Japanese knotweed removal, control, identification, surveys & treatment in Bath, Bathford, Keynsham, Frome and Marksbury, Somerset, UK. Mortgage compliant solutions with a 10-year guarantee.
After Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas are one of the worst for Japanese knotweed infestations in the Southwest. Clearly, there have been lots of reports of Japanese Knotweed submitted via the Bath and Somerset council “fix my street” portals.
https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/report/3484089
https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/report/2105856
https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/report/3079168
https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/report/1372660
https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/2748875
https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/2873205
Please find a list of questions we often asked when carrying out surveys, removal and treatment of Japanese knotweed in Bath, Bathford, Keynsham, Frome and Marksbury.
How does the Japanese Knotweed Spread?
Contaminated soil:
Any trace of Japanese knotweed that is vegetative, the shoots, the stem, or even the root on its own can sprout and create havoc. It could be carried from a shoe, a car tyre or even on clothes. That is how easily the Japanese Knotwood spreads.
Through the Root:
The Japanese Knotwood reproduces vegetatively, which means that a part of the plant detaches and grows on its own. These vegetative parts are what are called rhizomes. Rhizomes are small branches that arise from the main root and have shoots.
The Japanese Knotweed develops an enormous, well-developed root that goes as deep as three meters below the ground and as wide as seven meters. This means that it can produce as many shoots as it possibly can. The root can produce approximately 238 shoots per square metre, with an average growth rate of 2 centimetres per day.
The shoots remain in the soil and sprout when conditions are favourable. In cases where the conditions are pretty in-agreeable, the nodes go dormant for as long as twenty years and still retain their viability.
Through the Stems:
Do not be fooled the dry stems that appear to have no life are very much viable. It can sprout through those dry hollow stems of theirs and colonise an area afresh as long as the branch contains the internode and the conditions are suitable.
How Do I Report Japanese Knotweed Growth?
Any occurrence of Japanese knotweed located on council land can be reported online via their “report a problem on the road” portal:
Somerset council state: “Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1959 we are responsible for controlling certain noxious weeds, including ragwort. This has to be removed where it is reported as causing a nuisance to highway users or adjoining landowners. Other invasive species being treated in Somerset are Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.”
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/waste-planning-and-land/report-noxious-weeds/
However, if it’s not on council land, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to manage, treat and remove the knotweed. If you let Japanese knotweed spread and get out of control you can face large fines with one property facing a bill of £22k.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-46470898
The Property Care Association devised a helpful management plan to deal with Japanese knotweed. It’s very detailed so definitely worthwhile speaking to a knotweed contractor to get further advice or a survey:
Furthermore, as costs can soar if knotweed is left untreated, it’s often worth asking for help. It can get complicated especially when there are boundary disputes. For further help do contact the professionals. Southwest Knotweed is a member of the Property Care Association, PCA, which means we are qualified and regulated to manage and treat Japanese Knotweed. see:
https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/invasive-weed-control/
Where does Japanese knotweed typically grow in Bath and the UK?
As stated on the GOV.uk website Japanese knotweed can grow in most soil conditions in the UK, particularly in man-made habitats, such as:
- roadsides
- waste ground
- railway embankments and cuttings
- spoil tips that are made up of waste material from mining or quarrying
It’s also commonly found along rivers and streams.
Also according to RICS Japanese knotweed is likely to grow if:
The property is close proximity to a water source, such as a canal, lake, culvert or pond.
Nearby public or private footpaths, roads, railways, motorways, or other public land that may have been left to grow.
Any large open public space, such as a car park, derelict homes, cleared or unused land.
Properties close to large industrial buildings, workshops and storage depots are also considered to be risk factors.
How tall does Japanese knotweed grow?
Japanese knotweed grows to a height of about 10 feet.
Why is Japanese knotweed a problem?
Japanese knotweed is a problem because it is an invasive species. It is a fast-growing plant that can outcompete native plants for resources. It can also damage buildings and roads.
If it’s not Japanese knotweed what is the plant growing in my garden?
Often plants can be mistaken for Japanese knotweed but are actually bamboo, dogwood bistorts or Russian Vine.
How easy is it to spread the Japanese Knotweed?
The Japanese Knotweed, (Fallopia japonica) is also known as the Wild Rhubarb or the False Bamboo because its stems resemble those of the bamboo. It is native to Asian soil and specifically Japan. It was introduced to Europe from Japan in the mid-19th century by the Bavarian Phillip von Siebold, a renowned importer of exotic plants. He imported it as an aesthetic plant given the heart-shaped leaves and the white flowers, but it proved otherwise.
On average, according to NeoBiotica, invasive alien species, the Japanese Knotweed included, have cost the UK economy between US$6.9 billion and $17.6 billion (£5.4 – £13.7 billion) in reported losses and expenses since 1976. This plant is so expensive to control and completely eradicate that people have to take a Knotweed indemnity insurance policy to cater for the costs.
To add to it, the knotweed causes so much damage that any property with a trace of the Japanese Knotweed can be devalued by a considerable margin. It is so severe that the UK government passed a law that allows one to sue another (neighbour) for introducing the plant to their property.
The Japanese Knotweed can generally colonise and thrive in the most extreme environments. It is said to grow on Mount Fuji in Japan and can grow up to 2400 to 2600 meters above sea level. As if such extreme temperatures are not enough, it can also survive during drought. This plant can grow on any soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.4.
In Somerset and around we cover the following postcode areas:
Axbridge, Bath, Bristol, Bridgwater, Bruton, Burnham on sea, Castle on Cary, Chard, Clevedon, Crewkerne, Dulverton, Frome, Glastonbury, Highbridge, Ilminster, Keynsham, Langport, Midsomer Norton, Minehead, Nailsea, North Petherton, Norton Radstock, Portishead, Portishead & North Weston, Radstock, Shepton Mallet, Somerton, South Petherton, Street, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Wells, Weston-super-mare, Wincanton, Winsford, Wiveliscombe, Yeovil
BA10, BA11, BA16, BA20, BA21, BA22, BA3, BA4, BA5, BA6, BA7, BA8, BA9, BS20, BS21, BS22, BS23, BS24, BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BS8, TA1, TA10, TA11, TA12, TA13, TA14, TA15, TA16, TA17, TA18, TA19, TA2, TA20, TA21, TA22, TA23, TA24, TA3, TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, TA8, TA9