Control Methods
There are different control and removal methods for Japanese Knotweed and the one used will depend on different factors including; the size of the Knotweed infestation, if it is growing amongst plants and vegetation you want to keep, if it is close to a water source or if it is at a development site where work needs to be started quickly.
South Wales Knotweed Removal are experts in the control and removal of Japanese Knotweed, also referred to as fallopia japonica, bamboo or peashooter. We have many years of experience and all of the qualifications and accreditations required to control, treat and remove the invasive weed which can quickly take over an area.
All our Japanese Knotweed treatment methods are endorsed by the Environment Agency Codes of Practice and the industry trade body (The Property Care Association) and they will be tailored to suit you as the client and the property or land where the Knotweed is growing. We are happy to consider a staggered payment schedule for any work that does not involve a 3rd party, who may require evidence of pre-payment in full from the outset (mortgage lenders as an example).

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Before & After

Bund / Stockpiling
The bund / stockpiling method is a quick and cost-effective method used for development sites when construction needs to start quickly and the site is big enough for the Knotweed infested soil to be stockpiled temporarily and treated.
Creating a bund or stockpiling is essentially a combined treatment method of stem injection or foliar application, followed by excavating the underground material and removing the soil and material to a different section of the site to allow the development to start. The soil is then stockpiled in an area on site that doesn’t need to be built or worked on immediately, also known as a non-critical area, preferably no higher than 500mm thick. The Knotweed is then encouraged to grow in the stockpile so it is ready for the subsequent herbicide treatment. Procedures are put in place to ensure that the knotweed infested soil is not allowed to spread to otherwise clean areas of the site or from the stockpiling.
This method is much quicker than conventional herbicide application methods, saving the developer or landowner several years. It can be done at any point when the knotweeds growth is above ground so the area can be identified and it is particularly useful on building or development sites so work can start at the original infestation area.
Cell Burial / Root Barrier
Providing there is adequate space on site, creating a cell burial or utilising a root barrier will avoid the significant cost of transporting the infested Knotweed soil and waste to a licensed landfill site.
Cell burial involves burying the Japanese Knotweed material to a minimum depth or if encapsulated buried within a geo-membrane which can be closer to the surface.
Root barriers can be installed both vertically (normally when there is a risk of cross-boundary contamination) and horizontally.
Cell burial or root barrier methods are used if there is sufficient space on-site to create an area to bury or use a root barrier system for the Knotweed. Cell burial buries the Knotweed waste to a minimum depth on-site and if it is encapsulated within a geo-membrane it can be buried closer to the surface of the ground.
Root barrier systems can be used and installed both vertically and horizontally if there is a risk of cross-boundary contamination. Root barriers are used to physically control and prevent the spread of the Knotweed. This method can be used on both construction sites and residential properties if there is a suitably sized area for it to be buried.
These methods are generally suited for development sites when building and construction work needs to start quickly.
Excavation & Removal Off-Site
The excavation & removal method is when the Knotweed and the underground soil is excavated and transported offsite to a licensed landfill site.
Although Excavation & Removal of Japanese Knotweed material off-site is a legitimate and swift control option with advantages for development sites if done correctly with the right licences, we are not advocates of pursuing this method as it raises significant logistical challenges. There is a high risk of the Knotweed spreading when transporting it and the cost of transporting the material to a designated and licensed landfill site are amongst other issues.
There is a duty of care required under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 for transporting and disposing of Knotweed. We are, however, happy to act in a consultancy role as clerk of the works providing certain conditions are met with the landowner/developer.