RESIDENTIAL JAPANESE KNOTWEED REMOVAL.
- Free survey - if you go ahead with a Management Plan
- 2 year payment plans available - spread the cost!
- Available to both Commercial and Residential clients
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd offer our clients professional services and options, which are bespoke to individual client’s specifications and requirements.
FROM THE POINT OF INITIAL CONTACT, KNOTWEED SERVICES WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.
As Infestations vary considerably from property to property it is therefore not surprising that the application technique will too. It may be necessary to use only one method of treatment or the combination of different methods.
As this is nature we are dealing with, our Japanese Knotweed specialists are trained to factor in all considerations in order to achieve optimal results. Decisions with regards to the methods of treatment opted for, will ultimately be decided by the ongoing assessment of site-specific infestations and the influencing factors/variables.
Therefore, the application procedure, giving the maximum efficacy with minimum waste and environmental impact will be tailored to specific sites.
As PCA approved Japanese Knotweed specialists, we are also guided by the latest research and development which gives guidance to the optimal time for treatment.
The latest research from Swansea University, released April 2018 by Dr. Dan Jones & Professor Dan Eastwood found that:
Applying the wrong herbicides at the wrong time of the year, leads to greater herbicide use and environmental impacts. The 4-Stage Model that we have developed links herbicide selection and application with the seasonal surface-rhizome flows in the Knotweed plant. This seasonal targeting of Knotweed delivers better results and uses lower doses of herbicide across the whole treatment life-cycle. For the public and land managers, this means more affordable treatment that is also more environmentally friendly than traditional, blanket herbicide application.
Following the release of this research, Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd now operate using the 4-stage model which identifies the optimal time for treatment.
OUR PROCESS.
1. IDENTIFICATION OF JAPANESE KNOTWEED
The easy way to identify Japanese Knotweed is by sending us your images. It’s a quick and free service – simply fill in the form (at the bottom of our website) or email your images to us on info@knotweedsevices.co.uk
The images below show you the different appearances of Japanese Knotweed in each season. If you are 100% sure it is JKW and this has been identified on a home buyers survey, a valuation survey or even a gardener, please progress to Step 2.
Spring (March – April)
Shoots and stems are a purple/red colour with curled pinky reddish leaves. As the canes grow the leaves gradually unfurl and turn green.
Summer (May – August)
Shoots and stems are green with purple speckles. Leaves become heart shaped and turn green.
Autumn (September – October)
Stems are virulent, growing upwards of up to six feet, cream/white flowers appear late summer/autumn.
Winter (November – February)
Stems change to dark brown and are hollow, brittle and absent of leaves or flowers.
2. SURVEY CONDUCTED
A PCA Qualified Surveyor will conduct the site survey. Pictures and measurements will be recorded and a visual inspection of the property boundaries (where possible neighbouring property) will be inspected.
All factors / variables affecting the JKW will be recorded
Such as:
- The size of the infestation
- The location
- Nearby watercourses
- Does the property back onto Network Rail land?
- Access issues
- Distance to habitable space (see table) and
- JKW encroachment from/onto neighbouring property.
In cases of encroachment, where possible, our expert surveyors will identify where encroachment has taken place. At this stage, any future plans for the property (ie. landscaping/potential extension/renovation works) will also be discussed.
3. REPORT AND QUOTATION PREPARED
The detailed report will conclude the findings of the site survey and the recommendations for the best method of control/treatment. This is known as a management plan (MP) and at this initial stage, we refer to it as a proposal.
The management plan proposal will outline the best method of control/treatment specific to each individual property based on the findings of the site survey. Our bespoke Management Plans include Herbicide treatment in the forms of Stem Injection, Knapsack Spraying, Foliar Wiping & Crown Removal.
The Management Plans for herbicide packages are for a duration of 5 years and include a 10 year Warranty.
For customers / commercial clients requiring excavation management plans include 2 years of monitoring.
Finally, a quotation for the bespoke management plan will be prepared and sent to you, along with the management plan proposal. We aim to complete paperwork within a maximum of 7 days.
4. MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WARRANTY PAPERWORK ISSUED
If instructed following the quotation, Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will commence a 5 year treatment plan (for customers / commercial clients requiring excavation management plans include 2 years of monitoring) to control the Japanese Knotweed and a 10 year warranty is issued.
A typical herbicide management plan includes:
- 3 year Herbicide/stem injection treatment plan * (We aim to conduct 2 treatments per year) **
- Crown removal as necessary
- 2 years of monitoring the site for any regrowth
- A final inspection
- A full management plan
- A 10 year warranty.
We are a PCA approved contractor, this treatment plan is fully compliant with industry standards and will be recognised by banks and building society’s to allow lending against a property.
Therefore, once payment is received, the paperwork is issued immediately, which can be sent directly to all parties. Hence, this process should not hold up the buying or selling process.
* As we are dealing with nature, we constantly assess the effectiveness of treatment. Every JKW infestation, in different environments, reacts differently. Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will treat for either 2 or 3 years, whichever is necessary until successful. ** Dependent on how effective previous treatments are, this could be more or less.
5. MANAGEMENT PLAN DURATION
Most of our residential treatments have a 5 year management schedule. This generally includes 2 – 3 years of treatment with herbicide followed by 2 years of monitoring. This option is best for those not intending to develop or those not under time restraints.
Our commercial clients normally have tighter time scales and do intend to develop. In this situation our remediation strategies change. Mechanical excavation of the Japanese Knotweed and it’s rhizomes is a quick solution and can be completed within weeks. We would still monitor the site for 2 years.
Patience and persistence is key for herbicide treatments. If you need a faster solution, excavation is for you!
6. COMPLETION CERTIFICATE ISSUED
For excavation style works, the completion certificate is issued in as little as 2 years. We can remove Japanese Knotweed sometimes in a matter of weeks!
We still monitor the site for 2 years regardless of what methods we implement.
— TREATMENT OPTIONS
FOLIAR SPRAYING *
Most common treatment. The spraying of powerful chemicals with a knapsack. We ensure that other plants aren’t damaged. The most effective time for foliar spraying to Japanese Knotweed is in Spring
FOLIAR LEAF WIPING *
With this Japanese knotweed treatment we employ a device to ‘physically wipe’ our chemicals onto the Japanese Knotweed leaves. This application is so precise that we can often use a higher concentration of chemical.
STEM INJECTION
We apply a controlled amount of herbicide directly into the invasive weed. Due to being injected directly into the Japanese Knotweed, this is the most crafty method of removal. It isn’t dependent on the weather.
BIOMASS REDUCTION
Biomass is a form of excavation and removal but instead of extracting all of the soil impacted by Japanese Knotweed, we only remove the infested parts of the soil. It’s an excellent Japanese Knotweed control method that allows the reuse of the soil. Reducing the use of landfill.
CROWN REMOVAL
Crown and stems are capable of regenerating and even small fragments of cut crown or stem are capable of regenerating and becoming a new invasive weed – removing these from the equation is a great strategy.
KNOTWEED LAW.
— THE LAW IN ENGLAND AND WALES
SCHEDULE 9 WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT OF 1981
- It is an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow schedule 9 species (Japanese Knotweed is classed as a schedule 9 species) in the wild, punishable by fines or imprisonment
- If it can be shown that a schedule 9 plant has spread from a landowners property onto another property, then the landowner could be considered responsible for any damage caused and the costs of control
- However, if landowners take all reasonable steps and exercise all due diligence to avoid spreading the plant, then they will be better protected against prosecution
- In order to reduce the potential of fines/prosecution, landowners should have a management plan for schedule 9 species on their property and be able to show that they are following it.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1990
- Waste containing any part of a schedule 9 plant that could facilitate the spread of the species is classified as controlled waste and should be disposed of at a suitable waste facility, accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation!
- You cannot just dispose of Japanese Knotweed by putting it in the bin nor can you take it to the local waste management site
- All producers, carriers and waste facilities have a duty of care to ensure that the waste is handled and treated properly
- Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd can legally and correctly dispose of your Japanese Knotweed during the treatment and control process. This takes all the pressure away from the landowner.
But what if I don’t know if there is Japanese Knotweed?
Don’t worry, we can conduct a site survey to find out.
We would highly recommend that anybody buying or selling property has a Japanese Knotweed survey. It prevents later compensation or misrepresentation claims for sellers and ensures the sale goes through fairly swiftly.
Not declaring Japanese Knotweed has, in our experience, only caused problems. We have seen cases where purchases have been seriously delayed and in some cases, even cancelled.
DEAL WITH IT EARLY AND YOU WILL FAIR BETTER!
THE LAW: BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY
The presence of Japanese Knotweed on, or in, close proximity to a property can create difficulties for those wishing to sell their property; and for buyers wishing to secure mortgage finances.
SELLERS
It is your legal responsibility to declare if your property is affected by Japanese Knotweed on the TA6 form. You will also be asked to enclose a copy of a management plan should you have one in place. In instances where Knotweed is not declared many lenders will still request a site survey and report.
The TA6 form should be filled in accurately as inaccurate answers can lead to the buyer seeking compensation for misrepresentation. If you are unsure if the property has Japanese Knotweed, we would always advise a Japanese Knotweed Survey is conducted.
BUYERS
The known presence of Japanese Knotweed should be declared on the TA6 form. Mortgage lenders require a professional management plan with an Insurance Backed Guarantee before they will lend.
If you think the seller has given inaccurate information on their TA6 we recommend seeking legal advise as you may have a claim for misrepresentation.
NEIGHBOURS
All home owners have a legal responsibility to stop JKW encroaching onto neighbouring property. And as such, the Local Authority have it in their power to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) to those home owners refusing to do anything about the JKW on their property, which ultimately threatens court proceedings if no action is taken.
If Japanese Knotweed is identified on neighbouring property, we would always advise discussing the situation in the first instance and addressing the legalities before taking action with the local authority.
