Author: Clare Peach
Location: Cannock
Size covered: 13 m2
Techniques: Excavation
Costs: Approximately £9,000
BACKGROUND
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by the client to organise a site survey.. The client wishes to purchase this property and the Japanese Knotweed is located in a derelict car park by the property and encroaching on to the property the client wishes to purchase, as the client needed a Mortgage to purchase the property the bank advised unless there was a treatment plan in place for the infestation they would not lend the money.
A Garden Maintenance Company had been treating the Japanese Knotweed for approx. 3 years with weed killer treatment used is unknown.
SITE SURVEYS
The first and arguably most important stage of any successful management plan is to assess the extent of the problem.
Once we identified the above ground Japanese Knotweed which was found in 2 locations we advised the client the infested area must remain undisturbed.
A survey inspection was carried out along with photo evidence of the infestation. The report was then handed back to the office for them to prepare a quotation for the Treatment of the 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
We advised the client a Herbicide Treatment Plan would be our recommendations to treat the Japanese Knotweed over a 5 year period.
- Complete clearance of brambles & debris
- Provide adequate signage & fencing
- Treat the Knotweed with herbicide 2 times per season for 2-3 years (depending on regrowth). Optimal time for the first treatment is late July/early August
- Complete biomass reduction in the off season (year 2)
- Survey the property once a season following the above treatment, for a further 2 years (Monitoring Period)
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.
GALLERIES
Year 1
FURTHER INFO
Treatment has been very successful in year 1 as seen in the images. Knotweed Services will continue with the Treatment Plan in year 2 and upload images onto the website so the progress can be seen.
If you think you may have Japanese Knotweed please do not hesitate to call us: 0121 720 0695.
