FAQS

FAQS

Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions we receive relating to Japanese knotweed, other invasive weeds and the services we offer.  If you have a question that has not been addressed below then please contact us via the Ask a Question form in the sidebar and one of the team will respond to you. 

• What is Japanese knotweed?

  Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive, non-native deciduous plant - you can find more detailed information on our dedicated Japanese knotweed page

• What does Japanese knotweed look like?

  Our Japanese Knotweed page will take you to our seasonal identification gallery of Japanese Knotweed, you can find that here. If you require further help with identification, please send us an image of the plant in question and our experts will check to see if it is indeed Japanese Knotweed. Send your image via our contact page here.

• Is Japanese knotweed poisonous?

  No, Japanese Knotweed is not poisonous. Some cultures eat parts of the plant, however we do not recommend doing so unless you have done your research and understand how to use this plant safely. 

• How does Japanese knotweed spread?

  Japanese Knotweed is spread by man. The seeds it produces are not viable, so each new infestation has originated from a tiny part of the plant that has been scattered from the main plant – cutting, flailing, incorrect and illegal disposal of any parts of the plant – it is an extremely invasive plant and it is all too easy to allow the plant to spread.

• I have Japanese knotweed on my land – can I mow it?

  No, do not mow it. You will create tiny off cuts that can spread and grow again. Similarly, do not compost Japanese Knotweed or try to burn the plant – you will not be sure of eradication, and should you ever wish to sell any buyer will struggle to obtain mortgage funding.

• Can I kill Japanese knotweed myself?

  Here at TCM, we say no. Always ask the experts.

• How can you kill Japanese knotweed?

  This is done either with herbicide or through a dig out method, both of which are applicable to commercial and residential customers. The decision between the two will come down to timescale, access to the infestation and budget.

  At TCM, we cover both options with our A+ Lloyds backed Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG).

• What should I do if my neighbour has Japanese knotweed close to my boundary?

  If appropriate, approach your neighbour and ask if they realise that the shrub at the edge of their garden is indeed Japanese Knotweed. It is not illegal for them to have the plant on their land, but it would be illegal for it to be allowed to grow or spread onto your land and the best way in these situations is always to find an amicable way forward with the help of a recognised professional eradication firm.

• What guarantees do TCM offer?

  We provide a Lloyds backed A+ Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBG) which ensures the guaranteed obligation is met even if TCM should no longer be trading. This then gives full peace of mind that should remedial works be required, a fully independent fund will be available.

• How long does it take to eradicate Japanese knotweed?

  This will be dependent on the size and age of the infestation, the access required to treat the infestation and the time scale available. The average infestation in an average family garden, with easy access would be £2,000.

• Can Japanese knotweed grow through concrete, tarmac and foundations?

  Japanese Knotweed cannot grow through concrete, but it CAN grow through any cracks or weak points within that concrete.

  Japanese Knotweed can grow through tarmac, brickwork and pipes, particularly if they are in poor condition. It will search for cracks in the structure and force its way through, making the crack worse. It shoots up easily between paving slabs and decking areas in a garden.

• Is it illegal to have Japanese knotweed on your land?

  It is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed on your land, however it is illegal to allow it to spread across your boundary to an neighbouring property and can leave you open to a legal challenge. Click on the link to read a more in-depth explanation about the law relating to Japanese Knotweed. 

• What geographical areas do TCM cover?

  TCM work with clients in all parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In recent years the largest levels of infestation have been found in London, the South East, Wales and Ireland.