Herbicide treatment of Japanese knotweed in the front garden of a client’s property

General information

Client: private property owner.

Location: Reddish, Stockport.

The area under treatment is below 20 sq. metres.

Technique: spraying of herbicide.

Status: completed.

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

Survey results

The Japanese knotweed was present in the property’s front garden within a 7-metre radius of the habitable space (the house). Thus, treatment was formally required. The next photo shows the appearance of the area occupied by the knotweed.

We lifted the weed membrane during the survey to investigate the problem in more detail. The rhizomes were found beneath the membrane.

To solve the problem, we offered a two-year treatment programme by spraying herbicide followed by two-year monitoring. Prior to the start of our treatment/monitoring course, the client was advised to refrain from disturbing the area by any means, as any disturbance may stimulate more intense plant growth.

Treatment

During the first visit in year 1, we lifted the weed membrane and scattered fertiliser to stimulate the knotweed’s unrestricted growth.

The plant was sprayed later that growing season when it reached adulthood.

No treatment was applied during the year 2.

No treatment was also required during the year 3.

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.