Many domestic customers ask whether we offer a Japanese knotweed removal service, and the answer is yes.

We always mention that placing Japanese knotweed in the recycling bins is an offence, as the local authorities can fine you heavily if they catch you.

Japanese knotweed removal can be carried out in two ways: by application of herbicide or by mechanical means. The latter is usually the most expensive and, in some cases, the least effective. Some companies use excavators to dig out the contaminated soil. Then, they put the soil into a screening machine to separate the plant material from the soil.

Operatives then pick up the small rhizome or plant fragments in the screened soil. If the soil is heavy, sticky clay, separating the plant material from the soil can be challenging. The Japanese knotweed material will be incinerated or taken to a specialist landfill site.

The Environment Agency and the government

always advise that the best way to remove Japanese knotweed is to keep the plant material on-site. Japanese knotweed removal by herbicide treatment keeps the risk of spreading off-site to the broader environment to an absolute minimum. However, larger companies offer Japanese knotweed removal by excavation when herbicide treatment is too time-consuming. For many development sites, mechanical removal of Japanese knotweed may be the only option for the developer.

The main problem with mechanical removal is the potential for human error, as it is straightforward for the operative to miss tiny rhizome fragments in the screened soil. The fragments may be put back onto the land and then start to regrow later, after the Japanese knotweed company has left the site. Small pieces could also be transferred between sites on vehicles and equipment used by developer companies if they are not sufficiently cleaned before leaving the site.

All the soil contaminated by Japanese knotweed must be transported to the specialist landfill site. Due to the high landfill tax, the cost per cubic tonne is much higher than for ordinary waste. In addition, a paper trail and waste transfer licence must accompany the Japanese knotweed removal to the landfill site.

Alternatively,

Japanese knotweed can be removed from the infested area and bound elsewhere on the site. This may usually be carried out by a specialist Japanese knotweed company that digs out the Japanese knotweed-contaminated soil down to a depth of 2-2.5 meters and possibly up to 7 meters from the edge of the Knotweed stand. The soil will be placed in an on-site area that will not be under development. The area will have to be fenced off to limit access. Clear signage on the fence states that contractor details dealing with Japanese knotweed must be provided. The area will then be treated with herbicide, which may take several years.

Note that even after all jobs associated with Japanese knotweed removal by either chemical or mechanical means have been done, there is still a probability of new regrowth in the future. Animals such as foxes and badgers are the primary means of spreading the plant. They can bring rhizome fragments onto their fur. Rhizome fragments as small as 0.8 grams can regenerate into new plants.

We have been on sites where badgers and foxes have dug their sets and dens among the Japanese knotweed crowns. Many clients are pretty shocked when we mention that the likely reason the plant is in their garden is because of foxes or badgers.

Japanese knotweed removal by scrupulous builders is another way the plant spreads. Waste material tends to be fly-tipped into back streets, disused wasteland, and similar areas. The council will then clear the waste without checking for Japanese knotweed material. The material may then end up at the local landfill site, thus allowing the plant to re-establish itself.

With Japanese knotweed removal by herbicide poisoning,

You are guaranteed that the plant will stay on-site. It is the most cost-effective way to treat Japanese knotweed. Most professional Japanese knotweed companies offer this service and ensure the plant will be killed, even if treatment continues for two to three years, followed by a couple of years of monitoring.

There are also situations in which Japanese knotweed removal by mechanical means cannot be used due to location and the disturbance to the local area. We tend to find large stands of Japanese knotweed along rivers’ banks. The strong currents can sweep the Japanese knotweed down the river. Attempting to excavate along the riverbank could cause the river to breach its banks and lead to local flooding.

Railways also have a massive problem with Japanese knotweed. The trains can spread plants along the track, as the plants often grow onto it and can be easily pulled by the train and dropped farther down the track.

It is worth mentioning that in the highlands of Scotland,

Japanese knotweed removal is forbidden, and you could face a fine if you try to remove Japanese knotweed. Otters use dense knotweed stands to secretly move from one mating ground to another, undetected by humans. The otter populations in the protected areas are doing well.

In summary, Japanese knotweed removal by mechanical means is almost always not cost-effective and imposes the risk of spreading the plant to the broader environment. Japanese knotweed removal by chemical treatment would be a fair, safer, and cost-effective option.

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Client: local farmer.

Location: Heywood, Manchester.

Area under treatment: approx. 500 sq. metres.

Technique: spraying by herbicide.

Status: in progress.

The client planned to eventually sell the land, so he implemented a management plan to eradicate the Japanese knotweed.

Survey results

During the survey in September 2017, a relatively large and dense Japanese knotweed stand was present along the busy road.

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

The Knotweed was flowering during the site inspection; individual plants reached three metres high.

Treatment

Before the treatment, the client was advised to refrain from disturbing the area to succeed in our treatment programme. The first treatment was carried out about a week later, in September. A spraying herbicide was applied over the knotweed.

The knotweed was resprayed several times in 2018, from June to September. As the knotweed stand was dense and well-established, some minor regrowth remained evident during the last visit (pictured below).

Additional treatment is scheduled for June to September 2019. Once no regrowth is observed, we will start the monitoring phase of our programme.

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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.

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Client: private property owner.

Location: Cheshire.

Area under treatment: approx. 500 sq. metres.

Technique: spraying of herbicide.

Status: in progress.

Eradication of Japanese knotweed was a part of massive program on landscaping in the garden around the listed house that was built in 17th century.

Herbicide treatment of Japanese knotweed on land belonging to a listed building

Survey results

The Japanese knotweed was present in several locations in the garden. Photographs below show the appearance of the areas occupied by the knotweed.

A three-year treatment programme by spraying of herbicide followed by two-year monitoring was offered to solve the problem. Once the contract with us was agreed the 10-year insurance backed guarantee provided by Peacock Insurance Services Limited was arranged.

Treatment

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 growth of the plant. The areas with the knotweed were spayed several times for two consecutive  years. In some affected areas, no regrowth occurred. A minor regrowth observed in other areas will be treated during this growing season as scheduled. The next photos show the appearance of the treated areas.

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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.

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Client: commercial.

Location:Stretford, Manchester.

Area under treatment: over 200 sq. metres.

Technique: control of dug-out soil and cleaning off the equipment before leaving the site.

Status: completed.

Excavation of the trench was required to lay the pipes in the area occupied by Japanese knotweed. The Environment Agency recommends that a specialist company supervise all excavation works to prevent the spread of knotweed-containing material off-site. We supervision an excavation on a transport site with Japanese knotweed

Survey results

Japanese knotweed was scattered sporadically across the site. The height of the canes varied from 1 to 1.5 m.

Further, small, a couple of inches-long shoots were visible within 0.5 m from the edge of the proposed trench.

A 1 m deep by 1 m wide trench was to be dug on the site. Ten pipes 100 mm in diameter were to be laid to provide services.

Our Actions

Our surveyor in Japanese knotweed observed the area throughout all excavation work to make sure Japanese knotweed was appropriately treated and did not leave the site.

After the trench was dug out, the surveyor scrutinised it. It should be noted that the exterior of Japanese knotweed rhizomes is carrot-coloured, pale orange to light yellow. During the digging, the underground parts of the plants were hardly damaged; these features could be seen at the edges of the trench. However, features resembling Japanese knotweed rhizomes have not been found in the trench. Thus, the Japanese knotweed on site slightly affected the location of the trench.

After inspecting the trench, the pipes were laid inside. Our surveyor assisted in cleaning the workers’ shoes prior to leaving the site when required to minimise the probability of spreading Japanese knotweed off-site.

When excavation was completed cleaning of the digger was carried out by our surveyor. Cleaning the equipment involved in works on sites infested with Japanese knotweed prior to leaving the site is the requirement of the Environment Agency. Photograph of the digger shows that there is a lot of soil in the track system and on the track pads that potentially may be contaminated with Japanese knotweed material.

The client provided a pressure washer. The digger was moved to a distance of about two metres from the fence bordering the site. This distance is far enough to prevent splashing washed-out soil off-site and sufficiently short to leave the site safely, e.g., with a reasonably low risk of being re-contaminated. The digger was risen, thus leaving a gap between the trackpads and ground level of about one foot. The appearance of the fragments of track pads and track system after completion of washing are illustrated below. It can be seen that the soil was carefully removed. Other external parts of the digger, e.g. bucket, cabin, etc., have also been cleaned.

After washing, the plywood was deployed under the tracks to minimise contamination while leaving the site.

The final set of photographs displays the cleaned digger before safely leaving the site through the plywood paths. That concluded the Supervision of an excavation on a transport site with Japanese knotweed.

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Client: commercial.

Location: Oldham.

Area under treatment: over 100 sq. metres.

Technique: spraying of herbicide.

Status: in progress.

The client’s property is a disused pub that is being converted into residential flats. Japanese knotweed grows at the back of the client’s land and on the side and back of neighbouring properties. The client decided to put a management plan in place to eradicate Japanese knotweed to facilitate the sale of the flats in the future.

Survey results

Japanese knotweed stands over 2 metres tall and densely populated on top of the retaining wall in front of the building.

Japanese knotweed was also present on the land of the privately owned neighbouring property.

As the knotweed was located within a distance of 7 metres from the habitable space (the disused pub building), a management plan to treat Japanese knotweed was formally required. A three-year treatment plan followed by two-year monitoring was agreed with the client.

Treatment

A weed-killer was applied by spraying during year one behind the client’s building.

And near the neighbour’s house.

As revealed during the site visit in year 2, shown in the next two photographs, most of the area was successfully affected by treatment in year 1.

As the knotweed stand was relatively dense during the survey, some minor regrowth was observed at the end of the growing season of year 2.

The treatment will be continued later this year as scheduled.

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Exploring Effective Methods and Solutions

The relentless growth of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) can wreak havoc on properties and ecosystems. As a property owner, you might wonder about the available Japanese Knotweed removal services and the best methods to address this invasive menace. Look no further—Japanese Knotweed Plus Ltd. is here to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. This article delves into the two primary removal methods, their benefits and drawbacks, and the considerations to keep in mind when seeking Japanese Knotweed removal near you.

The ability of this plant is unbelievable.

The remarkable ability of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) to spread and establish itself in diverse environments can be attributed to several key factors. Understanding how this invasive plant spreads is crucial in developing effective strategies for its control and management. Here’s a closer look at the mechanisms that contribute to the successful spread of Japanese Knotweed:

Rhizome System:

The extensive underground rhizome system is one of the primary reasons for Japanese Knotweed’s aggressive spread. Rhizomes are underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots. Japanese Knotweed’s rhizomes can proliferate, branching out horizontally and vertically, enabling the plant to establish new growth points and colonise a wide area quickly.

Rapid Growth Rate:

Japanese Knotweed is known for its rapid growth, often reaching up to 10 feet in a single growing season. This rapid growth allows the plant to compete effectively with native vegetation, shading them out and limiting their growth. As Japanese Knotweed proliferates, it produces dense stands that can dominate the landscape.

Fragmentation: 

Japanese Knotweed is particularly adept at propagating from small plant fragments. Even a tiny piece of stem or rhizome can develop into a new plant if it finds suitable conditions. Human activities, such as mowing, cutting, or even moving contaminated soil, can inadvertently spread plant fragments to new locations.

Human Activities:

Human-mediated dispersal is a significant factor in the spread of Japanese Knotweed. The plant is often introduced into new areas through the dumping of garden waste or contaminated soil. Construction sites, road maintenance, and landscaping activities can all contribute to the unintentional spread of Japanese Knotweed.

Water and Floods:

Another key factor is Japanese Knotweed’s ability to spread via waterways. Rhizome fragments can be carried by water, allowing the plant to establish new colonies downstream. Flood events can further facilitate the dispersal of plant material, contributing to its spread in flood-prone areas.

Animal Dispersal:

While less common, animals can also help disperse Japanese Knotweed seeds and plant fragments. Birds, for instance, may inadvertently transport seeds to new areas as they feed on the plant’s tiny flowers.

Vegetative Reproduction:

Japanese Knotweed primarily reproduces vegetatively through its rhizomes. This highly efficient reproduction allows the plant to colonise areas and rapidly outcompete native vegetation.

Lack of Natural Predators:

In its native range in East Asia, Japanese Knotweed is kept in check by natural predators and diseases. However, these natural controls are absent in many areas where the plant has become invasive, enabling it to thrive without constraints.

Japanese Knotweed’s successful spread can be attributed to its robust growth strategies, effective propagation mechanisms, and human-mediated dispersal. Combating its spread requires a multifaceted approach that includes proper removal, prevention of the movement of plant material, and ongoing monitoring and management.

Understanding Japanese Knotweed Removal Methods

Two main methods are commonly employed for Japanese knotweed removal: herbicide treatment and mechanical removal. Each method has advantages and considerations, making it crucial to choose the one that best suits your property and circumstances.

1. Herbicide Treatment: Herbicide treatment involves the application of specialised chemicals to target and eliminate Japanese Knotweed. This method is safe and cost-effective, and it minimises the risk of spread, as the plant remains on-site. Herbicides effectively weaken the plant, ensuring that it cannot regrow. This approach benefits areas where other removal methods, such as along rivers or railways, might be impractical. Additionally, herbicide treatment is safe for humans and pets, providing peace of mind for property owners.
2. Mechanical Removal: Mechanical removal, on the other hand, involves physically excavating the Japanese Knotweed and its root system. While this method may seem thorough, it comes with challenges. Mechanical removal can be expensive and less effective, as it may miss small plant fragments. Moreover, the risk of human error is higher, which can lead to regrowth. The excavated soil, considered contaminated, requires proper disposal, often involving high costs and landfill taxes. Bunding removal, a variation of mechanical removal, consists of digging out the soil and treating it with herbicides.

Factors to Consider for Effective Removal

1. On-Site Management: It is prudent to keep the plant material on-site through herbicide treatment. This method ensures that the Japanese Knotweed doesn’t spread further, reducing the risk of contamination elsewhere.
2. Wildlife and Builders: Consideration should be given to the potential spread of Japanese Knotweed by animals like badgers and foxes. Additionally, unscrupulous builders may contribute to the spread through fly-tipping. Opting for herbicide treatment minimises the likelihood of such spread.
3. Regulatory Restrictions: Some areas, such as Scotland’s highlands, have stringent regulations against Japanese Knotweed removal. Awareness of regional rules and guidelines is essential to avoid fines and legal repercussions.

Trust Professional Japanese Knotweed Removal Services

While Japanese Knotweed removal may seem straightforward, it is complex and requires professional intervention. Trusting a specialised company like Japanese Knotweed Plus Ltd. ensures guaranteed results. Our experienced team offers a comprehensive approach to removal, considering your property’s unique characteristics, local regulations, and the most effective removal method.

Consider this

Japanese Knotweed removal is a significant undertaking that demands careful consideration of available methods, local regulations, and potential risks. Whether you opt for herbicide treatment or mechanical removal, the key is to choose a method that minimises the spread of this invasive plant. With Japanese Knotweed Plus Ltd., you can trust our expertise, dedication to effective removal, and commitment to keeping your property knotweed-free. Contact us today for a thorough assessment and tailored solutions addressing your needs.

Contact Stephen. He is PCA-accredited and can help you with any questions. Mobile 07753682333

Below is the list of towns I cover:

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For around 80% of our clients, Japanese Knotweed is first suspected during a property survey for a sale. It’s understandably alarming. Often, the first response is to search online for images or phrases like “Japanese Knotweed removal cost,” which can quickly lead to confusion or panic.

Before you get overwhelmed, here’s what we want you to know: Japanese Knotweed is a manageable issue—especially when handled by specialists.

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