2009 has seen more changes within the Japanese knotweed industry. Some of these changes are significant for both private individuals, wishing to re-mortgage or sell their houses, or for re-development sites.
During this year, several mortgage companies have decided that the presence of knotweed in a person’s garden (or possibly neighbouring property) is sufficient for them to refuse mortgages, sales have fallen through, causing problems to people wishing to sell their homes. Wreford continue to advise that knotweed eradication can be economically achieved through a herbicide programme, however it will take some time to achieve this. Quicker solutions may not be feasible or economic in residential properties. However we’re always happy to discuss options with people. Our best advice to people is to work with their neighbours and get a reputable contractor to start treating the knotweed before you wish to sell your house. Every year, the weed is left untreated it will get stronger and cover a larger area. Possibly spreading to new areas. A herbicide programme is almost always your best and most economic option.
The construction industry is gearing up again and we are seeing the green shoots of recovery on construction sites around the country. Our site specific solutions are always robust and tailored to best suit the needs of the site, and we follow guidance as outlined by the Environment Agency in their Code of Practice for Managing Japanese knotweed. We continue to see sites where Best Practice has not been followed, these sites may have increased their total cost of dealing with the knotweed perhaps ten-fold as often the initial works have spread the knotweed over a much larger area/volume. Additionally they may delay the build programme and cause later problems. We would urge all developers to specify the use of Best Practice methodology and the use of a specialist contractor.
Wreford are able and willing to provide you with a cost effective solution, we regularly provide herbicide quotations at a fraction of the cost of our competitors, these are carried out by fully qualified personnel working to best practice, supported by a team in the office and BASIS qualified advisers. Our larger construction site projects include recent works covering the country and include all approved methodologies, including mass excavations, on site burial, stockpile creation and reduced level excavations. We also supply and install root barriers on site.
Next week, I’ll be discussing the sap sucking psyllid Aphalara itadori. Will it be a friend or foe in our battle with Japanese knotweed? The planned release of this jumping plant louse could take place as early as next year…
