Knot to be overlooked

Knight Environmental explain why property developers should be more cautious about the existence of flora around their properties

Invasive plant species are becoming an increasingly widespread threat to developments, particularly the proliferation of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) across the country and also Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
Japanese Knotweed was introduced into the United Kingdom as an ornamental plant during the 1800s. It is commonly found today along railway lines, riverbanks, roads and footpaths, graveyards or anywhere that it has been dumped, dropped or deposited. It is legally recognised as a very real threat and ‘knowingly permitting’ it to spread across a site and adjacent properties is in contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It has also been proved to cause considerable structural damage to new development where its spread was not identified in time. The UK government has set a price for the removal of Japanese Knotweed nationwide at a staggering £1.56bn.

The problem with Japanese Knotweed, and other invasive species, is that it is a very versatile plant and can survive in the most extreme conditions. It has adapted to the conditions of the UK climate, and the plant does not leave seeds behind in order to reproduce, but grows from the plant root itself that is either cut, or from ground that has been disturbed. This is why the Japanese Knotweed is a particular problem on construction sites. Once in position, Japanese Knotweed shades out the native plants of the UK by producing its large dense canopy of leaves early on in the growing season.

Knight Environmental Ltd offers an on-site survey and identification service to enable our clients to make informed decisions about their sites at the earliest stages. Combined with our hands-on experience of eradicating Knotweed using in-situ and ex-situ remedial techniques, we provide our clients with cost-effective treatment options to meet their requirements and the re-assurance that the problem will be dealt with.

Knight Environmental Ltd has a team of specialists trained in the identification of invasive species and the application of chemical pesticides. The full service we can provide includes design of the treatment strategy, gaining approval of the proposed technique with the Regulatory Authorities, implementation and validation.