Japanese Knotweed removal conducted on behalf of an Estate agents for a residential property

Author: Elle Walton
Location: Birmingham
Techniques: Site Survey and Stem Injection

BACKGROUND

Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by WiseMove Estate Agents on behalf of their client to organise a site survey. The client had completed the sale of the property (Find out more about our domestic services)  and found out only after that JKW is present in the rear garden. The property was brought to let and it is believed Wise Move Estate Agents managed the property.

SITE SURVEYS

At time of survey, I identified Japanese Knotweed on our clients property (no.107) as well as neighbouring property (No.109).

Japanese Knotweed was located behind a shed in the rear garden of no.107 and was present on fence line of 109.

The infestation on no.107 was very mature and had visible dead canes from last seasons growth. However the infestation on no.109 showed Immature growth and no sign of previous years growth.

There was a considerable amount of building waste at the rear of 107 which impeded the access to JKW behind the shed on property 107. It was recommended that site clearance was undertaken before treatment.

I recommended a shared 5 year treatment plan to be put in place for both properties and for both sheds to be moved a metre away so that I could reach the whole infestation on both properties.

I prepared a report and quotation alongside my recommendations and initial thoughts.

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

Clearance was conducted back in 2017 and first treatment began shortly after.

November 2017
We undertook first treatment in November. I Injected all the canes with a stem injection gun and injected 2ml neat shots of glysophate into the JKW. We also managed to get two stem injections in the immature growth on next doors fence line (No.109).

July 2018
Property 107 had no new growth on 2nd visit, so I removed canes and conducted a small biomass reduction. Property 109 had three visible JKW stands. We used herbicide to treat. We installed signage and fencing to keep our clients pets away.

October 2018
We returned to conduct 3rd treatment and there was no growth on either properties. Previous treatment had taken very well.

We will return in 2019 to repeat the cycle (2 visits per growing season) until full control is achieved.

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.