Japanese knotweed and invasive plant control
What is Japanese knotweed?
Japanese knotweed, or to give it its full Latin name (Fallopia japonica var japonica), is not native to the UK.
It was introduced into the UK in the mid nineteenth century as an ornamental garden plant from Japan (hence the name).
If only our Victorian gardeners had realised they had unleashed the most invasive ‘Super Weed’ in the UK!
This plant is common in Asia but does not cause anywhere near the amount of problems it does here, because in its native environment it is controlled by indigenous insects and plant diseases.
In the UK though, it is not kept in check by nature and uncontrolled can grow at up to 1 metre a month. The roots can grow up to 3 metres deep and 7 metres horizontally!
Where Does Japanese Knotweed Grow?
Japanese knotweed has spread dramatically across the UK and is common in the following areas: -
- Rivers, streams & watercourses
- Roads & Motorways
- Wasteland
- Brown field sites awaiting redevelopment
- Green field sites awaiting development
- Railway lines & embankments
- Gardens
How Do I Control Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is controlled by various measures depending on the severity of the outbreak, where it is, and environmental considerations, such as nearby watercourses, trees etc.
The principle way we treat Japanese knotweed is by using herbicides as part of a treatment plan. This can last upto 5 years. Treatments can be completed in as little as one growing season though, subject to the type of treatment and extent of the outbreak.
Our favoured option wherever possible is to carry out a process called ‘stem injection’. This process involves using a specialist application gun to inject a controlled amount of herbicide directly into the stem or cane of each plant. By using this method at the correct time of year we can achieve fantastic results. This system can reduce the need for retreatments to a few years.
There are various other means of controlling an outbreak, from creating bunded areas to removing contaminated topsoil, though we try to avoid these options, as they are costly and complicated.
What Are My Legal Responsibilities?
As a landowner you are not obliged by law to remove Japanese knotweed from your land. However if it is affecting a neighbouring property and is causing problems, then you DO have an obligation to deal with it.
It is an offense under the Countryside & Wildlife Act 1981 to plant, or encourage Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.
Waste plant material is classified as ‘controlled waste’ and should be disposed of as per the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Duty of Care) regulations. As you might expect a license is required for this.
What Services do you offer?
We will attend your property or site and prepare a full written specification and treatment plan with an indication of what your costs are going to be. We do this for the first treatment, and we will also give you a guide on anticipated costs for the full treatment regime over several years.
Once appointed we will provide you with full method statements, COSHH assessments and risk assessments prior to works being carried out to suit your requirements.
We offer long term warranties on our works. Please contact us for more information on this.
Click on the envelope below to contact a contractor nearest to you.
Free Japanese knotweed identification Service
If you are not sure if you have Japanese knotweed simply send us some pictures of your site. Try to include some close up shots of leaves and stems, and some background photos. If it’s possible to identify Japanese knotweed (or otherwise) then we will. This service is carried out FREE of charge by any PPS contractor, use the about us page to find your nearest contractor to identify your photos for you.
You may also view our Identify Japanese Knotweed page which contains photographs of the invasive plant in its full glory.
The Japanese knotweed case study page shows before and after photographs of eradication.
Contact a PPS member now to sort your Japanes Knotweed Problems!
