Have you discovered Japanese knotweed on your property in Murton? Are you in the process of buying a house in Murton 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 Murton 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.
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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.
Several methods are used to control Japanese Knotweed, and these may be combined to achieve complete eradication.
The Tree Surgeon Pro Murton 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.
Japanese Knotweed Removal costs in Murton 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 Murton 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.
How can I tell if I have Japanese Knotweed on my property?
Can Japanese Knotweed damage my house?
Is it illegal to have Japanese Knotweed on my property?
How is Japanese Knotweed removed?
How much does Japanese Knotweed removal cost?
