Vegetation control is important for safe train operations and railway maintenance.

CN uses a variety of vegetation control methods, including mechanical cutting equipment, manual brushing/mowing, control burning, the use of insects on selected weeds, and the application of herbicides. Herbicides are cost effective and greatly extend the duration of vegetation control when combined with mechanical cutting. The use of herbicides is generally limited to areas where it is impractical to use other methods.

All herbicides are applied by authorized and licensed applicators in accordance with federal and provincial regulations and the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the least amount of chemicals is used.