.png)
Killing costs. The price we pay as professional exterior cleaners and stupid laws for applying weed killer.
- dean jones
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
Imagine this: you’re a professional pressure washing business in the UK, ready to blast away years of grime from a customer’s driveway. But wait—if you want to spray weed killer on those pesky green invaders, you suddenly need a licence. Yet the homeowner can stroll down to the garden centre, buy the same weed killer, and spray it themselves without any paperwork or training. Welcome to the absurd world of UK regulations on weed killer use for professionals.
Let’s dive into this paradox, the costs involved, and why it feels like the government is playing a practical joke on professional exterior cleaners.
Why do professionals need a licence to spray weed killer?
In the UK, anyone applying pesticides for commercial purposes must hold a pesticide application certificate. This rule comes from the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (COPR), designed to ensure safe and responsible use of chemicals. The certificate requires passing a course that covers safe handling, environmental protection, and legal responsibilities.
For a pressure washing business, this means if you want to offer weed control as part of your service, you must:
Complete a recognised training course (usually around £150-£200)
Register with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Keep detailed records of pesticide use
Follow strict storage and disposal rules
Sounds reasonable on paper, right? Protecting people and the environment is important. But here’s the kicker: the homeowner can buy and apply the same weed killer without any training or licence. The law treats professionals and amateurs very differently.
The cost of being a professional weed killer sprayer
Getting licensed isn’t just about the course fee. There are hidden costs that add up quickly:
Training course: £150-£200 every 5 years to renew
Insurance: Professional indemnity and public liability insurance increase because of chemical use, adding £100-£300 annually
Record keeping: Time spent logging applications, storing paperwork, and managing compliance
Equipment: You need specific sprayers that meet safety standards, costing £100-£300
Chemical costs: Professional-grade weed killers often cost more than retail versions
For a small pressure washing business, these costs can feel like a tax on professionalism. Meanwhile, the customer can grab a bottle of weed killer from B&Q for £10 and spray it themselves with zero hassle.
The irony of DIY weed killer use
Let’s be honest: many homeowners don’t read instructions, wear protective gear, or dispose of leftover chemicals properly. Yet they get a free pass. Meanwhile, professional cleaners must jump through hoops, pay fees, and follow strict rules.
This creates a strange situation where:
Professionals risk fines or losing their licence if they slip up
Homeowners can spray willy-nilly with no oversight
The environment might suffer more from untrained amateurs than from trained pros
It’s a classic case of regulatory irony. The law tries to protect the environment and public health but ends up punishing those who take the extra step to do things properly.
What does this mean for pressure washing businesses?
Many pressure washing companies face a tough choice:
Offer weed control and pay the costs and hassle of licensing
Avoid weed killer applications and lose potential revenue
Risk applying weed killer without a licence and face legal consequences
Some businesses simply refuse to offer weed control, even if customers ask. Others partner with licensed gardeners or pest control firms to handle the spraying. Both options add complexity and reduce profits.
Possible solutions and workarounds
Until the law changes, here are some practical tips for pressure washing businesses:
Focus on mechanical weed removal: Use power washing to blast weeds out of cracks without chemicals
Offer advice to customers: Recommend safe DIY weed killers and proper application methods
Partner with licensed applicators: Outsource weed control to specialists who hold the right certificates
Stay informed: Keep up with HSE updates and pesticide regulations to avoid fines
Why the law should change
The current system feels like a relic from a time when pesticide misuse was rampant. Today, many professional cleaners want to do the right thing but get bogged down by red tape. Meanwhile, the average homeowner sprays without a second thought.
A more sensible approach would:
Recognise the professionalism of exterior cleaners
Provide simplified licensing or exemptions for low-risk applications
Educate homeowners on safe pesticide use
Encourage environmentally friendly alternatives
Until then, pressure washing businesses will keep paying the price for killing costs and navigating stupid laws.
If you run a pressure washing business, you know the frustration of these regulations firsthand. The next time you’re asked to spray weed killer, remember: you’re not just fighting weeds, you’re battling bureaucracy. Maybe one day, the law will catch up with common sense. Until then, keep washing, keep laughing, and keep your licence handy.
DMS serve Bloxwich, Walsall, Cannock, Aldridge, Great Barr, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Wolverhampton and surrounding areas in the West Midlands
Comments