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- info@japaneseknotweedexpert.co.uk
- United Kingdom
So, you think you have found Japanese knotweed on yours or a neighbouring property? It’s understandable that the first thing you’re thinking, is what are the Japanese knotweed removal costs? Or, even if you really need to get rid of Japanese knotweed? What even is this weed? Here is our guide on all things Japanese knotweed…
Japanese knotweed is an invasive weed that targets weak spots in tough materials such as concrete and brick. Subsequently, this means homes, buildings and roads can be damaged in the process of its growth. Also, this invasive species can grow at a rapid rate, sometimes even reaching 10cm of new growth per day in the Summer. It’s rhizomes and roots can reach a depth of 2m below the ground and will re-emerge annually in the Spring. However, Japanese knotweed rhizomes can lie dormant in the ground for up to 20 years and could re-emerge at any time – especially if the surrounding ground is disturbed.
Japanese knotweed will look different depending on the time of year. In Spring, the stem will be red/purple with no leaves. However, during the Summer, the stem will be green with purple speckles. Also, the leaves will be large, green, and shaped like a heart. During the late summer/ early Autumn, cream clusters of flowers will appear on the plant. On the other hand, in the Winter, the canes will begin to turn brown, and the leaves will fall. Visit our identification page for more information.
The cost of Japanese knotweed removal is affected by many different elements.
Size Of The Affected Area
When it comes to Japanese knotweed, the larger the area, the more it will cost.
How Old The Stand Is
The older the stand of Japanese knotweed is, the harder it is to treat and eventually eradicate the weed. Therefore, it takes a longer amount of time to treat this invasive species and inevitability will affect the removal cost.
Treatment Type
Costing of the removal will be based on what treatment type suits your needs. For example, an herbicide is more cost effective than an excavation.
A herbicide treatment is when a surveyor will spray or inject the Japanese knotweed with a systemic translocating herbicide to kill both the top of the plan and the rhizome. This is normally a 3-year process. Here at Japanese Knotweed Expert, we use a chemical that is significantly stronger than what is available to the general public and one that is not available to the public in any form.
Furthermore, herbicide treatments are the most cost-effective treatment method. Typically, this treatment starts at a price of £2,000 for a small, infected area but quotes are made on a case-to-case basis. To receive a quote, most companies will initially need to conduct a site survey that may come at a fee. This is to assess the age of the stand, the measurements of infestation, and a site survey report & management plan. However, if you choose Japanese Knotweed Expert, the site survey fee will be deducted from your final management plan quote.
An excavation is where plant machinery is used to dig up all of the infested soil. Therefore, all traces of the knotweed, rhizome will be disposed of in a controlled process. Excavations usually occur when there is not enough time to treat it with a systemic herbicide.
This treatment method is a more expensive method and more disruptive to the ground. Therefore, this is normally used my land developers, property developers and construction companies who need the weed removed immediately.
In most instances, excavation pricing begins at £5,000.
Having a property that contains Japanese Knotweed can set back house sales. Due to the destructive behaviour of this plant, lenders can often refuse mortgages on properties which have knotweed issues. The plant itself exploits gaps and weaknesses in tough materials. Meaning, it has the ability to force its way through concrete and brick subsequently damaging buildings, properties, and roads.
Alongside having the capability to destroy concrete and brick foundations, Knotweed can also produce issues with flood defences, pavements, architectural sites, and even neighbouring properties!
Here at Japanese Knotweed Expert, we actively work with estate agents, mortgage lender and solicitors to make sure you house sale/purchase goes through as smooth as possible.
Japanese Knotweed Expert have a 100% success rate when it comes to the treatment of Japanese knotweed. Alongside this, we have many happy customers, which can be shown with our 5 star rating on google.
Also, our surveyor has over 25 years’ experience and was one of the first surveyors to be PCA accredited. So, if you have Japanese knotweed and need advice or help, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us today!