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What weed killer does Network Rail use?

ClarendonClarendon Posts: 11
in Problem solving
Does anyone know what weed killer Network Rail sprays on its paths?  We have some trees that we planted a few years ago as a screen beside a fence that separates our garden from Network Rail land.  These trees have struggled and are now dying, whereas as others (same trees) we planted elsewhere at the same time are thriving.  Today I photographed a Network Rail worker spraying the path that runs directly on the other side of the fence from our garden so wonder if the spray is impacting the trees.  We also feel that we have noticeably fewer weeds growing in the same border around the trees.
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  • ClarendonClarendon Posts: 11
    Thank you for this.  Not had a chance to look at it fully but does make me think we need to get our soil tested.  I think some of the weed killers Network Rail may use may be particularly nasty, possibly carcinogenic from what I saw on the Internet.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Probably a silly question ( mine not yours ) but have you tried contacting Network Rail at all ?  They should be able to tell you exactly what they are using and whether their emplyees doing the spraying are fully aware of the ins and outs of using toxic substances - particularly when alongside habitations/ gardens.
    Obviously they have to make the tracks safe for the passage of trains but they do also have to act responsibly.
    Hope you manage to sort it out but whatever you do, don't glue yourself to the track  ;)
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Their operators should be well enough trained to use the product carefully and not contaminate neighbouring gardens and land.

    You have every right to ask about the product, about the qualifications of the people using it and the safety measures in place, given that it's likely to be industrial strength and not available to domestic users.  Just remember to be polite when you ask your questions and voice your concerns about safety procedures etc, rather than accusatory,  and ask about what measures they envisage to prevent further probems and compensate for your losses.  Do it in writing to the CEO.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • ClarendonClarendon Posts: 11
    Thank you for all the advice about contacting Network Rail.  I should point out that this isn’t next to their track.  They installed an acoustic barrier at the top of their embankment and installed a path on my side, not track side, of the barrier.  There is no reason for the use of weed killer next to residential properties in this case as the path is never used and they are using trimmers as well, albeit very haphazardly both on the ground and up above head height.  I wish I could trust Network Rail to be truthful but have had very bad experiences of them trying to lie during construction work.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Contact them anyway as well as your local environment officer at the council.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    edited May 2023
    There might be a slight possibility that they are concerned about Japanese Knotweed as I gather it often grows along the side of railway tracks. Spraying the path may just be a precaution. I believe they have been heavily fined for allowing JK to spread into residential gardens.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    Did Network Rail notify residents in advance of spraying? I really think they should have done, but would have no faith that they would.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • mac12mac12 Posts: 209
    Why should they notify anyone I've seen the council drive round spraying footpaths without telling residents 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2023
    If a path was installed near those trees, it could be the effect of that installation on the trees every bit as much as weedkiller, especially if soil/ground was dug out and there were concrete footings etc. How near did you plant them to this fence?  
    What trees, and what age and maturity were they when planted? What care did they have and what are the conditions like that they're in as opposed to the other trees?  All those things are factors. 
    I think some photos would have helped with advice, so that people could ascertain the details of the site more clearly  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ClarendonClarendon Posts: 11
    Hi, thank you for everyones replies.  I did contact Network Rail asking for details of what was in the spray last night.  This morning they replied saying that they spray regularly to prevent Japanese knotweed but they did not say what was in the spray.  I have tried to email back saying they have not answered my query.
    There is no Japanese knotweed here as the NR banks were completely rebuilt from scratch as part if the introduction of 2 tracks on the line and new material for the banks was lorried in and the banks were replanted from scratch as they completed cleared all vegetation. 
    The trees were planted in my garden to screen the new path and provide privacy as NR workers can look directly into my house.  There was no path there before the construction work.  NR do not provide neighbouring properties any notification if they are going to be carrying out work day or night - they are not regulated by legislation in the same way as Highways.

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