UK Environmental & Construction Industry Support Services

Japanese Knotweed Eradication

The single most destructive invasive plant species in the UK

The Solution

Japanese Knotweed Eradication & Removal

Specialist proactive management of Japanese Knotweed will reduce the cost of control and avoid potential damage to hard engineered structures, development sites, legal prosecution and the ecosystem. Ten Counties has over 30 years’ experience in the land management and specialist weed control sector and we offer a free site appraisal to identify potential invasive plants. Using the WeedErad system we utilise a number of resources that deliver proven Japanese Knotweed removal and eradication. Following consultation we will implement the most practical and cost effective Knotweed Management Plan in order to meet individual requirements. All WeedErad solutions comply with the Environment Agency Code of Practice for managing Japanese Knotweed.

A herbicidal chemical programme is the most common, efficient and cost effective method of eradication. Ten Counties will assess the ecological and environmental sensitivity of the site as part of the consultation process and make a recommendation on the best course of chemical treatment for a programme of eradication. Ten Counties will monitor treated areas to ensure the plant has been eradicated as part of an agreed Knotweed Management Plan.

All spraying operatives are experienced and fully certified to National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC) standards. When infestation dictates the need to spray within 5m-10m of an open water course, Ten Counties is experienced in working with the Environment Agency to meet all necessary regulations.

Where a chemical programme is not an option we are specialists in the excavation, relocation and removal of Japanese Knotweed as well as the installation of root barrier membranes. Ten Counties is also licenced to act as a carrier for controlled waste.

Without the implementation of a Knotweed Management Plan, development planning, local authority grants and mortgages may be refused.

The Plant

Originating from Asia, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) was introduced to the UK by a horticulturist in the nineteenth century as an ornamental plant and source of feed for cattle. As a result of its lack of natural enemies and aggressive growth characteristics Japanese Knotweed is now abundant and recognised as the most invasive species of plant in Britain today.

Grows to a height of three metres
Clusters of creamy white flowers appear at the tips of the stems late in the season from August to October
Rhizomes (underground stems) can stretch up to seven metres from the parent plant and to a depth of three metres.
Lush green in colour
Leaves heart shaped
Stem similar to bamboo in appearance
Can grow up to a metre a month
Tolerance to many soil types

The Problem

Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive resilient plant that benefits from a lack of native enemies in the UK. Infestation spreads via the movement of its rhizomes (underground stems) and site disturbance. These rhizomes can produce identical plants to the parent and grow at an alarming pace of up to 10cm a day out competing native species for light, water and nutrients. Fly tipping, inappropriate management and poor control methods have exacerbated the infestation. Japanese Knotweed now occupies a site every 10km2 across England and Wales.

Common problems caused by Japanese Knotweed:

Damage to foundations, buildings, roads, paving, retaining walls, underground structures and development sites
Infestation can affect development planning, local authority grants and mortgage approval
Reduction in land and property value
Damage to ecosystems by reducing biodiversity
Damage to flood defence structures

The Law

The following legislation exists to control the destructive nature of Japanese Knotweed:

It is an offence under the Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) to spread or allow the spread of Japanese Knotweed

The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990, Duty of Care Regulations 1991, state that Japanese Knotweed material and soil containing rhizomes must be disposed of as a controlled waste

Land owners can be held liable for costs and damages incurred through the spread of Japanese Knotweed into adjacent properties

For further information regarding Japanese Knotweed, please refer to the Environment Agency ‘Knotweed Code of Practice’

For further information regarding Japanese Knotweed, please refer to the Environment Agency Knotweed Code of Practice

For more information on the specialist services we provide call Ten Counties now on 0844 836 1 836 or complete the enquiry form with your requirements and let us do the rest.

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