Skip to content 
Cell burial
Cell burial is an on-site containment method for managing Japanese knotweed infested soil. Instead of removing the material from site, the contaminated soils are sealed within a fully enclosed, root-barrier-lined cell to prevent future spread.
Cell burial as a knotweed management method
The process begins with the physical excavation and stockpiling of all soils containing viable rhizome. A burial pit is then constructed, typically around three to five metres deep, in a suitable non-critical area of the site.
The sequence is as follows:
- Excavation and stockpiling
All infested soils are excavated and placed in a temporary stockpile. - Construction of the burial pit
A pit is created and lined on the base and sides using a proprietary root barrier membrane, with all joints welded to form a continuous seal. - Backfilling of infested soils
The infested stockpile material is placed inside the lined pit. - Sealing the cell
A further layer of root barrier is installed over the top of the infested soils and welded to the side membranes, forming a complete containment cell. - Covering and reinstatement
A minimum of two metres of clean soil is placed over the containment cell, and any remaining clean material is used to backfill the previously infested area.
Quick Links
How effective is cell burial?
The success of cell burial depends entirely on the integrity of the membrane system. Any damage during installation or afterwards may allow rhizome escape. While often cheaper than disposing of infested soil off site, cell burial does not eliminate the knotweed; it simply contains it.
Two main factors determine whether cell burial is viable:
- Availability of suitable space
Cells must be located outside the development footprint, such as within public open space or large car park areas, and cannot be built over. - Depth of the water table
Groundwater must be at least three metres below finished ground level to allow a deep, stable burial pit.
Where space is limited or permanent removal is required, alternative methods such as off-site disposal, or Xtract™ screening may be more suitable.
Start fixing your invasive plant problem today by requesting a survey
Request a survey
Rest assured, where invasive species are identified at an early stage and tackled correctly, problems can usually be avoided. Our specialist consultants complete thorough surveys to identify the extent of the problem. Our plans aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re customised to tackle the invasive species at your property effectively, taking account of all of your requirements.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact us
Our team of experts is available between 9am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday to answer your enquiries and advise you on the next steps
Want a survey?
If you already know you have an invasive plant problem, you can request a survey online in less than two minutes by providing a few brief details. A member of the team will swiftly come back to you with further information and our availability.
Need quick plant identification?
Simply upload a few images of your problem plant to our identification form and one of our invasive plant experts will take a look and let you know, free of charge what you are dealing with. We’ll also be there to help with next steps where necessary.