How to get rid of Japanese knotweed
There is no quick fix to killing Japanese knotweed infestations. No matter the size of your infestation, completely eradicating this pest can take years; cutting corners at any point in the process could lead to a never-ending battle or, worse still, a hefty fine.
How you go about tackling your knotweed infestation will depend on your situation. If you’re looking to sell up your property soon then you’ll be seeking to get a chemical treatment plan in place that will placate potential buyers and mortgage lenders. If you’re not planning on selling your knotweed-infested home in the near future then you may be happy to just control the plant’s growth. If you’re planning on building or developing land with Japanese knotweed then you may wish to remove it altogether. Remember, before you get a management plan in place, you’ll want to be certain that you’ve found Japanese knotweed on your land, rather than a look-a-like.
Can you bury Japanese knotweed?
Burying Japanese knotweed is a viable method of controlling an infestation, however, if not executed properly, it’s possible to inadvertently exacerbate the problem. It’s worth bearing in mind that this plant has been found growing in some of the most extreme climates imaginable, including areas of volcanic activity in its native Japan. The most effective means of burying the plant is with the aid of a root barrier membrane, which is readily available online, and stop further growth before it reaches the surface, effectively containing the plant underground.
Is it illegal to remove Japanese knotweed?
You are legally required to keep any invasive plants on your land under control, this includes Japanese knotweed. As the plant is labelled as controlled waste by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to simply remove Japanese knotweed from your land and dump it elsewhere. Doing so is one and the same as fly-tipping, with the added offence of spreading an invasive plant into the wild. If you are caught dumping any Japanese knotweed matter or soil contaminated with the plant you could face a large fine or even prison time.
What is the best way to kill Japanese knotweed?
The best way to kill Japanese knotweed is with a professional-grade glyphosate treatment plan administered by a PCA-accredited firm that can offer a guarantee which will be trusted by mortgage lenders and potential buyers. Professional firms have access to stronger chemicals than the general public, which means they get the job done quicker and should be able to offer you an insurance backed certificate. This certificate will prove that you’re actively working to deal with the infestation and will cover you for a stated number of years.
Can Japanese knotweed come back?
Japanese knotweed can come back if you fail to properly treat it properly the first time. Attempting a DIY solution, like those featured above, can easily backfire and you may end up worsening the infestation. A professional treatment plan ensures that a team returns to treat the infestation for several seasons so that any remnant of the plant is properly eradicated.
Whether you’ve just discovered knotweed on your land or have a long-term infestation, we can help explain your options and may be able to help you claim for the costs of treatment. If it has entered your land from another property, or you’ve just bought a house with Japanese knotweed then you could be able to get the costs of the treatment recovered.
Getting your Japanese knotweed problem treated professionally effectively hits two birds with one stone. Our specialists will be able to assess your infestation and lay out a clear strategy to tackle it, as well as offer you an insurance backed guarantee so that banks and lenders will feel comfortable dealing with you. Which form of treatment that you’ll be offered will depend on the severity of your infestation and also the nature of your property.
Have you just found Japanese knotweed?
Discovering a knotweed infestation can be an unpleasant and costly experience, leaving you with a financial burden that you could be saddled with for years, however, you might not be liable for all of these costs.
Whether you’ve just discovered your knotweed infestation or you’ve been sitting on it for a while, we’ll able to accurately assess your financial risk and formulate a plan of action so that you can begin the process of removing it from your property and work on obtaining the costs from whoever is responsible.
We’re happy to offer guidance to property owners who’ve been affected by Japanese knotweed, this includes obtaining costs and seeking compensation where necessary. We can put you in touch with accredited specialists who can safely eradicate the knotweed from your property and give you the necessary paperwork to back it up.
These are just some of the issues that can arise from a Japanese knotweed infestation:
– Issues with selling your property. Many mortgage lenders will not lend on properties affected by Japanese knotweed, and some may not lend if there is Japanese knotweed on neighbouring land.
– Decrease in property value. Due to the stigma attached to this plant, a property’s value could decrease by as much as 25%, unless it is properly treated.
– Legal liability. It is against the law to allow this plant to spread from one property to another. If your infestation has arrived from a neighbouring property then you could have legal recourse.
Get in touch using the contact form, or call 0151 244 7571 today for a FREE consultation.
We never charge for initial conversations and we take many cases on a ‘no win no fee’ basis.
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