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Keep up to date with the latest weed-related news & developments.

IWA Present Invasive Species Seminar to RICS

May 8, 2013

RICS Invasive Species Seminar, Glasgow

Last month, Graham Rudd, Invasive Weeds Agency’s Business Manager, gave a presentation in Edinburgh to members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors as part of their CPD programme. The presentation focussed on invasive species and environmental protection. These topics are becoming more and more important for surveyors due to the tightening of environmental legislation in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

For anyone interested in learning more about the identification and management of invasive species (Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam) then join Graham Rudd in Glasgow for the RICS seminar on 14th May 2013. Full details can be found here. Members and non-members of the RICS are welcome!

For more information on invasive species management, call IWA on 0845 676 9252 or get in touch through our website.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Sheep Used to Control Giant Hogweed in Aberdeenshire

April 25, 2013

Sheep Used to Graze Giant Hogweed

We are delighted to hear that an alternative to herbicide treatment is being used in the fight against the non-native invasive giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in Aberdeenshire. The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust is using black-faced sheep to eat juvenile giant hogweed in an area where it has been difficult to control this weed using conventional methods.

Giant hogweed contains toxic sap that reacts with UV light and compromises the skins UV protection in many cases, leading to severe blisters and burns. The sheep’s pigmented, hairy skin is not affected by the giant hogweed’s sap, therefore, the animals are able to consume the weeds without risk to their health.

Giant hogweed is emerging across the UK at this time of year. It poses a serious threat to the public and it is commonly found in public parks. For more information on giant hogweed and how to identify it in spring time, watch our video.

IF YOU FIND GIANT HOGWEED, DO NOT TOUCH IT!

For assistance with giant hogweed or other non-native invasive species (Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam etc), contact us through out site here or call on 0845 676 9252.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Man Prosecuted for Spreading Japanese Knotweed

April 19, 2013

: Japanese Knotweed in Spring

The BBC has reported that a property owner in Londonderry has pleaded guilty and he has been prosecuted for planting and spreading Japanese knotweed on his property. Japanese knotweed is in its most developed stage in late August and in the Summer of 2012 the individual cleared his garden, including the infestation of Japanese knotweed. If Japanese knotweed stands are manipulated without suitable knowledge and training the infestation will be spread uncontrolled within the area and into neighbouring properties.

The man prosecuted had employed builders to clear the garden and they misidentified the plant infestation and unsuspectingly tackled the infestation and dumped the soil in another part of the residential area. Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd’s Director, Nigel Rudd, commented, “This highlights the lack of public knowledge about Japanese knotweed. It’s likely that Japanese knotweed is inadvertently being spread across the UK because people are unaware of this weed and the legislation that surrounds it.”

The story can be found here.

In the UK there is a substantial amount of legislation regarding the management and handling of Japanese knotweed. In order to prevent incidents like the one above, all contractors involved with invasive non-native species should have a working knowledge of the industry best practice, environmental regulations and legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

For advice on eradication of Japanese knotweed, how to deal with it if it is on a home report etc. contact Invasive Weeds Agency’s Business Manager, Graham Rudd, on 0845 676 9252 or get in touch through our site here.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Japanese Knotweed and Others Emerge. Is it Spring?

April 18, 2013

Invasive Weeds in Spring

On our blogs we follow the development of invasive non-native plants and how they are affecting the environment and current affairs. We posted information at the beginning of February, showing the sprouting, new growth of Japanese knotweed in Perth following some reasonable weather. However, due to the appalling conditions this spring the continued growth of Japanese knotweed has been slow and many juvenile shoots have not yet fully emerged from the soil.

There has been evidence of new growth, similar to that of two months ago, of Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam around the River Kelvin and the Clyde in Glasgow. The river banks are heavily infested with all three invasive plant species and the new shoots are just starting to protrude through the soil. The distinctive characteristics of the species are evident in this growth period such as the red heads of Japanese knotweed, the pairs of deeply grooved oval leaves with purple lining of Himalayan balsam and the spiky dark green leaves of Giant hogweed with its hairy purple stems (all pictured to the right). Videos of the weeds in spring can be found here.

Despite the plants being visible, in most cases it is still too early to implement a herbicide treatment regime. For householders limited to domestic herbicide products, it will still be a while before effective control of these species is achievable. This is one very good reason why employing a professional weed control company is worthwhile because we have more herbicide products available to us and we can undertake treatment with these products at times of year when domestic products are ineffective.

If you have a invasive weed problem then contact us through our website here, or call us on 0845 676 9252. Our BASIS qualified pesticide adviser, Graham Rudd, can advise you on the best treatment method for your site. Our competitive rates for control programmes mean that it is often more cost-effective to employ us to eradicate your weeds than attempting to do it yourself.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Local Council Controls Japanese Knotweed

April 4, 2013

Japanese Knotweed Affects Council Land

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a well-known non-native, invasive species that grows and spreads at an astonishing rate and as a result can cause real concern if discovered in the vicinity of any SSSI, development site or property. Councillors in the Helensburgh and Lomond area of Scotland recognised the major issues associated with Japanese knotweed and responded positively to concerns raised by locals within their constituencies in August 2012. Full details can be found in the Helensburgh Advertiser.

Since then, the council has treated four main infestations with herbicide and compiled a policy to ensure the identification and treatment of knotweed is conducted in a safe, responsible and uniform manner, as reported here. The actions taken by the council for Argyll and Bute have had a positive effect as the treated areas are receding and showing good results.

Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd is an Edinburgh based weed eradication company specialising in the identification and treatment of non-native, invasive plant species. IWA’s manager, Graham Rudd, said, “We are delighted that some councils are beginning to recognise the problems associated with Japanese knotweed and reacting to the concerns of local residents. Let’s hope that other councils follow this lead and implement strategies to halt the spread of non-native invasive species.”

If your local council is struggling with Japanese knotweed eradication then contact the experts, Invasive Weeds Agency, for free advice on 0845 676 9252 or message us here.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Japanese Knotweed Will Rise Again

March 29, 2013

Happy Easter!

The recent cold whether has kept the UK’s Japanese knotweed at bay but surely warmer weather is just around the corner (please!!). Once the snow melts, small, red buds will be visible on the crowns of Japanese knotweed. The large, underground network of Japanese knotweed has lay dormant over the winter months and now it is poised to make a grand appearance with it’s asparagus-like shoots.

Join us here next week for an update on all weed related news. Until then, have a happy easter!

For advice on Japanese knotweed and other invasive weeds and the warranty cover options available, call Invasive Weeds Agency on 0845 676 9252 or contact us here.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Japanese Knotweed on Council Land

March 21, 2013

Japanese Knotweed Plagues Council Land in Glasgow

Glasgow- 21st March, 2013- Scotland’s leading Japanese knotweed experts, Invasive Weeds Agency, look to clear up the issues of non-native species on local authority and council land.

Many people face the challenge of selling or re-mortgaging their property with the hindrance of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) nearby. Often, this non-native invader is not within the property boundary, it is on neighbouring land. A high proportion of land scattered around residential areas is owned by local authorities such as councils so it is inevitable that some will contain non-native weeds. Councils have a vast number of issues to tackle and very few, if any, are able to successfully handle all of these issues at once. It is no surprise that foreign plants, e.g. Japanese knotweed, may be left to grow freely on public land. So, what can be done about it?

If you suspect that you have found an area of invasive weeds on local authority land:

Avoid disturbing or damaging any of the weeds. Any disturbance or damage may hinder weed control operations or inadvertently spread the problem. The last thing you want is for the weeds to end up in your property.

Report the weed infestation to the local authority/council because it is very important that they have a record of it. This will allow the council to add the area into any weed control strategy or project that they organise. Most councils run an annual weed control programme.

Insist that the council act swiftly and responsibly to control the weed infestation because it may negatively affect the value of your property and surrounding properties if it is left to grow unchecked.

Persist. If the council do not act to control the weed infestation then raise the issue again.

The Benefits. The cost of treatment is low whereas compared with the drop in property value. In other words,

the benefit to the community and property values vastly outweighs the cost of treatment.

Is your council doing enough to stop the spread of invasive weeds? If not, tell them. It may cost you tens of thousands of pounds if your property is under valued because of weeds on adjacent land.

For further advice on this subject, contact Invasive Weeds Agency here or call us on 0845 676 9252.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Spring: Time to Prune Buddleia

March 6, 2013

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd is a weed eradication company qualified to control invasive plant species. Today, we will look at controlling a common plant that seems to be in every nook and cranny of the UK. You may be thinking of Japanese knotweed or Giant hogweed due to their high profile in the media but there are number of popular garden and landscaping plants that are equally as troublesome, such as Buddleia davidii.

Buddleia is a common flowering plant across the UK and very popular with gardeners and landscapers, it is also known as Butterfly Bush because its brightly coloured flower heads attract many insects including butterflies. However, each flower head produces many viable seeds and utilising wind dispersal they rapidly infest urban, industrial and barren areas. It is particularly common next to railway lines, the passing trains providing the gusts to transport viable seeds and the sidings offering secure areas to take root.

Buddleia can grow up to 5 metres in height if left unchecked. It is approaching perfect time to start pruning and controlling the shrubs in gardens and this will reduce the spread in residential areas. As well as pruning the stems in the spring the dead flower heads should also be cut throughout the summer to reduce seed production and subsequent spread. Unfortunately, the wild shrubs continue to grow and spread uncontrolled and the problem will only continue. Invasive Weeds Agency have many qualified staff that are capable of providing impartial advice on how to control the shrubs and competently control the growth and spread of any infestation. It is vitally important to control Buddleia especially in industrial and residential areas as the growing roots exploit structural weaknesses, compromising the foundations of buildings, walls or railways.

Buddleia is easily controlled or completely eradicated because the juvenile shrubs are shallow rooting plants that are easily pulled from the ground and the mature plants can be heavily pruned and also react to herbicide treatment.

If you suspect that you have a Buddleia infestation then call Invasive Weeds Agency on 0845 676 9252 for a consultation and impartial advice or contact us here. Our team is qualified to identify and assess an invasive weed infestation whether it is Japanese knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan balsam or any other problem species. Invasive Weeds Agency is a BASIS Approved Contractor and Amenity Assured to provide sound advice on a suitable herbicide treatment to eradicate the infestation.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Weed Control- Rhododendron and Horsetail

February 20, 2013

Horsetail growing through tarmac

The UK plays host to an array of plants that have come to our shores as visitors and decided to stay. The weeds most commonly discussed are Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed, however, they are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to non-native invasive plants in Britain. There are many plants other than the dreaded knotweed being called ‘weeds’ due to their ability to spread quickly into areas where they are not desired. A prime example of a species growing where it is not wanted is rhododendron ponticum inhabiting the region of Argyll in the west of Scotland.

Formerly a desirable plant, rhododendron was planted on many country estates for its beautiful flowers and the fact it provides great cover for game birds. Very quickly, it began to spread, dominating smaller, more delicate native species. Now, moves are afoot to control its spread and help the native plants thrive once more. Invasive Weeds Agency have been part of rhododendron control at Loch Awe as part of an EU funded project to help clear the loch’s feeder streams in order to promote brown trout spawning in the area.

A lesser known weed, albeit a highly invasive one, is horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Horsetail is a primitive weed that grows in many different areas. If you’ve ever had it in your garden (it’s probably still there) then you will know just how easily it spreads. The plant is segmented, which means that it can easily break apart and the segments can regenerate. It can be very difficult to kill with herbicide due to the structure of the stem and the lack of leaf surface reduces the ability to intake herbicide to lethal levels. Horsetail damages hard surfaces such as paving and it easily penetrates tarmac. Removing horsetail from the ground can be particularly difficult due to the depth of its rhizome (stem beneath the ground). Horsetail rhizomes have been recorded at 2 metres below the surface.

The best treatment option for any weed control is dependent on a large number of factors. Invasive Weeds Agency can discuss treatment measures on a site specific basis, which means that our clients will receive the best value for money.

If you need assistance with rhododendron or horsetail, or require assistance with any other weed, call our team now on 0845 676 9252 or contact us here.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.

Eradication Warranty for Japanese Knotweed

February 19, 2013

Eradication Warranty Could Save You Money

The sun is shining across the UK and a variety of plants are emerging to bask in the winter sun. In areas as far apart as Inverness and Cornwall, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) are starting to sprout from either dormant rhizomes or seeds that have hibernated over the winter. Japanese knotweed may emerge in 2013 even after herbicide treatment the previous year because the plant can have such great reserves of energy. Invasive Weeds Agency strive to eradicate the problem perennials in as few treatments as possible but to ensure the job never remains unfinished a warranty can be applied to the contract that will insure the cost of further treatment for re-infestation and repairs to the property.

Invasive Weeds Agency will always help to choose the warranty that best suits the work being carried out. The invasive plants that we treat can lay dormant in the soil for a long time and should they reappear the client has a guarantee that Invasive Weeds Agency will return to eradicate any future growth or repair any damage. With many mortgage lenders wary of the presence of any invasive species within a property, a warranty is essential to cover any outcome of treatment and reassure the lenders whether buying, selling or remortgaging a property. Invasive Weeds Agency also offer a bonded warranty that covers the client in the unlikely event of our company ceasing to trade. This will continue the cover the client originally arranged prior to the business closing.

For advice on Japanese knotweed and other invasive weeds and the warranty cover options available, call Invasive Weeds Agency on 0845 676 9252 or contact us here.

IWA. Getting to the root of the problem.