Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd

July 2023 Newsletter

Is All That is Written about Japanese Knotweed True or False?

Is All That is Written about Japanese Knotweed True or False?

There are many articles online written regarding Japanese Knotweed. Our surveyors at IVM meet numerous homeowners and construction professionals every year and we hear many myths and rumors regarding Japanese Knotweed.

In an attempt to clarify some of the more common myths, read and follow:

It is illegal to have Japanese Knotweed on your property?

Not true. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 114 (2) (WCA 1981) Japanese Knotweed is classed as a controlled plant. This means there are certain rules and regulations that you need to abide by when it comes to having Japanese Knotweed on your property. If you notice Japanese Knotweed on your property, you are not breaking the law. However, if you allow the plant to spread from your property onto neighbouring properties or land then that's when it becomes a legal issue. Your neighbours can report you if you do not take appropriate action to stop the spread of the invasive weed.

Japanese Knotweed is poisonous

Not true. Japanese Knotweed is not poisonous and is harmless when touched, in fact, it's been used medicinally and used in food and drinks for decades. However, caution must be taken when in close proximity to avoid accidentally allowing the invasion to spread. The tiniest fragments of Japanese Knotweed on your shoes or clothing can be enough to start a new infestation in a different location – please do not attempt to eat any parts of a Japanese Knotweed plant that may be undergoing a herbicide treatment programme.

Japanese Knotweed cannot damage your property

Not True. Japanese Knotweed can damage walls, driveways and foundations, but what it can't do is grow through concrete. The way that Japanese Knotweed causes damage is by exploiting existing cracks in our homes and gardens. It forces its bamboo-like shoots up through the cracks which can cause the cracks to become bigger. Over time, as the infestation continues to spread, this can become widespread damage that's not easy to fix.

Japanese Knotweed cannot stop you from buying or selling a house

Not True. Mortgage lenders are always very hesitant about providing a loan on a property with Japanese Knotweed because it can cause structural damage that will de-value the house. While you might think you can tackle the Knotweed yourself, most lenders will only accept a professional Japanese Knotweed treatment plan – employing a specialist such as IVM to control your Japanese Knotweed infestation will allow mortgages to be approved.

You can get rid of Japanese Knotweed in one year with chemicals

Not True. Japanese Knotweed is a very strong and powerful plant, a single season of herbicide treatments may seem to kill the plant if the herbicides are applied at high dose rates, but in reality the Knotweed will just be forced into dormancy and will return in the following years. At least two years of herbicide treatments followed by post treatment monitoring is the minimum to successfully control an area of Japanese Knotweed.

The best way to get rid of Japanese Knotweed is cover it in plastic/pour bleach on it/cover it in salt/drench it in fairy liquid

Not True. We hear hundreds of these ‘home made remedies’ to control Japanese Knotweed every year – none of them work, most of them do absolutely nothing to the Knotweed, some of them actually make the Knotweed harder to control from a specialist point of view.

Your contact will always be welcomed should you need help or wish to discuss options.

Guide to Japanese Knotweed

If you would like a free copy of our Guide to Japanese Knotweed email michael@i-v-m.co.uk to request one.

IVM ‘FAST’ System – Foliage & Stem Treatment

A cost effective solution to your invasive vegetation problem has arrived;

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Limited (IVM) will produce a tailor-made programme for your site.

IVM’s methodology, known as the IVM ‘FAST ‘ System (Foliage and Stem Treatment) guarantees treatment of Japanese Knotweed & other invasive species using the latest herbicides and application techniques.

The ‘FAST’ System uses different herbicides at different times of the year to kill different parts of the plant, in addition to the herbicides, products are applied to improve translocation rates, limit evaporation and assist the herbicide to adhere to the plant.

More information regarding IVM’s treatments, methodology’s and contact details can be found on our website.

Why Choose IVM?

IVM offer tailor made treatment programmes for Japanese Knotweed, Giant Knotweed, Hybrid Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. All treatments undertaken by IVM are guaranteed.

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd (IVM) offer guaranteed treatment of Japanese Knotweed (JK) using the IVM 'FAST' System, this system uses the latest application techniques and scientific research.

The company directors have 40 years combined experience in Japanese Knotweed Treatment & Invasive Vegetation Management between them.

The company has a wealth of experience in the scientific treatment of invasive plants, and can tailor a treatment program to suit any construction program. We pride ourselves on Health and Safety and Environmental awareness, with all operatives trained to high standards and being members of NRoSO and the PCA.

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd, 2 Stone Cross, Water Orton, Birmingham, B46 1NA

www.knotweed-uk.com
Tel: 07836 321219 or 0121 366 8916