What to do if you have Japanese Knotweed on Your Property in Bristol

The list of most notorious and invasive growths in the UK cannot be completed without Japanese Knotweed. This growth can become a nuisance by growing rapidly and causing significant damage to your property, starting from the vulnerable parts.

The presence of knotweed on residential or commercial property can make it hard for the property to be sold or sustained. As a property owner figures out the presence of Japanese Knotweed on their property, the first thing you may think is what to do.

Here is your complete guide on what to do if you find Japanese Knotweed on your property in Bristol.

1. Know How It Grows

Japanese Knotweed can be one of the most invasive growths that can hurt the integrity of your property. As soon as you spot it, you must learn more about what it is, how it grows, and how it can be removed from your property.

Japanese Knotweed spreads through direct rhizomes (roots) or from rhizome fragments. It can be classified as controlled waste based on the damage it causes. Once it takes hold, stopping it from growing can become an unsurpassable challenge. 

2. Stop the Spread

As soon as you figure out its presence, the next step must be to find out more about removing Japanese knotweed from your property. The removal process may seem easy, but it can be trickier than you think. That is why people without prior experience are recommended not to treat knotweed by themselves.

It is better to find professionals who treat Japanese Knotweed to ensure proper and foolproof removal from your property with the right strategy. The types of removal include the following.

Spray with chemicals

One of the most famous ways of Japanese Knotweed removal is spraying with chemicals. The professionals in Bristol have access to approved herbicides that they spray over at least three years. They also have the right environmental permits and waste exemptions to carry out the needed work with strong chemicals.

Bury it

Another way to get rid of Japanese Knotweed is to bury it. However, this process must be notified to an environmental agency at least one month before the action is taken. The cut and dead brown canes of Japanese Knotweed can be buried at least 10 cm above the crown.

Burn it

Anyone who wants to get rid of Japanese Knotweed by burning it must tell the Environmental Agency at least a week before taking action. You must also get a D7 exemption for burning waste in the open. Knotweed crowns can survive burning. Hence, it is important to follow the guidance for how to bury it or how to dispose of it off-site.

3. Ensure Proper Disposal

Whether you are a business or an individual, if you are unable to dispose of Japanese knotweed, you must send it to a landfill or incineration facility with the right paperwork. You must also make the Environmental Agency aware of all your actions.

Remember that you must not dispose of Japanese Knotweed with surplus soil or sell soil contaminated with it. This is the best way to limit transfer and increase property value in Bristol.