When it comes to the treatment and removal of Japanese knotweed, you can see a lot of large numbers being thrown around. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re looking at, what is it that you’re really paying for? So, what is the true cost of Japanese knotweed?
As well as this, what cost could you be responsible for if you’re found liable? Most importantly, before you organise or pay for any treatments, make sure that you have had a site survey carried out. A site survey will include:
A site plan including photos of infected areas.
Management Plan.
Risk assessments including biological, health & safety and financial.
Inspection of the surrounding areas.
Possible impacts to future treatments.
Recommended treatment options.
Quote outlining treatment costs.
Potential immediate risks to property or the environment.
Some companies will entice you with a “FREE SITE SURVEY” but what does that include? For example, your site survey should always include, your Japanese knotweed report and a treatment plan, carried out by a certified professional.
In addition, ensure that a professional does include this in your site survey and not at an additional cost on top of your “free” survey. Depending on the size and location of the Japanese knotweed, a professional site survey and management plan will cost upwards of £320.00.
The cost to remove Japanese knotweed from a property will differ depending on each individual situation. For example, circumstances such as, size of the infected area, treatment option, post treatment guarantees. To see some examples of pricing for previous treatments, see our case studies.
Herbicide treatments for infected areas up to 100sqm can cost from £2350.00 to upwards of £5000.00. Therefore, herbicide treatments are the preferred removal method on residential properties. However, if under time constraints we would recommend excavation. Residential excavation for an infected area can cost from £4000.00 to £30,000.00 dependent on the depth and spread of the rhizome.
The potential costs for commercial removal of Japanese knotweed will often cost more due to the size and complexity of the projects.
In fact, commercial sites can often reach up to 1000sqm and require a more extensive site survey and treatment plan. Due to the infected area size, the cost of herbicide treatments for most commercial management plans range from £3650.00 to £12,000.00.
Most of the time, commercial sites are under time constraints, and are unable to undertake 2-10 year herbicide treatment plans. In this case, we would recommend full excavation and removal, the cost for this can range from £10,000+. With projects in the past costing upwards of £70,000 including the addition of root barrier protection.
When organising the treatment or removal of Japanese knotweed there can be additional “hidden” or unseen costs. Therefore, it is important that you identify prior to treatment that everything you require is included in the total amount. However, the true hidden costs of Japanese knotweed are the legal consequences you may face if the invasive weed is left untreated.
Costs to think about:
Does the treatment cost include the guarantee?
Will they include root barriers with my excavation costs?
Will they bury the infected soil or removed off site?
Is the removal cost of the infected soil included?
If you have any concerns, it is best to check with a qualified professional.
In summary, if you need more advice on Japanese knotweed then get in touch today!