The IVM FAST System vs Standard Herbicide Treatment

The IVM FAST System is a dual‑route herbicide method that delivers treatment through both the foliage and the stem, increasing uptake into the rhizome and improving consistency on mature or previously treated Japanese Knotweed. Standard herbicide treatment, offered by many other contractors, relies solely on foliage spraying and provides gradual, long‑term suppression. IVM does not offer standard herbicide treatment; FAST is our exclusive, more reliable approach.

What Is a Standard Herbicide Treatment?

Standard herbicide treatment is the most common approach used by many Japanese Knotweed contractors. It relies on applying a systemic herbicide to the foliage during the growing season, allowing the chemical to move slowly through the plant and weaken the rhizome over time.

• Seasonal applications — typically 2–3 visits per year.
• Low disruption — no excavation or soil removal.
• Cost‑effective — usually the cheapest long‑term option.
• Gradual decline — the plant weakens year‑on‑year.

Standard herbicide treatment is widely available from other contractors. IVM does not offer this method, but we include it here for comparison.

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What Is The IVM FAST System?

The IVM FAST System is our proprietary treatment method. FAST stands for Foliage And Stem Treatment and uses a dual‑route delivery system to increase herbicide uptake and improve overall effectiveness.

Where standard spraying relies solely on foliage absorption, FAST introduces herbicide directly into the plant’s vascular system through targeted stem treatment. This improves penetration into the rhizome and enhances the impact of each application.

• Enhanced herbicide effectiveness — more active ingredient reaches the rhizome.
• Dual delivery method — foliage application + stem treatment.
• More consistent suppression — especially on mature or previously treated stands.
• Can accelerate visible decline — depending on timing and site conditions.
• Still non‑invasive — no excavation unless combined with a dig‑out.

The FAST System is not an “instant kill” solution. Its strength lies in increased reliability and improved herbicide performance, particularly where standard spraying may struggle.

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How the Two Systems Compare

The points below summarise the key differences between The IVM FAST System and the standard herbicide treatments offered by other contractors:

• Delivery method — Standard uses foliage only; FAST uses foliage + stem.
• Effectiveness — FAST improves herbicide penetration and consistency.
• Speed — FAST can produce quicker visible decline, but not always.
• Cost — FAST is a premium, specialist method.
• Disruption — both are low‑impact and non‑invasive.

IVM only provides the FAST System, as it offers a more robust and reliable approach for most sites.

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When The IVM FAST System Is the Better Choice

The FAST System is recommended when:

• Standard spraying alone may not deliver strong enough results.
• You want improved herbicide penetration without excavation.
• You want the potential for quicker visible decline, without overpromising.
• A more reliable, lender‑friendly suppression method is required.

FAST is a premium, specialist option designed for situations where reliability matters most.

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Which Option Should You Choose?

The right approach depends on your priorities:

• If you want increased herbicide effectiveness — choose The IVM FAST System.
• If construction is planned in the area — excavation will be required.
• If selling a property — FAST can provide stronger reassurance.

A PCA‑accredited survey will confirm which approach is appropriate for your site.

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Need Help Choosing the Right System?

If you’re unsure which treatment approach is best for your property, we can assess the site and provide clear, lender‑approved recommendations.