Domestic Japanese Knotweed Removal in Ross-on-Wye

Technician: Daniel Pellowe
Author: Clare Peach
Location: Ross-on-Wye
Size covered: 2 m2
Use of land: Domestic site

BACKGROUND

Knotweed Services received a call by a property owner in Ross on Wye with the suspicion that 2 zones of Japanese Knotweed were present on the driveway. We advised the client to send an image of the suspected plant to us via email and was later that day confirmed as Japanese Knotweed.

We were provided with all the relevant information for us to create a quotation for the control of Japanese Knotweed. The quotation was accepted and a 5 year management plant was put in place.

SITE SURVEYS

At time of survey, I treated the infestation as well as surveyed the outside property boundary. Japanese Knotweed was located on the front drive of our clients property near a shrub bed located in the rear garden.

The infestation was very mature and consisted of 2 stands. I also spotted two dead canes from previous growth. To ensure there was no disturbance in the infested area, I erected barrier fencing and installed signage.

I carried out a full report as well as stem Injected each cane, leaf wiped and used the Hand Held Knap Sack Sprayer to spray the whole infested area.

MAPPING

The mapping stage of our plans is crucial to identify the location of the infestation. This not only helps to indicate the proximity to boundaries/habitable space & outbuildings and the associated RICS classification, but also identifying the possible migration (7m buffer zone).

See Site Map below:

TREATMENT

The management plan we have in place is now currently only in its 2nd Year of treatment.

A survey & treatment was carried out in July 2017 using the stem Injection, leaf wipe and spray method.

2nd treatment was carried out in September 2017 using the stem injection method with neat 2ml of Glyphosate.

3rd treatment was carried out June 2018 where new growth was identified and was treated using a Hand Held Knap Sack Sprayer.

4th treatment was carried out in October 2018 where I conducted a crown removal where a large amount of rhizomes were also removed. The excavated holes were sprayed with Glyphosate.

As the treatment plan is only in year 2, it has shown very good progress. An Inspection will be carried out in growing season 2019.

INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES (IBG’S)

The customer was provided with information regarding the IBG and went ahead with Knotweed Express Policy. A booklet was also provided to the customer regarding what the Express IBG covers.

WHAT IS GPI’S KNOTWEED EXPRESS IBG?

The general principle of our Knotweed Express IBG is simple. It will honour the terms of the written guarantee, originally issued to you by your contractor, where that contractor has ceased to trade and is, therefore, unable to meet their guarantee obligations by carrying out or meeting the costs of any re-treatment works that may be required during their written guarantee.