Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd

May 2023 Newsletter

Invasive Weed News: Where Are We Now?

Invasive Weed News: Where Are We Now?

Japanese Knotweed, a plant which was originally feared as having destructive capabilities, catapulted the invasive weeds sector in the UK. This invasive plant is notorious for its ability to spread from tiny rhizome fragments, and its resilience to traditional control methods, making it a challenging and a long-term problem to manage. However, over the past few decades, there have been significant developments in the management of Japanese knotweed within the built environment, thanks to the efforts of those involved in the industry.

The PCA has played a significant role. The emergence of a plant capable of structural defects, and financial institutions becoming resistant towards lending on a property with Japanese knotweed, the PCA decided to step in and provide a voice to a new, emerging industry.

Establishing the Invasive Weed Control Group in 2012, with industry leaders at its helm, we began to see the start of an evolution within the invasive weed industry. Management plans, backed with specialist insurance policies, designed for financial institutions and lending purposes, began to settle a turbulent property market.

Over these past 11 years, the PCA has provided its members and the wider public with training, accreditation, and support to ensure they provide high-quality service to their clients on the effective management of Japanese knotweed. The PCA also works closely with the government, local authorities, and other organisations to develop effective management strategies for this invasive plant. This collaboration allows for the sharing of knowledge and best practice, leading to the development of more effective understanding of treatment methods and management plans. We currently have almost 100 invasive weed members, and over 300 certificated surveyors in Japanese knotweed located throughout the UK, making the management of these plants accessible for everyone.

The evolution of invasive weeds industry didn’t happen overnight. It took years of experience. But we got there, with no government backing or financial encouragement, and have established an industry which could be considered as the most successful invasive weeds sector within the world. From parliamentary debates to offering guidance and creating our own for Japanese knotweed (and other invasive plants), the PCA sits at the forefront for invasive weeds within the built environment. This evolution was not achieved by one company or individual, but as a collective, based on a growing necessity to manage the build and environmental impacts of Japanese knotweed.

This collective achievement doesn’t stop at Japanese knotweed, and to the endeavour of PCA members and the Invasive Weeds Control Group, further guidance and training is provided for Bamboo, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed and many other invasive plants too. Yet despite this, there is still a need for increased public education about the dangers of invasive plants - whether that is in respect to mass biodiversity loss, or the wider environmental impacts if these plants escape domestic gardens to flourish in woodlands at the demise of other native species.

The evolution of the industry is far from over, with a legal requirement for integrated weed management strategies to try and reduce the overall dependency on herbicides, has prompted the need for further research and development into effective treatment methods for many invasive plants.

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