Grass and weed management in reserves is done using a variety of methods including mowing, brush cutting and chemical control. Council’s operations teams adopt the most appropriate methods taking factors into consideration such as location, access, cost efficiency and presence of native vegetation. The frequency of mowing depends on the type of use of the grassed area.
Some reserves require the use of different types of machinery to complete the entire grass cutting task which may not occur at the same time. Some urban grassland areas may be left to grow a bit longer to support biodiversity and soil health.
This is a summary of the different types of reserve maintenance categories.
High use public reserves which are usually irrigated and subject to high or medium use such as Rotary Park, Market Square and public memorials. These are scheduled to be visited on a fortnightly basis throughout the year.
Developed reserves with lower public use such as Symonds Reserve, Tutu Wirra Reserve and Willunga Rose Garden may be irrigated and can include playgrounds and fixtures. They are scheduled to be visited on a three-weekly basis during the growth period from May to December. During times of unseasonal growth, they may receive additional cuts.
Natural and dryland areas which includes non-irrigated, undeveloped, natural wooded and open reserves such as Frank Smith Park (sports ground excluded), Wilfred Taylor Reserve (dryland areas only) and Tangari Regional Park. These are scheduled to be visited on a six-weekly basis during the growth period from May to December and may include creeks, wetlands, steep slopes, trails (linear parks), patches of native grass and revegetated areas. During times of unseasonal growth, they may receive additional cuts.
Sports grounds are maintained for various sporting disciplines to ensure safety, aesthetics and prolong the life and condition of the facility. Maintenance frequency and intensity is largely influenced by usage patterns, sporting code and climatic seasonal changes. These are scheduled to be visited on a weekly basis during spring and summer and as necessary, during winter and autumn and subject to change relating to seasonal/surface conditions.
Rural roadsides - mowing is undertaken on accessible roadside verges to manage fuel loads, maintain sight lines and improve amenity and function. Some areas that contain remnant native vegetation are designated as Native Vegetation Roadside Marker System (RMS) areas are marked with blue and white signs. Selective and carefully time weed control is undertaken in these areas to protect and improve the native vegetation while maintaining safety standards.
Request reserve mowing