Japanese Knotweed Removal for Property Developers
Table of Contents
Japanese Knotweed, an invasive perennial plant notorious for its rapid growth and resilience, presents a formidable challenge to property developers across the UK. Its ability to spread quickly and damage foundations, drains and structures can stop development projects in their tracks and cause costly delays and legal headaches. Understanding the full implications of this invasive plant on your development projects is the first step to minimising the impact.
We specialise in providing bespoke, practical solutions to Japanese Knotweed for housing developers. Our comprehensive service covers identification, treatment and long term management of this invasive species so your development projects can run smoothly and without hindrance.
You can trust us, we’re PCA (Property Care Association) certified. This is the industry stamp of approval, we don’t just offer a service we offer a partnership built on trust, knowledge and an in depth understanding of Japanese Knotweed and how to eradicate it.
Development Implications of Japanese Knotweed for Housing Developers on Development Sites
For property developers, the unforeseen discovery or mismanagement of Japanese Knotweed can severely disrupt plans, inflate budgets, and extend timelines. When Knotweed is present, developers face the genuine prospect of projects grinding to a halt as traditional construction timelines become obsolete amidst the battle against this pervasive weed.
Delays are inevitable when remediation takes longer than expected, and the financial implications can escalate quickly and affect not just the current project budget but the future development budget, too. Additionally, property owners are legally required to declare Japanese Knotweed when selling a property or if it’s present on their land.
Beyond construction delays and budget overruns, the legal implications of not managing Japanese Knotweed properly can be severe and swift. Developers are required by law to prevent the spread of this invasive plant from their sites to adjacent areas. If they don’t, they will be taken to task by affected parties and environmental agencies. Proper documentation of knotweed presence and implementing a Knotweed Management Plan are essential steps in this process.
Property owners also have legal responsibilities regarding land affected by Japanese Knotweed. Failure to control its spread can lead to significant consequences, including legal action from neighboring property owners.
So, Japanese Knotweed must be managed with the utmost care and compliance to avoid potential enforcement that can damage reputations and profitability. Our approach tackles the problem today and secures your investment for the future.
Is Excavation just suitable for developers?
The short answer is no. Excavation and removal is the best option when herbicide treatments are not viable.
We will issue a certificate confirming that the site is free from Japanese Knotweed once the excavation has been completed.
If you have limited time and no other options, then using this treatment method is ideal. Instant eradication isn’t possible but this is the closest option available and will cut the time needed for Japanese Knotweed eradication from years to days or weeks.
Quickly removing all traces of the pest from your commercial project allows for a rapid solution to your issue and allows your business to get back to work almost immediately. If time is of the essence and you need to get rid of Japanese Knotweed quickly, then there is no faster Japanese Knotweed removal/ treatment method.
Waste taken off-site will always be done so by a licensed waste carrier to an appropriately-authorised landfill site.
FREE IDENTIFICATION
Fill in the form below, attach your pictures and we’ll let you know if the plant in your picture is Japanese Knotweed.
Our Process: Commercial Removal Methods for Property Developers
Identification and Surveying
Our Japanese Knotweed Survey is the first step in protecting your project. Our trained professionals can identify this invasive species from other plants that look similar.
After initial contact we carry out a full site survey. This is a critical exercise that helps us assess the extent of the knotweed infestation and the impact on your project. This stage is key as it allows us to create a removal strategy bespoke to your site.
Custom Treatment Plans
We understand that every development is different, so Knotweed Services creates customised treatment plans to suit each project. Our full service includes a range of methods, from long-term suppression treatments to excavation for removal. It is important to understand the law before tackling Japanese knotweed.
We say excavation is the quickest and most efficient way to get rid of Japanese Knotweed so you can get on with your development plans. This is especially popular with property developers who need a quick fix to avoid delays to their project timelines.
Excavation Methods
Once the Japanese knotweed survey has been completed, our team determines the best course of action. Managing Japanese Knotweed on development sites is crucial to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to prevent project delays. Two main options exist for disposing of waste: on-site disposal or off-site disposal.
1. On-Site Disposal – Excavation & Screening
We are committed to excellence and environmental responsibility, so this excavation method has our ‘Zero to Landfill’ approach. Using our Environment Agency-approved method, we ensure efficiency and sustainability from start to finish.
A tried and tested methodology used on hundreds of sites across the UK. Using the screening method, the Japanese knotweed rhizomes are separated from the soil material. Documenting knotweed presence is crucial for effective control. The Japanese knotweed material is then either transported to licensed landfill at a much lower disposal rate or incinerated on site using a D6 exemption from the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales.
The cleaned soils can then be reused in locations away from any construction, normally in soft landscaping areas.
This can reduce the landfill & backfill requirement costs significantly and can also help to reduce the carbon footprint on site due to reduced vehicle movements to landfill.
The time taken to process the material depends on its composition and density. Once screened, the Knotweed rhizomes and vegetation are transported to a dedicated waste transfer station for incineration. This kills the invasive species and is environmentally friendly.
Zero to Landfill benefits:
Cost-effective: There is no need for expensive imported backfill. The cost savings can be enormous in comparison to a standard dig and dump to landfill – in some instances, as much as 65%.
Immediate results: As quick as traditional excavation methods, there is no delay to your project.
Year-round: No seasonal restrictions; can be completed at any time of the year.
Environmental responsibility: At the heart of everything we do.
Compliance: We are fully compliant with the law, so you have peace of mind.
This treatment may qualify for Land Tax Remediation Relief. Click here to find out more about potential monetary relief.
2. Cell Burial & Excavation
Cell burial comprises of moving Knotweed contaminated soil from one location on site, burying it in an excavated pit which is lined with a root barrier membrane, in a different position on the site. The excavated knotweed is encapsulated in a heat sealed, triple ply polyethylene impermeable sheet – with no access to sunlight, water or nutrients. The knotweed essentially rots away under the ground.
The burial requirements for Japanese Knotweed, especially in areas with a knotweed infestation, are as follows:
The Environment Agency recommends that the top of the burial cell should be a minimum of 2 metres below ground level.
The overall depth of the burial pit should be in excess of 5 metres deep. All root barrier seams are welded together forming an encapsulated cell from which the Japanese Knotweed cannot escape. Clean soil is then used to backfill on top of the cell.
To prevent accidental disturbance of the burial site, it is recorded on all site plans and future land owners should be made aware of the location.
This option once again has significant cost savings over traditional excavation or ‘dig and dump’ methods, with up-to 70% savings!
This treatment may qualify for Land Tax Remediation Relief. Click here to find out more about potential monetary relief.
3. Off-Site Removal And Disposal Of Japanese Knotweed Waste
The dug Japanese knotweed can be disposed of at a permitted landfill if there isn’t enough room on site. This method of Japanese knotweed excavation, on the other hand, is one of the more expensive methods but incredibly effective at allowing contractors to get to work. Engaging professional services for knotweed treatment ensures compliance with waste disposal regulations and helps prevent potential regrowth.
We will manage the biosecurity on site and comply with EPA 1990 Duty of care guidelines for the disposal of controlled waste.
This treatment will NOT qualify for Land Tax Remediation Relief. Click here for more about our excavation services.
Herbicide Application
At Knotweed Services we can provide the client with bespoke treatment plans depending on the locations of the Japanese knotweed, one of the UK’s most invasive plants.
These plans can work in conjunction with other methods of treatment where access is limited to pedestrian movements i.e., embankments or existing pathways within a site.
This will normally consist of up to 3 visits per annum to apply herbicide by either foliar spray technique or stem injection during the growing season over a period of 3 years, with a monitoring period of 2 years thereafter.
We would select the appropriate herbicides depending on the surrounding foliage or environmental constraints.
After each visit a full treatment record would be provided with photos showing the progress of the works and then an annual report.
Implementation and Monitoring
Once a customised treatment plan is agreed Knotweed Services will implement the chosen method with precision and care. Our operatives will work to cause the least disruption to your project.
We will monitor the development site to ensure the removal process is working and to prevent any regrowth. This ongoing monitoring of knotweed presence means you can get on with your development knowing the problem has been properly managed.
Knotweed Services: Compliance and Legislation for Knotweed Infestations
At Knotweed Services we take compliance and best practice very seriously. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild, and failure to control or remove it can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
Our Approach is Two Fold:
Comprehensive Knowledge: We keep our practices up to date with the latest environmental legislation and PCA (Property Care Association) guidance. This means all activities from identification to eradication and disposal are carried out within the legal framework, protecting our clients from potential legal repercussions. It is also crucial to document and declare Japanese Knotweed to avoid any legal issues when selling a property or if it is present on the land.
Documentation and Diligence: As well as using compliant removal methods we provide detailed documentation at every stage. By keeping records of the Japanese Knotweed management plan, risk assessments and disposal methods we ensure our clients have a solid defence should legal queries arise. This isn’t just about following the law; it’s about giving our clients peace of mind that their development is protected from future liabilities.
Why Knotweed Services?
When you have Japanese Knotweed, choosing the right company to remove and control it is critical. We are the expert, reliable, and client-focused invasive weed management company in the industry. Here’s why we’re the go-to company for housing developers and property developers across the country:
Unrivalled Experience with Housing Developers
Knotweed Services has years of experience working with housing developers; we don’t just offer solutions. We offer a partnership to navigate the complexities of Japanese knotweed removal. We understand the housing development sector and can provide services that minimise disruption, fit in with tight schedules and ensure your project doesn’t get held up. Our hands-on experience means we can deal with any size of infestation and protect your development from the start. The presence of Japanese knotweed can deter developers due to complications such as cost, delays, devaluation of property, and potential deterrence of future buyers.
PCA Certification and Industry Standards
Our excellence is backed by our PCA (Property Care Association) certification. This means you can be assured that Knotweed Services follows the highest industry standards in every part of our knotweed treatment. The PCA certification is a benchmark of our team’s skills, training, and compliance with legislation, so you can be sure your Japanese Knotweed is in the best hands.
Choose Confidence. Choose Knotweed Services.
Developing a housing project with Japanese Knotweed hanging over your head can be scary. However, with Knotweed Services by your side, you can move forward confidently. Our expertise, PCA certification and bespoke strategies mean your development stays on track, compliant and Japanese Knotweed free. We also specialize in controlling other invasive plants found in the UK for residential and property development sites.
Let us show you why we are the industry leader in Japanese Knotweed removal and management. For a trusted, professional, and certified solution, reach out to Knotweed Services today:
Phone: 08006894146
Email: info@knotweedservices.co.uk
Website: knotweedservices.co.uk
Partnering with Housing Developers
We understand the complexities and investment required for housing developments and development sites. Our main aim is to ensure Japanese Knotweed doesn’t hinder your project or risk your investment. We do this by working together, flexibly and strategically with housing developers.
We work directly with housing developers to make your investment solid – literally and figuratively – from the start. We conduct site surveys to identify Japanese Knotweed and the risks it poses to your development. Once we’ve identified an infestation we create a bespoke management plan for your development size and timeline.
Through risk assessments and strategic treatment we remove Japanese Knotweed quickly and effectively. Our treatment plans are environmentally friendly and tailored to your development programme.
Our experienced team are partners who guide, inform and adapt to your development project’s changing landscape. By communicating clearly and reporting thoroughly we’ll keep you informed that Japanese Knotweed is under control so your project can proceed.
Knotweed Services prides itself on smooth development projects. Beyond eradication we provide proactive monitoring and long term management to protect your investment from Japanese Knotweed.
When you work with Knotweed Services you’re not just hiring a contractor you’re working with a leading authority on Japanese Knotweed management. With our PCA certification and commitment to industry standards we can help your development succeed without Japanese Knotweed.
Knotweed Services is your investment protection and development partner.
