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 particular 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.
Japanese Knotweed in flower
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.
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.
new shoots emerging
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.
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.