Japanese Knotweed Identification, Surveys and Treatment in Cornwall
In the UK, particularly Cornwall, Japanese Knotweed, Reynoutria japonica is the most common knotweed. It is known as the UK’s most invasive, aggressive and destructive plant species. The leaves of this plant are relatively smooth with a mid-green colour; the stems form a zig-zag pattern and the stems shoot per node.
It grows up to 3 meters in height, spreads through cracks / voids in concrete, cavity walls and tarmac and is an extremely resilient plant that can be difficult to kill once fully grown. Although the knotweed can halt the sale of a house, once identified, it can be treated and eliminated.
The Identification
The Japanese knotweed is often confused with other plants. Understand that it grows in different shapes, depending on the season, the environment and the previous treatments. This is where we come in. First, note that this is an invasive species posing a high risk to any property and the ecosystem.
We begin by conducting a full survey of your property to establish risk, assess the problem against development plans and then issue remediation proposals within the management plan document. If you are purchasing a property in Cornwall, you are advised to begin by obtaining a Japanese knotweed report.
The survey will offer a formal identification of the plant and accurately give records of where it is located, maturity of the plant, size of the plant stand and any encroachment issues. The level of risk is defined by the proximity of the plant to the property boundary and the presence of any structural damage.
The Proposal
We will carry out a detailed and professional identification of the high risk plant. That will include photographs, the confirmation of the knotweed and the risk category. We will give a record of all visible signs of the plant and the damage caused to the property. Our reports integrate the site development and the process of the mortgage, detailing the most recommended form of treatment and its effectiveness.
The earlier this plant is discovered, the easier it is to treat. But how do we spot it? In autumn, the growing season of this plant draws to a close. This is when the canes become brittle and brown. Most homeowners, at this point, believe that their treatment efforts have been successful.
During winter, the shoots, usually red or purple, begin to appear. They quickly turn into green stems that grow several inches every day and get to a height of 3 meters. By early summer, the plant is fully developed, and by late summer, the spiky and bamboo-like stems are covered in white flowers.
Slides of surveys, treatment and removal of Japanese Knotweed in Cornwall:
What are My Options?
Using common weed killers, cutting it down or burning it will not work. Professional treatment is the most popular method of controlling this plant. Where suspected Japanese knotweed is found, a specialist survey should be carried out to advise on the remediation solution.
Most UK mortgage lenders expect evidence of a commitment by the property owner to fund a long-term chemical treatment program against the Japanese knotweed. For effective control, the treatment could take between 2-3 years.
The Japanese knotweed is governed under the 1981 wildlife and countryside Act. This makes it an offence to knowingly allow it to grow in your watch within your property. The weed must be handled responsibly and professionally. All works of eradicating the knotweed must be in reference to the Environment Agency and PCA codes of practice.
If you are not sure about the identification of the plant in the property you are about to buy or sell, send us a photo so we can help you in identifying it.
However, if you are sure you have Japanese knotweed, book a survey with us. For more information on how we can help you and your Cornwall community in the eradication of invasive weeds, please, feel free to contact us today at 01872 500909.
Contact our Cornwall Branch