A. Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive weed, it can grow very quickly and rapidly dominates natural environments making it hard for other plants to grow. During peak growing season Japanese Knotweed can grow at a rate of up to 10cm per day.
Due to this rapid growth, it has the potential to cause damage to both the structures of buildings and the environment as it can grow inside drains, pipes and cavity walls causing blockages.
Having Japanese Knotweed on your property with no treatment and management plan in place can also devalue the property from anywhere between 5-15%. Not declaring Japanese Knotweed when selling a property can result in legal action.
The two main removal options are:
1. Herbicide Treatment – We apply a Glyphosate based product which has proven effective against Japanese Knotweed. This is a systemic translocating herbicide which kills the top of the plant as well as the rhizome. Treatment and inspections will take place over a three-year period; this can vary depending on the size and age of the outbreak. When undertaking a herbicide treatment we would expect to see the Japanese Knotweed die back by visit number 5. Following visit 5 we would expect to see no or very little growth. Upon completion of the visits a 10-year company back guarantee and completion certificate is issued.
The herbicide treatment is the most cost-effective removal and presents the least risk of further spreading the Japanese Knotweed. This is also the most suitable option if no development is planned on the land in the near future.
2. Excavation – To successfully remove Japanese knotweed, a maximum of 462m3 may need to be excavated (based on a singular, 1m2 stand). The contaminated soil is then removed from site and taken to a licensed landfill site. After the excavation has been completed, we would not expect to see any regrowth, and an insurance backed guarantee and completion certificate would be issued upon completion of the work.
A. The presence of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds can be concealed by property owners or contractors either by accident or deliberately. This can be by way of physical removal of the plant stems and crowns, vegetation clearance or by covering the area over with turf, paving, aggregates and other similar materials. However, only qualified bodies can remove Japanese Knotweed using a methodology that complies with the PCA guidelines. As this is a highly invasive weed, attempting to remove it yourself may disturb the rhizomes causing the weed to spread. Planting or causing Japanese knotweed to spread could result in a fine of up to £5,000.00 or a custodial sentence.
A. A herbicide is the cheapest option for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed. The herbicide we use is a translocating systemic herbicide that is absorbed by the leaves and stems. The objective of the treatment is to kill the rhizome (root). If paid in full, and upfront, we also offer a discount for the cost of a herbicide treatment and management plan. Alternatively, we also provide the option to pay in 12 monthly instalments.
If you have not found the answer to your question in this article, why not get in touch with our friendly team to find out more. You can call us on 01782 479 444 or email us at [email protected].
If you think that you have Japanese knotweed, do not touch it. Always seek professional advice for your next steps!
A. Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive weed, it can grow very quickly and rapidly dominates natural environments making it hard for other plants to grow. During peak growing season Japanese Knotweed can grow at a rate of up to 10cm per day. Due to this rapid growth, it has the potential to cause damage to both the structures of buildings and the environment as it can grow inside drains, pipes and cavity walls causing blockages. Having Japanese Knotweed on your property with no treatment and management plan in place can also devalue the property from anywhere between 5-15%. Not declaring Japanese Knotweed when selling a property can result in legal action.