents seed germination through root absorption. Requires rain for activation and has a residual activity of approximately three months. Safe for use in the root zone of trees; biodegrades through microbial activity. |
Selective weed control of broad leaf weeds and winter grasses on sport fields and parks:
- Product: SuperLawnweeder (MCPA, 2,4D, Dicamba)
- Application rate: 5L/ha.
- Action: Selective systemic control of only broad leaf weeds, without effecting turf grass.
Adjuvant
- Product: Wetcit Duo (natural citrus oil)
- Function: Enhances herbicide performance by improving leaf coverage, adhesion, and penetration, accelerating absorption.
Tender specifications
Access the relevant tender specifications for the Weed Spraying Tender, effective as from 1 July 2025.
Submit a complaint
Should you have a complaint about non-compliance with our standard operating procedure during a weed spraying event, please bring it to our attention.
- Step 1: Download and complete the complaint form
- Step 2: Email the completed form and supporting documents to contact.us@capetown.gov.za.
please note
We advise you to submit photographs that clearly demonstrate the alleged contravention(s) as this will assist the City to investigate and intervene if needed.
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