A property owner was planning to start work on an extension to the back of his house, when an infestation of Japanese knotweed was discovered in his garden. Not only had the knotweed been previously unsuccessfully treated with herbicides, causing new stunted growth which cannot be treated again herbicides; but the tenants had mowed the original area of knotweed, spreading it to other parts of the garden.
Only physical removal methods are appropriate when the ground is going to be disturbed and built on. Environet proposed their Resi-Dig-Out™ method, as this would allow the planned extension to continue without a delay. Access for the excavator posed an issue, however after speaking with the neighbour, they agreed for it to be lifted over their wall.
The Resi-Dig-Out™ was completed in just 2 days, leaving the property clear of knotweed and ready for building work to begin. A vertical root barrier was then installed along the boundary to prevent encroachment of knotweed growing back into the garden from the surrounding properties.
This work was supported by a 5 year insurance backed guarantee, underwritten an ‘A’ rated syndicate at Lloyd’s.
