This is a very topical subject indeed. More people are reporting issues with knotweed, when Japanese knotweed is discovered on property when either buying or selling. Typically mortgage offers are either refused or have strict conditions placed on them.

We have always been consistent in our advice to home owners, when talking about Japanese knotweed. The first option (often the only option) is a 3 year herbicide programme (possibly longer). This is not only the cheapest option; it is also the most environmentally sustainable option. Other options may be considered as well (if feasible).

Herbicide programmes, need time to be effective. We believe in being honest and saying to potential customers that the herbicide programme may take 3+ years to be effective.

Our best advice to customers with knotweed in their garden(s) is to:

1) Confirm identification – email us a photograph! It’s a free service to look at your photograph.
2) Employ a reputable contractor to treat your knotweed. All people doing the spraying works must be competent and qualified to do so (there are no ‘Grandfather rights’ for contractors!). Also anyone advising on pesticide choice, etc. must be a member of the BASIS Professional Register.
3) Expect re-growth for up to three years following the first application. This is normal.
4) Ensure that neighbours are also having their knotweed treated. Otherwise it will come straight back…
5) If anyone says to you, that they can kill Japanese knotweed in one spray or one season, ask them to show to you (by referring to the herbicide label or herbicide manufacturer literature), the industry support for this statement. If they can, the Environment Agency (and other independent experts) would appreciate being told exactly how they are planning on achieving this!

I appreciate that people may need swifter solutions than an herbicide programme to deal with their knotweed, especially if selling property. However it may not be feasible to do anything else. If the knotweed is growing next to the building, it probably isn’t feasible, as excavation would probably destabilise the building, resulting (possibly) in the collapse of the building! If a quicker solution is required and feasible than excavation may be possible (depending on site access), but it is not cheap! We can do all recommended work types, where feasible, as outlined in the Code of Practice, but quick solutions can be expensive solutions!

If you have any specific questions that you wish me to address or for a quotation – click here! Alternatively you can call us on 02380 816628