Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham – Treatment & Control Methods from Green Leaf Remediation & Removal

Japanese Knotweed is a perennial weed that will grow and spread quickly if not controlled. It is a weed that suppresses other plant life growing around it from the crown and rhizomes (root system) that spread extensively underground. Its shoots die out above ground in the winter months and re-emerge above ground again in the late spring or early summer season so often people will think they have removed it, however, it is growing extensively underground. Any well-established shoots can grow in excess of 9ft high and often colonize the soil within a few years. There are numerous articles that say you can kill the roots with chemicals, however, you now need an NPTC qualified person to work with any chemicals as a result of new legislation which covers the management and removal of Knotweed. If you think you may have Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham Green Leaf Remediation & Removal can help. We provide services for the treatment and management of Japanese Knotweed in and around Cheltenham and it won’t cost you as much as you might think. Call us today on 0117 321 7799 or 07531 142316 and one of our professional experts can arrange a site survey for you.

There are some common myths that say it is possible to remove Knotweed yourself, however, it really is an extremely difficult and complicated procedure and frequently not successful unless you work with a Knotweed expert. In the peak of its growing season, 60% of the Knotweed plants roots are below ground so removal is extremely challenging and it spreads wildly from one tiny fragment of crown or rhizome. Removing Knotweed without having considerable knowledge carries a very good chance of dispersing the plant to other parts of the soil which were previously unaffected, restarting the process all over again.

How do you remove Japanese Knotweed?

There are several methods of removing Knotweed and a Knotweed Specialist like Green Leaf Remediation & Removal can give you advice about the best and most effective approach.

Stem-Injection for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham is a low impact approach to removal and there is minimal chance of disturbing or killing the plants and flowers growing around it. The stem-injection method is used for smaller sized areas of Knotweed where it has established itself among plants and vegetation that you want to maintain. The method can be used when close to a watercourse as there is minimal chance of the herbicide running into the watercourse. It can be used in dry or inclement weather conditions and the soil cannot be disturbed following a treatment. The stems of the Knotweed have to be reasonably established to allow for the injections to be made.

Foliar Spray Application for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham is often employed and is probably the most favourable control method along with stem injection. The process is used to treat the Knotweed over several growing seasons. The area of Knotweed is frequently sprayed 2-3 times in the first year and once again in the subsequent years. The chemical used is an Environment Agency approved herbicide and needs dry weather as well as the soil to remain undisturbed in subsequent years for the method to be effective.

Weed Wiping Method for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham wipes the leaves of the weed with a sponge soaked with the necessary herbicide. It is a low impact treatment method and doesn’t kill or harm the plants growing around it. Its use does depend on the size of the area of knotweed and this is not a method used for large areas of growth. The method can be used if the Knotweed is close to a watercourse.

Bund/Stockpiling Method for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham is a combined treatment using both stem-injection or foliar application, followed by the underground material being dug up and moved to a different location on site. The emergence of any new shoots of Knotweed is then subjected to further herbicide application. This approach can be used on sites where the removal of the Knotweed needs to be quick foto enable construction work to start. The process is done over one season and it doesn’t impact any waterways.

Cell Burial/Root Barrier Method for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham is a treatment applied when there is sufficient space on-site to create a cell burial or root barrier system which reduces the significant cost of transporting the waste to landfill. Cell burial buries the Knotweed waste to a minimum depth, or if encapsulated inside a geo-membrane it can be closer to the surface of the ground. Root barriers can be installed both vertically and horizontally when there is a risk of cross-boundary contamination. Again, it is a method frequently used for development sites when work needs to commence quickly.

Excavation & Removal Off-Site for Japanese Knotweed Cheltenham is a legitimate and quick control option that has its advantages for development sites if performed correctly and to the required standards. The treatment creates significant logistical problems along with a high cost to transport the waste material safely without the risk of it spreading to a licensed landfill. There is a duty of care required under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 when it comes to this removal method. In summary, Excavation & Removal must only be used as an absolute final option and only if you have the required knotweed qualifications and accreditations.

Japanese Knotweed is often referred to as ‘poisonous’ by developers and homeowners because of its highly invasive growth, ability to spread from a tiny particle left and how difficult it is to remove fully. Knotweed isn’t poisonous to humans or animals however it can easily spread from one tiny particle so extreme care should always be taken when touching it.

Japanese Knotweed Common Myths

• It will grow through solid concrete
• It will destabilise foundations
• It will cause structural damage
• Property affected by Japanese Knotweed is not mortgageable

Essentially, if the previous groundwork or construction has been carried out to an acceptable standard then Knotweed will not grow through solid concrete, it doesn’t destabilise solid foundations and it is highly unlikely to cause architectural damage.

In certain situations, if the foundations or concrete are old, badly constructed and have pre-existing cracks or fractures then Knotweed will take advantage of any weak spots in its search for light and water and can rapidly establish itself. When this happens it can exacerbate any cracks or fractures and potentially result in further damage to structures.

Green Leaf Remediation & Removal Specialists are a family run business that covers the whole of South West (including Cheltenham and the surrounding areas). We also carry out contracts in the West Country, as far North as Shropshire and into the Midlands and Birmingham areas.

We are a fully qualified Japanese Knotweed Certificated Surveyor (JKCS). We specialise in managing Japanese Knotweed, other invasive plant species and ‘general nuisance weeds’ which are found in residential premises and development sites across the UK.

We also offer tree services, such as pollarding, crowning, pruning, felling, through our NPTC chainsaw operators, all of whom possess a vast amount of practical experience in the forestry industry.

Green Leaf Remediation & Removal Qualifications & Accreditations

• City & Guilds NPTC Level 2
• Principles of Safe Handling & Application of Pesticides (PA1/ PA6)
• Principles of Safe Handling & Application of Pesticides near water (PA6AW)
• Herbicide Stem Injection
• Member of The Property Care Association
• The Control & Eradication of Japanese Knotweed Surveyor’s Training Course
• Qualified Technician (PCAQT) in Japanese Knotweed
• Accredited Surveyor in Japanese Knotweed
• Accredited Japanese Knotweed Management Plan Surveyor

If you think you may have Japanese Knotweed in Cheltenham or any of the surrounding areas then please contact us on 0117 321 7799 or 07531 142316 and one of our team can answer any questions you might have and arrange a site visit.