So you have found Japanese knotweed in your garden, what now? Japanese Knotweed can be an extremely temperamental plant. It is a very particular plant to treat and is stubborn when it comes to the removal of it. It has been listed in the top 100 invasive plants in the world, so you will need to take into account the following…
If you suspect you have Japanese knotweed, the first thing to do is book in for a survey with an expert. It is important that you complete a survey someone who has experience and accreditations. For example, being Certified Surveyors. This is so the diagnosis can be as accurate as possible. Here at Japanese knotweed Expert we have extensive experience with Japanese knotweed.
Our experts will assess the knotweed and give you a full report on the specific management required. All our treatments plans are customised to each individual client, specifically to combat each knotweed individually. Therefore, making our treatment services more effective.
Once you have identified the Japanese knotweed and are awaiting a survey, it is crucial to leave the plant undisturbed. A disturbance to the ground, within 2m of the plant, at any time of the year can disrupt the plant. Inevitably, causing it to spread.
Similarly, you should refrain from chopping, trimming, and breaking the stems of the knotweed plant. This is as it can also promote growth and spread of the knotweed. The rhizomes of Japanese knotweed run very deep into the ground. Therefore, if you just remove the initial layers of knotweed, it will continue to grow as the roots run deep into the soil. Furthermore, one method to manage knotweed (if suitable based on your survey) is through excavation.
On discovering the Japanese knotweed, it is important to evaluate the approximate distance to any infrastructure. Japanese knotweed rhizomes spread quickly and deep underground being strong enough to disrupt the surrounding landscape and infrastructure. It is imperative to check this as if it is on a property boundary or imposes on neighbouring land it can consequently result in legal action. In legal disputes, regarding Japanese knotweed, a P35 Expert Report is required to be submitted. A P35 Expert Report is a legal document which is proving liability if the Japanese knotweed is imposing on other land.
It is important to make yourself aware of the laws and regulations surrounding Japanese knotweed. Due to the resistant nature of the knotweed if you dispose of it in a regular green waste bin it will put you in breach of the law as the Japanese knotweed will continue to keep growing and spreading. It requires specific disposal services to ensure it does not contaminate any other land.
It is imperative to have a survey completed as soon as you discover it. We offer a free initial detection service where our expert will offer free identification of on a picture of the suspected plant. You will get a response to the email within 24 working hours. For more information email one of our client managers at [email protected] and they will be able to answer any queries you may have.