Japanese Knotweed Control, Removal Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent

Eradication of Japanese Knotweed We have found that over the past few years the problem is increasing throughout the southern counties and many of our clients involved with the construction industry, and also Local Authorities, are coming across this particularly evasive weed. Millstone Landscapes have been dealing with this on-going problem for many years and are able to offer a complete service from identification of the weed to compiling a course of action to remove it from sites. This is done individually on each site as the treatment varies considerably depending on the weed's growing location and on the size and strength of the establishment of the plants. We are then able to start a programme of treatment for each particular site.
Treatment can involve chemical spraying over several seasons on a site to eradicate the weed, and excavating the plants by adhering to strict environmental guidelines and removing the spoil as contaminated waste to a licensed landfill site. We would use this method if the land is required for development but it does prove extremely costly. We have also controlled the weed and protected development areas with membrane materials that have been approved by the NHBC. We install the material to protect hard-standing areas and foundations on sites. Stem Injection System We have found that by using stem injection as a method of treatment, we are able to apply herbicide directly into the growing stem of the plant. This is done by using specialist equipment with certificated operatives. This method only targets the knotweed injected and is a safe and proven method that can be used on environmentally sensitive sites and can also eradicate the problem in a much faster time period than some other methods. Millstone Landscapes have produced a factsheet about Japanese Knotweed and are also able to give an informative short talk to clients and their employees so that the weed can be identified as soon as possible and before it is spread further. This has found to be beneficial within the construction industry and with civil engineering companies.
What is it? Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) was originally introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant but has spread extensively in the wild. With its rapid growth of more than 20 millimetres a day, it forms dense clumps over 3 metres high which crowd out and prevent the growth of native plants. The rhizome root system, from which new plants grow, can extend several metres away from the original plant and be up to 2 metres deep. The plant spreads so rapidly not only through progression of its root system but because any fragments of its stem or roots will grow to form a new plant (a piece as small as 0.8 grams can regenerate). This makes it a very difficult plant to eradicate. Japanese Knotweed will grow in any type of soil no matter how poor and is often found along railways, riverbanks, roads and particularly derelict sites.
Identification Japanese Knotweed forms dense clumps and grows up to 3 metres tall The stem is hollow with distinct nodes like bamboo and breaks easily. In Spring it is fleshy and red tinged and in Summer it is green with purple speckles. Leaves in Spring are pinky red and uncurl as the stem grows. In Summer they become oval or heart shaped in mid-green. Flowers are cream coloured and appear in drooping clusters towards the end of August. The plant dies before November often leaving behind the upright brown, hollow, woody stalks. Avoid environmental harm: Japanese Knotweed shades out native plants by producing a dense canopy of leaves early in the growing season. Although Japanese Knotweed is not toxic to humans or animals, it offers a poor habitat for insects, birds and mammals. Avoid prosecution: It is illegal 'to plant or otherwise encourage' the growth of Japanese Knotweed. This could include cutting the plant or roots and disturbing or moving surrounding soil which may contain root material unless as part of an eradication process. Prevent damage to structures: The plant is strong enough to penetrate foundations, walls, roads and drainage pipework. If you suspect that you have Japanese Knotweed on site: Immediately stop all work within 7 metres of the suspect plant. Do not excavate or move any soil or spoil from within 7 metres of a Japanese Knotweed plant without instruction Do not use any plant or tracked machines over the area Do not stockpile any material taken from within 7 metres of the plant with other products such as topsoil or spoil. Do not remove any spoil containing Japanese Knotweed from site with normal waste products. Timely and appropriate action is needed if you suspect Japanese Knotweed. Potential prosecution can be avoided if the correct management systems are put into place. Early identification of Japanese Knotweed on sites allows clients cost options for the disposal and management of the weed. At Millstone Landscapes Ltd we offer a complete solution to the problem of Japanese Knotweed, from identification of the weed to putting together a management plan and programme to remove the weed safely from site. We undertake site surveys and then provide the clients with solutions to remove the weed with costings for the relevant methods of eradication. Please contact our office to discuss your particular concerns and we will arrange for a site consultation.