Author: Daniel Pellowe
Size covered: 8 m2
Location: Dudley
Techniques: 5 year Treatment Plan
Use of land: Residential
BACKGROUND
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by a residential home owner to organise a site survey at their newly brought property in Dudley. At the time of call, we was informed our clients had purchased the property last January and had noticed shoots popping up throughout the end of summer 2018.
SITE SURVEYS
At the time of survey, I identified 2 stands of Japanese Knotweed in the rear garden along the right hand fence line. Japanese Knotweed was present on the neighbouring property, however I informed our client that the infestation would not be from the same rhizome system due to the area it was covering being more than 25metres away.
Our client mentioned their plans are to add decking, lawn and additional fencing to the rear of the property. I advised of the limitations due to been unaware of where the rhizomes may be travelling. I will be able to confirm after doing the inspection holes on my first visit in April.
A quotation was prepared for a 5 year treatment plan with off season works to be undertook to cut back old canes, remove crown material, aagitate the ground ready (ready for treatment in the growing season) and to dig some inspection holes.
The report was prepared with due care and attention, in accordance with industry best practice and guidance. The conclusions represented in the report represented Knotweed Services UK Ltd best judgement based upon the information available and conditions existing as of the date of the report.
The objectives was to provide a basic observation survey of the address and evaluate the risks presented to the property in accordance with the RICS Category Framework.
The findings were collated from a visual inspection only. I did not undertake exploratory excavations during the survey and because Japanese knotweed has particularly deep rooted rhizomes, knotweed may remain undiscovered by us somewhere within or close to the subject property.
I informed our client that the growing season for Japanese Knotweed is typically March – October.
March – April the plant will be at a early stage of its annual life cycle & some of the classic visual characteristics will not yet have developed, despite this its appearance can still be distinctive.
May – October During these months the growth of Japanese Knotweed will be most vigorous & in normal circumstances the plant should be easy identifiable.
October – February In these months the plant will shed its leaves and die back. Because the stems are robust, it is still possible to identify Japanese Knotweed even during this season.
The full site survey report and quotation was sent and our client confirmed they were happy to proceed.
MAPPING
INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES (IBG’S)
Knotweed Services UK offer their insurance backed guarantees through Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd (GPI). GPIs primary and founding product was IBG’s and they are in the industries leaders in Japanese Knotweed insurance. The package we recommended for this project is the is “designed to provide cover in the event that the insured remedial works fail, during the period of insurance, and the contractor has ceased to trade and is unable to honour claims on the written guarantee.” (GPI, 2017).
GALLERIES
Monitoring Photos
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