Cobham, Surrey -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/01/2016 -- Japanese knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) is a non-native invasive plant which grows throughout the UK causing widespread damage to properties, roads and buildings, including driveways and drains. Knotweed can cause serious issues for property developers, home owners and landlords as mortgage lenders often refuse to lend where a surveyor has identified the presence of Japanese knotweed. Expert help and advice is needed to combat this pervasive perennial.
"Discovering that Japanese knotweed is growing on your property can be a scary or daunting experience" comments knotweed expert, Nicolas Seal, "…by spring, the small bamboo-like stems will be growing at such a fast rate that you'll see them dwarfing other plants and foliage. Getting rid of Japanese knotweed is not as simple as you might think, so before you consider looking at a DIY knotweed removal solution, speak to a knotweed expert, who can advise on the best course of action, especially if an insurance backed guarantee is needed."
Knotweed Removal – First Steps
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it a criminal offence to plant or otherwise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. A more widespread issue is where civil action is brought against a landowner who allows knotweed to spread into adjoining property. This is known as Japanese knotweed encroachment.
If you've got knotweed on your property, don't panic! The first step is to prevent it from encroaching onto your neighbours land. Japanese knotweed and the soil in which it resides is classified as a controlled waste, if it's to be taken off-site. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it's an offence to incorrectly dispose of knotweed. You'll need a waste carrier registered by the Environment Agency to take the knotweed to a landfill site.
There are several ways to remove and kill knotweed however you need to be especially careful when considering chemical treatment methods, which should be carried out by a trained Japanese knotweed removal specialist.
How to kill Japanese knotweed
There are several ways to kill knotweed. One approach is total eradication through excavation, often referred to as "Dig and Dump", but this is expensive. Screening or sifting methods such as Xtract™ make for a very competitive alternative. Trying to remove knotweed by hand isn't advisable as regrowth is extremely likely, unless every trace of the root system is removed. Other methods involve strong herbicides or chemical treatment to kill the knotweed. Chemical treatments vary in effectiveness, so it is important to speak to a specialist Japanese knotweed removal company.
Help from the removal experts
About Environet
Established in 1996, Environet is the UK's leading specialist in the safe and efficient removal of Japanese knotweed. They use a patented solution to efficiently eradicate knotweed and control the spread. They also have teams nationwide, in particular across London, Surrey, Birmingham, Manchester, Devon and Cornwall.
Their team has experience in dealing with the permanent removal of Japanese knotweed. The treatment is also covered by an Insurance Backed Guarantee underwritten at Lloyd's for complete peace of mind.
Find out more today about Japanese knotweed removal at www.environetuk.com