Japanese Knotweed Removal

Japanese knotweed removal services

TCM Soil Solutions are the UK’s foremost experts in Japanese Knotweed removal. Our knowledge and experience ensure we get to the root of the problem, not only controlling but permanently eradicating this highly invasive plant from your residential or commercial property.  We provide our customers and clients with a professional, scientifically proven approach to removing Japanese Knotweed that is covered by our Lloyds A+ rated Insurance Backed Guarantee. 

What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopian Japonica) is a highly invasive weed that was brought to the UK by the Victorians in the 1800s with the intention of introducing a new ornamental garden species - at the time, it was considered a prized specimen plant. However, what these pioneers had not appreciated was that Japanese Knotweed is deeply invasive and will spread relentlessly, dominating any native species in its path.

Why is Japanese knotweed a problem in the UK and Ireland?

Japanese knotweed can grow up to 10 centimetres a day during the summer months and is so aggressive that it can grow through faults in pipes and brickwork, as well as voids in tarmac and concrete, thereby causing damage to buildings, roads, driveways and gardens.

The roots of the plant can extend to 3 metres deep and many metres across, potentially growing into building foundations and drains, causing serious structural damage.

With over 25 years experience in our industry, we are proud to be one of the top knotweed treatment companies in the UK. TCM suggest hiring only a trusted, knowledgeable and respected company to guarantee 100% eradication of Japanese knotweed from your residential or commercial land and/or property. 

Knotweed removal solutions & treatments

As one of the top Japanese knotweed removal companies in the UK, we offer a whole range of professional knotweed removal solutions and treatments to private homeowners and commercial businesses in England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. These eradication solutions include: 

• herbicide treatments
• dig and dump solutions
• integrated on site treatment
• cell burial system
• and soil screening 

If you are a homeowner, developer, business owner or organisation who is concerned about the presence of Japanese Knotweed at your location, get in touch today to request a site survey.

Japanese knotweed and property value

When it comes to the sale of what is likely to be your most valuable asset, Japanese Knotweed can cause a lot of problems and reduce the value of your property by many thousands of pounds.

If I have Japanese knotweed will it deter buyers? 

Estate Agents have an obligation under consumer protection regulations to advise any potential purchaser of any material facts that could affect their decision to buy. The presence of Japanese knotweed is considered as being “material” under these regulations.

Do sellers have to disclose Japanese knotweed? 

There is now an obligation to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed during the pre-contract enquiries made by solicitors (this is on the TA6 Law Society Form). Failure to disclose could result in a legal claim of misrepresentation.

Will Japanese knotweed affect me getting a mortgage?

The majority of UK mortgage lenders will not offer funds to buyers of a property with Japanese knotweed UNLESS there is a Knotweed Management Plan in place from a reputable and professional eradication firm. Any works done also need to be identified within an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG).

Japanese knotweed and neighbouring Land

It is not just those wishing to sell property that are affected by the relentless growth of this insidious plant. Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), individuals and organisations can be penalised or prosecuted if they fail to control the growth of Japanese knotweed on their land.

In 2017, there was a landmark case in Cornwall where a Judge ruled the owner of the land from where the Japanese knotweed had spread, had to pay damages to the owners of the neighbouring property which had also developed an infestation, along with an order to employ a professional eradication firm to control, eradicate and remove the Japanese knotweed.

This reinforcement of the legal precedent will have an increasing effect on Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Councils, commercial and private landlords, the Commercial Developer and the private homeowner. In short, any individual or company that owns land or property.

UPDATE JULY 2018: The Court of Appeal rules landowners entitled to damages for Japanese knotweed

“Landowners have a measured duty of care to ensure that Japanese knotweed does not spread from their land, following the Court of Appeal decision in Williams v Network Rail Infrastructure Limited. Even in cases where no actual physical damage has been caused, the court decision opens up claims by neighbours for loss of amenity value due to the hazard created by the mere presence of the plant’s rhizomes under their property.”