The rhizome of the notorious Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is so invasive it is now found in every 10km2 of the UK. As a result, it is a huge problem for property developers, house builders, councils and homeowners alike. As a result of this, many companies have cropped up to offer Japanese knotweed removal services. However, it is important that you choose a company with a good reputation and a strong history of successful Japanese knotweed treatment and removal projects.
The first step is to find a Japanese knotweed specialist that works in your area and understands the local ecology. They will also need to be creditworthy and able to provide insurance backed guarantees (IBG’s) and client funded accounts. This gives you maximum consumer protection and ensures that the company will remain solvent and not go bust during the 3-5 years required to treat the knotweed.
It is also essential that any company you work with on a Japanese knotweed project has a clear and comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Plan in place. This will help you to avoid prosecution under Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, where failing to control Japanese knotweed could lead to a hefty fine.
There are a number of different ways to treat Japanese japanese knotweed specialist knotweed, including spraying and stem injection methods. Using different methods over a long period of time will achieve eradication, although it is worth noting that there is no quick fix and the plants can grow back within a matter of weeks if they are exposed to sunlight.
Attempts to remove the plant by digging up and pulling it up are largely ineffective and can actually increase growth as they cause rhizome fragmentation. Instead, a combination of cutting and herbicide treatments is often the most effective method.
If you are working on a site that has Japanese knotweed on it, make sure all workers and equipment are carefully cleaned after each use to prevent spread of the plant. This is especially important if you are transporting soil that may still contain rhizomes and root fragments, as this could lead to hotspots on other sites.
If you are unsure whether your site is affected by Japanese knotweed, contact our expert team at PBA Solutions today to arrange a survey and a treatment plan. We are proud members of the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group and you can be assured that we will deliver an industry leading solution to one of the biggest weed problems in the UK. To speak to a member of the team, call us on 0800 023 2534 or use our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.