Are you worried about Japanese Knotweed removal costs having found a knotweed infestation on your domestic or commercial property ?
In this article we’ll take a look at typical knotweed removal methods and the costs normally associated wth them.
What Is Japanese Knotweed ?
Fallopia japonica, better known as Japanese Knotweed, is an invasive plant species from Asia with a knack for incredibly fast spread and the potential for extensive damage to infrastructure, buildings, and gardens.
If left unchallenged, knotweed can swiftly turn into an expensive headache for home and commercial site owners and you could find yourself with quite substantial expenses as you are legally responsible to ensure that the knotweed on your property does not spread to neighbouring properties.
It is also classified as controlled waste and can only be disposed of at a correctly licensed landfill site.
Failure to properly dispose of knotweed in the correct manner can also result in a fine or even legal action being taken against you.
As you can see the presence of Japanese Knotweed on your property can have some quite severe financial implications so it is important to do things correctly and not cut corners if you discover it on your property whether domestic or commercial.
What Does Japanese Knotweed Removal Cost ?
Japanese Knotweed Removal Costs Vary By Size And Scope Of The Infestation.
The cost of removing Japanese Knotweed will depend on the size and severity of the infestation and how quickly it needs to be dealt with.
A small patch of Japanese Knotweed treated with herbicide over several seasons may cost as little as a few hundred pounds to remove.
However, larger infestations can cost up to £5000 or even more to treat successfully with herbicide and may sometimes take more than 5 years.
Excavation costs can run into tens of thousands on large development sites and the removal and landfilling of soil can run into hundreds of thousands or more due to the landfill tax costs on Japanese Knotweed infested soils. Excavation of domestic Japanese Knotweed infestations usually cost between £2500 and £10,000 where the infestation is small and access is easy.
It is important to note that these figures do not include any repair work needed on your own or surrounding properties after the knotweed removal process is complete.
A Professional Knotweed Service Or DIY ?
Although it is possible to attempt to remove your Japanese Knotweed infestation yourself, it is not as simple as removing other plants and weeds that you may have done in the past.
Trying to remove it from the ground without the proper treatment and precautions in place can actually stimulate growth and lead to further spreading and infestation. Even to surrounding properties which will come with it’s own headaches and possible legal issues.
As we have mentioned earlier there are also certain legal issues about your responsibilities to prevent the spread of knotweed as well as it’s proper and licensed disposal along with any contaminated soil.
All of this can make attempting to remove it yourself a bit of a minefield, and even if you do wish to do it yourself it would be wise to consult a professional for advice first.
Japanese Knotweed Removal Costs Can Spiral If You Try And Cut Corners.
If you do decide to go down the professional route there are a few things to consider in choosing the company that’s right for you.
Firstly, choose a company that offer a free initial survey as soon as possible with no-obligation.
Knotweed spreads fast and the sooner you can get someone out to look at it the better.
This should be at no cost to you and if you are being charged then it’s not really best industry practise and that is probably a company you should think twice about employing.
Secondly, it’s important not to choose a generic weed control, removal or gardening business or company.
Due to the damage it can cause to surrounding areas and properties Japanese Knotweed removal is a specialised and specific skill set with it’s own set of regulations and legal guidelines that need to be strictly adhered to.
We have also encountered some small builders who will attempt to dig out the infestation. Although occasionally successful, most of these attempts fail and some spread the infestation due to poor controls and a lack of experience in recognising the plant and its growth habit. If any soils are disposed of through cheaper but illegal routes, the owner is jointly liable for the offence and the costs of any clean-up operation.
Trying to cut any corners here could lead to costly implications in the long run and it’s important to take the issue seriously and not look for a cheap fix.
The same can be said if you are offered a really cheap rate compared to quotes from other knotweed removal companies..
They may be using more generic treatments and products as well as not really understanding the application process and how it differs from other weed removal treatment plans, as well as the additional legal requirements.
It is always advisable to do your research before selecting a professional knotweed removal service provider, so you can be sure they are capable of delivering effective and permanent results at a fair price. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them to describe examples of similar relevant works they have done.
Removing Japanese Knotweed safely and effectively is an expert procedure and if it is not done exactingly with the correct treatment plan in place, or done with inferior products or applications not only can the problem seem to be solved with a temporary dormancy, but the attempted removal can actually stimulate growth and spread, across your own and surrounding properties and areas.
Preventing Future Infestations
So once you have had your Japanese Knotweed infestation treated ( hopefully by experienced professionals) we can look at steps you can take to ensure it does not return.
Probably the most important first step is inspecting any soils you bring into your property and being sure they are from a ‘clean’ source.
If there are nearby Japanese Knotweed Infestations, other measures can be taken, including using herbicides with the owner’s permission and by creating physical barriers in the ground.
The first step of talking to people is often neglected and neighbours may be unaware of the infestation or may be unable to identify Japanese Knotweed and often they will deal with the infestation as soon as they are made aware.
An ideal physical barrier is a Japanese Knotweed barrier membrane, which can be installed vertically in the ground to prevent horizontal growth into a property. These can be guaranteed for 50 years if correctly installed.
It is also very important to be aware of any local infestations adjacent or near to your property so you can monitor for any encroachment and potential contamination.
When it comes to knotweed, we generally advise that its always best to be proactive rather than being forced to act because you want to sell your property or are being sued for allowing Japanese Knotweed to encroach onto other properties.
The most important advice we can offer when it comes to Japanese Knotweed and the associated costs is to act quick.
The moment you suspect the presence of knotweed on your property get a free, no – obligation survey from an experienced professional.
In every single case we have ever encountered, the longer the infestation is left, the bigger and stronger it gets and the more it costs to treat and remove it. Every single time.
So act early and catch knotweed in it’s embryonic stages. Get it treated early to keep your Japanese Knotweed removal costs low and save yourself a lot of time, stress and most importantly, money !