As one of the UK’s leading japanese knotweed specialists, PBA Solutions offer a comprehensive service to deal with this troublesome plant. Able to grow virtually anywhere in the country, knotweed out-competes our native plants and, with no natural predators, can quickly take over large areas of land. In urban areas, it can grow through building foundations and cracks in pavements and roads to cause extensive damage.
If left unchecked, it can cause structural damage to buildings, walls and fences, as well as contaminate soil and waterways. The plant can also spread from adjoining property, causing significant problems for homeowners, commercial developers and local authorities. It can reduce the value of a property by up to 20%, making it difficult to raise mortgages and leaving future owners liable for removal costs. With a comprehensive Japanese Knotweed Management Plan in place, it is possible to realise close to the asking price for properties blighted by this problematic plant.
As a leading invasive weed specialist, PBA Solutions work with property developers and homeowners across the country to provide Japanese knotweed treatment and management plans. With offices in Cobham in Surrey, Wallingford in South Oxfordshire, Birmingham and Manchester, we are well-placed to respond rapidly to enquiries throughout the UK.
PBA is an RICS Accredited Japanese Knotweed Specialist and member of the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group, so you can be sure that we comply with industry standards. We are also fully insured and able to offer a range of funding options such as client funded accounts and insurance backed guarantees to give you peace of mind that the work we carry out will be done to the highest standard.
A perennial, bamboo-like shrub, Japanese knotweed has hollow, reddish or purple to green coloured stems that grow into dense leafy thickets. It is very hardy and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including drought and flooding. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, but it is especially common in riparian and wetland areas.
Chemical controls are commonly used for Japanese knotweed and can be successful. Glyphosate and triclopyr herbicides can be used effectively, usually applied to freshly cut stems or foliage. Foliar or stem injection application can be effective as well, if the appropriate product is chosen. Treatments are generally repeated for several years to eradicate a population.
A biocontrol, Aphalara itadori, has been developed to help control Japanese knotweed. The psyllid, which was originally introduced to Japan as a pest in the horticultural trade, feeds on the plant and may slow its growth rate. Unlike some other herbicides, this chemical is safe for use in wetlands and can be applied near sensitive habitats.
There is a lot more to removing and managing Japanese knotweed than most people expect, which is why it’s important to choose a contractor who is knowledgeable and experienced. There are a lot of unreliable companies out there, so make sure you do your research! When choosing a company, check that they have public liability insurance (minimum of PS5m) and professional indemnity insurance (PII), ideally with cover of PS1m or more. They should also be able to offer a client funded account or an insurance backed guarantee to protect you financially during the 3-5 year period that knotweed can take to completely clear.