General information

Client: private property owner.

Location: Warrington.

Area under treatment: approx. 20 sq. metres.

Technique: injection of herbicide.

Status: completed.

The client planned to sell the property, and providing a management plan for the eradication of Japanese knotweed put in place by a reputable company was the requirement of the mortgage lender. Once our programme on eradicating the knotweed on the property land was agreed upon with the client, the property was sold successfully.

Survey results

The Japanese knotweed stand, which occupied an area of approximately 20 sq. metres, was present at the end of the property’s back garden at the boundary with the neighbouring farm. The survey was carried out in April 2016, and dead canes were generally evident in the area.

However, close-up observations revealed new, emerging shoots of pink in front of dead canes.

The general appearance of the stand from the farmer’s field is shown in the picture below.

As the Knotweed-occupied area was adjacent to the carefully maintained lawn, we suggested treating the plant with herbicide by injection. The injection into the stems would affect only the knotweed, leaving the grass intact.

Treatment

Before the treatment, the client was advised to refrain from disturbing the area to succeed in our treatment programme. Further, we erected a temporary fence at the boundary with the farm, thus preventing farmer’s horses from accessing the area. During the visit in June, the plant reached the adult stage, as shown in the following photograph. Most of the stems were about or over an inch wide, thus allowing the injection technique. The herbicide was injected into all individual stems according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Small plants were treated by wiping the herbicide over the leaves.

The second treatment was applied in September.

No regrowth was observed throughout 2017

And 2018.

In accordance with the Property Care Association’s Code of Practice, no regrowth has been observed within two full growing seasons. This allowed for the consideration that herbicide treatment has been effective or that the site is clear of Japanese Knotweed. The Certificate of Completion was issued and forwarded to the client.