As one of the most invasive plants in the UK, Japanese knotweed can cause serious damage to structures, affect property values and lead to legal liabilities. It is known to grow through cracks in walls and tarmac, and its roots can creep under drains, sewers, foundations and cavity wall insulation. It is also known to out-compete native plants, potentially reducing biodiversity. It is a problem that can cost thousands of pounds to manage and can stop property sales dead in their tracks or leave homeowners open to litigation.

Fortunately, there are a number of affordable japanese knotweed survey surveys available to help people identify the presence and extent of an infestation. A qualified surveyor will have the experience and expertise to correctly assess the risk and recommend an effective treatment plan. They can also provide a report to support a TA6 form, which is required when selling a house with Japanese knotweed.

Infestations of Japanese knotweed can be very difficult to deal with. The plant has the ability to grow up to 10cm a day throughout the summer, and spreads rapidly through an underground network of rhizomes that can remain dormant beneath the surface for years at a time. If left untreated, the weed can undermine foundations and block driveways, and can even cause buildings to collapse.

The best way to prevent an infestation of Japanese knotweed is to have a comprehensive Japanese knotweed survey carried out at the beginning of any project on land with an identified risk. This will highlight the problem and allow developers to take steps to mitigate the issue during construction. In some cases, this can mean putting in place a site-specific mitigation strategy and working with contractors who have experience in managing Japanese knotweed on site.

Domestic Japanese knotweed surveys are usually more straightforward affairs than their development counterparts. This is because domestic gardens tend to have less extensive problems and knotweed rarely grows to the level of expansion that can be found on development sites.

A typical domestic Japanese knotweed survey will involve excavation of the infested area to remove the rhizomes and root system, which is then taken away for disposal at a licensed waste facility. This is generally more expensive than herbicide treatments, but is the most reliable option. Herbicides are a cheaper way to manage the growth of Japanese knotweed, but they can be more time-consuming and may limit how you use the affected land afterwards. A specialist Japanese knotweed removal company like Phlorum will be able to advise on the most appropriate treatment method for each individual site. Their experts can offer cost-effective solutions for both commercial and domestic properties, allowing you to enjoy your garden without the worry of Japanese knotweed.