Taking a practical cost efficient approach to these weeds we have been what has made us so successful is this field, used as sub contractors by a number of national invasive weed control contractors,

We are able to offer our own clients expect advise and access to fully trained and experienced personnel. We can provide environmental assessment studies on the weeds and can produce detailed management reports on how to eradicate the offending weed. A range of methods from chemical to mechanical can be offered and will be tailored to meet the site requirements, often these weeds are found in difficult an demanding situations be they new build properties such as schools or environmentally sensitive areas such as river banks or marsh land. If required soil screening and even removal to approved tip can be carried out.

Giant Hogweed

This plant is a hazard to public health, often found on development sites, untrained operatives have cut down the plant down with out PPE only to find themselves severely burnt by the photo sensitive sap the plant produces.

We can provided detailed site surveys with recommendations on how to control , eradicate and remove the plant from the site.

As the plant spreads by seed it will often appear on newly completed developments without warning posing a risk to the general public especially children who are unaware of the danger the plant possess. A such we offer a monitoring and control service on a fixed price basis often up to 5 years after as development is complete.

We have carried projects along the Forth and Water of Leith as well as numerous development sites throughout Central Scotland.

Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan Balsam is an annual weed that is spreading rapidly throughout Scotland, mainly following river courses. The main issue with this alien species is that it spreads and grows at such a rapid rate that it prevents light getting down to ground level. As such it kills out all native vegetation harming wildlife habitats, with the loss of native vegetation river banks become exposed to erosion. This plant posses it own problems when trying to control it, as the main method of spread is by seed and this plant is produces excessive amounts of seeds in exploding pods that allow it to spread up to 30m per season. Often the best method is mechanical either cutting or pulling to prevent seeding.

We will provide management plans with costings to allow a land owner to access the best cost effective treatment for there budget.

As with other invasive weeds as a land owner they do not need to control the weed while on their land however, allow it to spread to adjoining land owners property and you will become liable for all removal costs. Recent projects have been connected with the river Forth and surrounding waterways network.

Visit Royal Horticultural Society - Himalayan Balsam

Japanese KnotWeed

While Japanese knotweed is one of the most invasive of plants it is not the problem that many companies will have developers belief. It can be controlled and eradicated by those that know what they are doing and have the experience to select the correct method.

We offer a range of solutions depending upon location and future land use. The issues with Japanese Knotweed are the rate and ease of spread along with an impressive daily growth rate. While the plant will grow to cover fast tracks of land its main issue is that for developers this plant can cause structural damage not only to finished paved surfaces but to under ground services, foundations and other structures.

The main method of spread is by under ground rhizomes, often on construction sites a single main plant will be excavated bits of contaminated soil will be dropped around the site the following year numerous plants appear costing thousands of pounds to remove.

We have successful Controlled Japanese Knotweed on a number of sites through out Central Scotland.

Our Services

We are often called upon by developers to survey there land for Japanese Knotweed either as a stand alone survey or as part of an in depth environmental survey.

We can advise on possible risks and solutions, or clients are free to take this report to the open market or engage ourselves to carry out the reports recommendations.

Control Measures

These are site specific to meet the needs of the location, however these may be chemical treatment either by broad spectrum application or by selective methods like stem injection. Cutting and burning is often recommended along with soil screening.

It may be that excavation and removal of site is the only solution, this can be carried out with material going to an approved licensed tip for disposal. One of the most cost effective methods is to retain on site and treat, with a longer term management plan to ensure complete eradiation is achieved.

The Law.

Much has been said in the media about Japanese Knotweed, you will not be fined for having Japanese Knotweed on your land, however allow it to spread to your neighbours land and you could find yourself having to pay a hefty bill to get it removed, a fine and even a criminal record if your actions were deliberate. Depending on how serous clean-up costs can easily run into hundreds of thousands.

For a private house hold you can find the value of your property greatly reduced, with some mortgage lenders now requiring checking for Japanese Knotweed as they will not lend unless a treatment programme has been put in place.

SEPA classes Japanese Knotweed and affected soil as a controlled waste and as has powers to fine if not handled and disposed of correctly.

Financial Assistance for Land Owners

While land owners can be facing costs of hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear a site there are government schemes that offer substantial assistance.

• http://idahoweedawareness.net/vfg/weedlist/japanknotweed/japanknotweed.html
• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/company-tax/brief2909.pdf