Have you discovered Japanese knotweed on your property in Bedlington? Are you in the process of buying a house in Bedlington and the survey has identified this invasive weed in the garden? Whatever the situation and however it is found, Japanese Knotweed is never good news.
However, with professional help, you can put this problem behind you! Tree Surgeon Pro's expert Japanese Knotweed removal service in Bedlington will eliminate every trace of this unwanted visitor, leaving your garden or grounds with a clean bill of health.
Originally introduced to the UK in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) soon became a pest for the following reasons:
The plant's rhizomes can grow through small cracks in concrete, brickwork, and tarmac, exacerbating existing structural weaknesses. While it doesn't directly destroy solid foundations, its growth can lead to costly damage to properties, walls, pavements, and drainage systems.
This plant tends to thrive in summer, with a massive growth spurt that helps to form dense stands of knotweed that are extremely difficult to shift.
Japanese Knotweed grows rapidly and forms dense thickets that outcompete native plants for light, water, and nutrients. This reduces biodiversity and disrupts local ecosystems, as native species struggle to survive in areas dominated by the plant.
The plant is notoriously difficult to eliminate because even tiny fragments of its roots can regenerate into new plants. Traditional methods, such as cutting or digging it up, are often ineffective unless combined with professional treatment, such as herbicides or excavation.
The Knotweed rhizome can remain dormant underground for several years, so any treatment and management plan needs to cover between two and seven years.
Managing and eradicating Japanese Knotweed can be an expensive – but necessary – undertaking. It typically requires specialist intervention and can take years to remove completely. For homeowners, its presence can significantly reduce property value and complicate the process of selling a home, as mortgage lenders may hesitate to approve loans on properties affected by the plant.
Mortgage lenders can sometimes be reluctant to approve a mortgage application in serious cases of knotweed infestation. This is usually in cases where the problem has damaged the infrastructure.
It may be possible to overcome this if a coherent management plan is put into effect.
At Tree Surgeon Pro, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional tree care services tailored to your needs. With years of experience, certified expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re your trusted partner for all things tree surgery.
If you're concerned that your garden is affected, the best course of action is to get a positive identification. To be 100% certain, you'll need a professional company like Tree Surgeon Pro to conduct a thorough survey.
However, if you'd prefer to check this out for yourself, here are some pointers to look out for:
The leaves are light green in colour, arranged alternately along the stem. They are spade-shaped with a flat base and smooth edges, measuring about 15 x 10 cm.
The bamboo-like stems can grow as high as 3 metres and are light green with purple specks. They sprout in clumps from crowns, which is where the roots break through the ground surface. These hollow stems snap very easily when bent. Buds on the stems are a sign of new growth.
The red/purple shoots look very much like asparagus spears when they appear in early spring. New shoots can grow from pieces of the rhizome network that are only 0.5g, highlighting the importance of removing every trace of this invasive weed.
The flowers appear in late summer or early autumn and will be a creamy-white colour. These are small and hang in thick clusters on spikes (known as panicles).
Bees and other pollinators will generally crowd around these flowers as they provide a late source of nectar.
It's worth noting that several other plants are often mistaken for Japanese Knotweed, including Himalayan Honeysuckle and Russian Vine.
Several methods are used to control Japanese Knotweed, and these may be combined to achieve complete eradication.
The Tree Surgeon Pro Bedlington team currently uses the following methods:
This is one of the most common and cost-effective methods, often used for less severe infestations.
Glyphosate-based weedkiller* is applied to the foliage, where it is absorbed and transported to the root system to kill the plant gradually. As multiple applications are required, the entire process can take between two and three years to complete (maybe longer).
*These are industry-grade chemicals - the products on sale in garden centres aren't powerful enough for the job.
This method isn't very useful if the ground needs to be developed soon, and it can also harm other plants if not applied carefully.
Glyphosate-treated knotweed material (and contaminated soil) is classed as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, meaning that disposal must be handled carefully.
In some cases, full excavation is required and this involves digging out the entire plant and its extensive root system. The affected soil and rhizomes are then removed and taken to a licensed landfill.
If allowed, the Knotweed can be buried on-site under a geotextile membrane at a depth of at least 5 metres to prevent regrowth.
This method is ideal for construction sites or development projects where delays need to be kept to a minimum.
We also may be able to install root barriers in the soil to prevent the spread of Knotweed.
Special impermeable membranes are buried vertically around the infestation or along property boundaries to contain the rhizomes.
This method is useful for preventing the spread to neighbouring properties or protecting infrastructure, but it doesn’t eliminate the Knotweed completely; it merely controls its growth.
As time progresses, new treatment methods will be developed and these may be more effective.
In Japan and other places where the plant is native, natural means are often used for the control of Japanese Knotweed, such as a sap-sucking aphid that feeds on the pant, gradually weakening it over time. Trials in the UK are still ongoing and the results are inconclusive, but it is hoped that this will replace the use of potentially harmful chemicals like glyphosates.
Some companies also use bursts of high-voltage electricity to zap the plant right down to its roots. So far, the results prove this to be highly effective, boiling the moisture in the roots and stems and killing the plant outright. This technology is relatively new to the UK, but the results look promising so far and it may be added to Tree Surgeon Pro's repertoire sometime in the future.
Japanese Knotweed Removal costs in Bedlington average between £1,500 and £2,000 for residential properties, but various factors will influence the final price.
Please check this quick guide for a better idea of what to expect:
While it might seem that Japanese Knotweed costs are high, this is a highly involved long-term management plan requiring knowledge and expertise. All professionals will issue an Insurance Backed Guarantee, which is handy when selling property.
It's possible that your infestation is Giant Knotweed rather than Japanese Knotweed.
While they look similar, the giant variety is - as the name suggests - significantly taller, growing to around five metres in height. The leaves are also bigger, at around 40 x 25cm, and they have a layer of hairs on the underside. The final difference to look out for is the thicker stem, roughly 4cm in diameter.
The treatment for this variety is much the same as that for Japanese Knotweed removal, although the costs can be higher due to the sheer amount of material that needs to be shifted. On a positive note, this plant isn't as aggressive in terms of growth, so it may be possible to deal with it more quickly and easily.
In simple terms, the property or land owner pays to remove Japanese knotweed. However, it can be something of a legal grey area so it's worth seeking advice. For example, a landlord may stipulate in a rent agreement that the tenant is responsible for removing any invasive species in the garden - always check your contract!
If the property is on the market and a survey discovers this invasive weed, the seller will be expected to cover the cost of removal. Should the buyer discover the plant after the sale has been completed, they may have grounds to sue the seller.
As mentioned above, Japanese Knotweed is covered by the Environmental Protection Act (1990), with strict rules and regulations regarding the treatment methods and disposal of knotweed waste.
Placing 'controlled waste' on your home compost or in the garden waste bin can result in a fine.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) also states that it is an offence to 'cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild', meaning that you can be prosecuted for encouraging the spread of this plant. Because of this, you are responsible for the control and containment of the problem and must take all necessary measures to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring gardens or public land.
Failing to do so is classed as anti-social behaviour at best, and a criminal act at worst, because of the detrimental effect of invasive plants on the local ecology and environment.
Due to the penalties involved, it's best to use a professional Japanese knotweed removal company like Tree Surgeon Pro.
If you need further information on this or any other invasive non-native plants, please get in touch with our Bedlington team, the Environment Agency or the Property Care Association.
At Tree Surgeon Pro, we understand that the costs involved can be prohibitive and that many property owners will want to take matters into their own hands to save money.
However, this can be a big mistake. No matter how hard you try, it's very unlikely that you'll remove all traces of knotweed and you'll need to be patient and persistent, continuing the treatment for at least a couple of years.
Attacking the plant and hacking it to pieces could make it worse, and the problem will simply spread to other parts of your garden. Tiny pieces of the root system can and will start to sprout where they fall, creating further plant systems. They may even spread outside the boundaries of your property, potentially resulting in prosecution under the laws stated above.
Dousing the plant with weedkiller may have some effect, but herbicide brands on sale to the public are never powerful enough to destroy Knotweed completely.
Tree Surgeon Pro's fully qualified arborists can help you overcome your Japanese Knotweed problem, no matter how bad the infestation.
We will visit the site to make a full inspection to assess the scale and size of the project, and then create a comprehensive plan to eradicate knotweed from your premises.
Our team understands that using powerful herbicides can be hazardous and that minimising risks to wildlife and the environment is paramount.
If you have Japanese Knotweed - or suspect that you do - on your property, please contact us without delay. We'll tailor a plan to suit your budget and leave your grounds 100% free from knotweed!
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that spreads rapidly, damaging buildings, roads, and drainage systems. It can lower property values and make it difficult to secure a mortgage.
You can identify Japanese Knotweed by its red-tinged shoots in spring, bamboo-like stems, and heart-shaped green leaves. It grows aggressively and often appears along riverbanks, roadsides, and gardens.
Yes, Japanese Knotweed can damage your house by growing through cracks in walls, patios, and drainage pipes. It weakens structures over time, leading to costly repairs if left untreated.
It is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed, but under UK law, you must prevent it from spreading to neighbouring land. Failure to control it can lead to legal disputes and financial penalties.
Japanese Knotweed is removed through herbicide treatment, excavation, or root barrier systems. Professional removal is recommended to ensure it does not regrow and complies with UK environmental laws.
The cost of Japanese Knotweed removal depends on the severity of the infestation and the method used. Prices typically range from £1,000 to £5,000, with professional guarantees to prevent regrowth.
