If you’ve found knotweed on your site after starting construction, don’t panic. It’s not an enviable position for any manager to be in, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some things to consider before going forward.

1. Consider (and know) that knotweed is serious

Japanese knotweed isn’t a naff dandelion to be ignored, but an aggressive weed capable of a whole lotta damage! Knotweed’s underground root system spreads far and wide, meaning it can push its stems through brick and mortar, pipework, drains, tarmac, concrete and foundations.

Ridiculous, right? Not so.

2. Consider the law

Knotweed is such a problem in the UK that laws and legislation have been made to protect property from its pernicious grasp, so if you’ve found knotweed mid-construction you shouldn’t ignore it.

Ignoring Japanese knotweed might bring law and legislation on your head later down the line. It’s not worth the risk. Instead, plan to get rid of the knotweed sooner rather than later.

3. Consider stopping all work

If knotweed has made an unexpected appearance on your site, it would be wise to down tools. Delays are frustrating, but activity on site will likely spread the infestation. This will cause a bigger (read: more timely and costly) problem to manage. Here’s why.

Japanese knotweed spreads easily when fragments of its root are chipped away and once it’s taken to new ground the plant starts a new colony.

That’s why workers and machinery must move as little as possible to avoid causing an outbreak. It really is all too easy for knotweed to hitch a ride on boot or wheel!

4. Consider a survey

If you find knotweed on your site after starting construction, it’s best to get a proper knotweed survey done ASAP. A Japanese knotweed surveyor will thoroughly investigate your site and report back with essential information like:

• How far and wide the knotweed has spread. 
• Where it may have come from. 
• What’s the best management plan.

Knotweed roots grow deep and wide 

5. Consider fencing it off

Knotweed spreads like a virus. You only need a globule of the infection to latch onto something else to spread. And what happened when the UK faced COVID-19? That’s right, quarantine! So, if you’re fortunate enough to have a knotweed infestation that’s localised, fence it off!

Educating your workers about site hygiene, especially in reference to Japanese knotweed, will also stand you in good stead.

6. Consider excavation

Excavating Japanese knotweed from a construction site is common practice because it’s the quickest way to get back on schedule. Excavating knotweed involves hiring experts to come in with diggers and dump trucks who will remove the weed and all its rhizomes and take it to landfill on your behalf. They may also install weed barrier membranes to protect your site from future encroachment. The whole process usually takes less than a week, depending on the spread and size of the infestation.

7. Consider TCM Soil Solutions

With over 26 years’ experience removing Japanese knotweed from construction sites, we know how to get the job done quickly and effectively.

For advice, or to book your survey and removal plan, call us now on: 0330 678 1077