Wildscapes

Landowners: Don't let invasive species like Japanese Knotweed get the better of you!

Control of invasive species is vital and much of this type of work is best carried out in the winter period. 

One of the most common enemies is Japanese Knotweed – here are some facts about this potentially devastating plant:

• Japanese Knotweed grows rigorously and spreads rapidly – up to 2 metres in one season.
• It’s underground root systems can stretch for 7 metres .
• These roots can travel under concrete and tarmac and push their way up through quite densely packed surface.
• It is estimated that the cost of controlling it could add more than 10 per cent to a development project if not dealt with early on.
• There are no UK insects or animals that control Japanese Knotweed.
• Identification of Japanese knotweed at an early stage, followed by effective treatment can avoid potentially excessive damage to buildings.
• There are many legal requirements to adhere to if these highly invasive species should appear on your grounds. See http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1377 and it is illegal to remove Japanese Knotweed from your site without a license to do so. 
• If you are in the process of developing or considering buying land, our ecologists can survey the site to check there are no invasive species that could be the cause of future problems.

If you have detected invasive species on your grounds, contact our land management team who are fully trained and qualified in the removal of Japanese Knotweed and many other invasive species.

Call us on 0114 279 2667.