Case Study: What Does Successful Integrated Weed Management Look Like in Real Life? Lessons from Cormac

When we hear of local councils planning to phase out glyphosate, we often don’t hear enough about the detailed planning and groundwork needed behind the scenes—especially when it comes to those who are actually on the ground delivering the work. The practical implementation of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) often remains abstract until you see it executed at the operational level.

In this case study, we turn our attention to Cormac, a leading civil engineering contractor delivering a broad range of services in Cornwall and beyond. Cormac has implemented an Integrated Weed Management programme as part of its grounds maintenance and landscaping operations. Their journey offers valuable insights into how contractors can transition toward sustainable practices—step-by-step, methodically, and realistically.

Evolving IWM in Practice: Feasible Targets, Measurable Results

Cormac’s motivation to reduce glyphosate use came directly from community and stakeholder demand. Their grounds team was tasked with finding more environmentally friendly methods to maintain public spaces without relying heavily on chemical herbicides.

To support this transition, Kersten was brought in as a supplier to explore and test alternative weed control methods. Cormac's managers took a systematic approach: evaluating the pros and cons of each method, trialling equipment, and determining what was effective in different operational contexts.

Selecting the Right Tools for the Right Job

One key learning is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in IWM. Methods must be tailored to the task, the terrain, and the frequency of maintenance. For example, a blueberry farm and an urban street corner require completely different approaches. Cormac’s operations team identified mechanical sweeping as one of the most efficient methods for maintaining hard surfaces, especially where debris and moss accumulation posed safety concerns.

The Kersten sweeper proved highly effective in removing moss and debris from pavement edges and surface defects—critical for maintaining safe and accessible walkways. For spot treatments, especially on less frequently visited sites, the thermal lance was ideal for targeting visible weeds. These methods enabled the team to maintain standards without resorting to frequent chemical treatments.

Cormac ultimately adopted a blended strategy, combining mechanical sweeping for general upkeep with targeted thermal treatments. This approach balanced effectiveness, environmental considerations, and operational feasibility.

Setting Realistic, Flexible Goals

A major factor in Cormac’s success has been their ability to set proactive, achievable, and adaptable goals. Rather than rigid plans, they created a dynamic application scheme—something they could adjust based on results and feedback. This allowed the team to track progress effectively while remaining responsive to real-world conditions.

Their current IWM programme includes up to three glyphosate applications per year, from early spring to late autumn. However, thanks to the success of their alternative methods, they now typically only need one treatment at the start of the season. Thermal and mechanical methods handle the rest, with high-visibility areas maintained every 4–6 weeks and quieter zones every couple of months.

Importantly, Cormac has shifted from a reactive model—only treating weed-infested areas—to a proactive strategy that prevents growth before it becomes an issue. This change has significantly reduced weed presence across their sites.

Educating and Aligning with the Community

One often overlooked aspect of successful IWM is communication. It’s not just about changing practices—it’s about managing expectations. Initially, clients were hesitant about seeing a bit more weed growth, but with proper education around the reasoning and long-term benefits, they’ve become supportive.

Feedback from schools, council offices, and universities has been overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate the effort to reduce chemical use and adopt more environmentally responsible practices. That said, ongoing education is essential. Understanding that a few visible weeds are part of a bigger sustainable strategy is key to building long-term support.

The Bigger Picture: Environmental Impact and Operational Resilience

Cormac’s story shows that Integrated Weed Management is not only viable at the contractor level—it’s also scalable, adaptable, and beneficial on multiple fronts. The most significant gain? A substantial reduction in chemical usage, which translates to environmental benefits and healthier public spaces.

Their journey wasn’t without challenges, but the results speak for themselves. By trialling, learning, adapting, and involving their community, Cormac has set an example of how contractors can lead in sustainable grounds maintenance.

If you're a contractor, council, or stakeholder looking to shift toward a more integrated and environmentally conscious weed management programme, Cormac's experience shows it can be done—with planning, patience, and the right partnerships.