Key Benefit - LOW COST
Herbicide treatment is typically the lowest cost, but has disadvantages in terms of timeframe as it can take longer to achieve eradication than physical removal methods.
An Environet Herbicide Treatment Programme typically consists of four applications (it can be more, or less depending upon the plant's uptake of the herbicide) using DEFRA approved herbicides applied at suitable times during the knotweed growing season (typically April to November).
Ideally preparation work is undertaken in the winter to flatten the dead canes and remove any items that might impede the new shoots in spring. If we are instructed too late this element cannot be carried out. At completion of the treatment programme we will flatten any remaining dead canes and leave to rot on site. If you require the dead vegetation removed from site there is usually a charge to cover the disposal costs.
Legal Compliance
Applications are carried out by our competent and fully qualified team, in accordance with all legal requirements including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, COSHH Regulations, Control of Pesticide Regulations, recognized industry guidance and our strict standard working procedures to ensure works are carried out to the highest environmental and safety standards. Where necessary site specific requirements are defined within a method statement following instruction for client approval.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the treatment relies upon maximum leaf coverage, an intact healthy stem and unbroken rhizome system. We recommend therefore that you avoid damaging the plant in any way e.g. by cutting, trampling, or disturbing the ground containing Japanese knotweed infested soil both before and for the entire duration of the Treatment Programme.
Precautions
Please note that whilst every effort is made to ensure non target vegetation is unaffected, there is a risk of non target plants, shrubs and trees being damaged or potentially killed, especially where residual herbicides are utilised. If there are any plants, shrubs or trees that you want or are required to protect you must inform us in writing as it will affect herbicide selection and possibly method of application, which in turn may affect the length of the treatment programme and cost. Please also note that where residual herbicides are used the soils will remain affected for some time after the last treatment, so this may affect your planting options. We do not accept liability for damage caused to non-target species.
The herbicides are not thought to be toxic to mammals. However, precautions are taken during application to ensure our crews, and others who may be in the vicinty, are not exposed, to eliminate any residual safety risk.
Encroachment from/into adjoining land
If it is evident that knotweed has crossed the boundary into/from adjoining land we will treat the knotweed in the adjoining land, on the proviso that the neighbours' permission is sought and granted, and safe access is provided. This will be carried out free of charge if the area represents no more than 10% of the area of knotweed within the subject property.
Guarantees
Guarantees can be provided, such that in the event of regrowth, further treatment is carried out by us at no further cost. Click here for more info on our Guarantees.
Post Treatment
After completion of the herbicide treatment programme, rhizome viability testing can be carried out on selected samples at additional cost. However, this will not verify with 100% confidence that no viable rhizome remains in the ground. You should therefore still consider the material to be potentially knotweed infested, and if you then plan to consign the material off site it will need to be classified as controlled waste infested with knotweed to comply with the “duty of care” requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
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