I’ve positively identified Japanese Knotweed on my site. What should I do next?
1 Don’t make the problem worse!
Avoid any works that disturb the area of infestation as this could spread the plant and make subsequent treatment ineffective. If necessary, secure area from unauthorized access.
2 Determine the extent of your Japanese Knotweed infestation(s)!
Identify the visible size of each infestation (length x width). Take photographs so that an expert can estimate maturity and extent of infested soil. Note any site specific constraints that you think might affect the treatment options e.g. proximity of water courses, boundaries, buildings/structures, previous attempts at eradication.
3 Are the Japanese Knotweed infested areas likely to be disturbed by the development works?
If Yes, your objectives should be complete eradication or removal prior to commencement of any other works in the area of infestation. If No, a control programme (e.g. herbicide treatment) may suit depending upon your timeframes.
4 TIME – how long have you got to eradicate Japanese Knotweed before you commence development works?
Time is the predominant factor in selecting the optimum treatment method. If there is inadequate time to successfully eradicate the Japanese Knotweed using herbicide methods (minimum 6-12 months depending upon time of year) then you will need to consider a physical excavation method.
5 Choose optimum method for the Control or Eradication of Japanese Knotweed
The options are listed below – if you need assistance in selecting the best one for your circumstances give us a call.
Chemical Methods
- Herbicide methods using either foliar spray or stem injection for eradication or control of Japanese Knotweed.
Physical Methods
- Xtract™, for rapid and complete eradication in days, comprising excavation and processing of infested soils to remove all viable Japanese Knotweed rhizome.
- Stockpile & Treat, involving the excavation, stockpiling and subsequent herbicide treatment of Japanese Knotweed
- On-site burial, involving the excavation and on-site burial of infested soils within a containment cell
- Dig & Dump, involving the physical excavation, haulage and disposal of infested soils to landfill
- Root Barrier for horizontal or vertical containment
6 Establish Japanese Knotweed Treatment Costs and Budgets
Give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you either budget costs or a detailed quotation.
7 Identify the liabilities associated with Japanese Knotweed!
The law relating to Japanese Knotweed has been clearly summarized by our legal expert, Robert Twining of Warners Solicitors. Read more.
