Knotweed Solutions Guide

TP Knotweed Solutions - www.tpknotweed.com 0800 389 1911 enquiries@tpknotweed.com
Table of Contents
Who are TP Knotweed Solutions............................................................................................ 3
About TP Knotweed Solutions............................................................................................................... 5
Training................................................................................................................................ 5
Technology........................................................................................................................... 5
Support................................................................................................................................ 5
Standards............................................................................................................................. 5
Some of our clients............................................................................................................................... 6
Setting the standard since 2011............................................................................................................. 7
Rationale.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Poses threats to health and property.................................................................................. 8
Poses threats to biodiversity ............................................................................................... 8
Economic costs..................................................................................................................... 8
Law surrounding invasive plant species............................................................................... 9
Our responsibility................................................................................................................. 9
Which plant species do we specialise in................................................................................. 11
Invasive Species Reference Table........................................................................................................... 13
Introduction - The Invasive Species Guide............................................................................................. 13
Japanese Knotweed.............................................................................................................................. 15
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 15
The Lenders View................................................................................................................. 15
Legislation Relating to Japanese Knotweed......................................................................... 16
The Life-cycle of Japanese Knotweed.................................................................................. 17
Himalayan Balsam................................................................................................................................. 19
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 19
The Lenders View................................................................................................................. 19
Legislation Relating to Himalayan Balsam............................................................................ 20
The Life-cycle of Himalayan Balsam..................................................................................... 21
Giant Hogweed..................................................................................................................................... 23
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 23
The Lenders View................................................................................................................. 23
Toxicity................................................................................................................................. 23
Legislation Relating to Giant Hogweed................................................................................ 24
The Life-cycle of Giant Hogweed.......................................................................................... 25
Field Horsetail....................................................................................................................................... 27
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 27
The Lenders View................................................................................................................. 27
Legislation Relating to Field Horsetail.................................................................................. 28
The Life-cycle of Field Horsetail........................................................................................... 29
Solutions & Services.............................................................................................................. 31
Survey................................................................................................................................................... 32
Private Residential............................................................................................................... 32
Commercial.......................................................................................................................... 32
What does the survey cover................................................................................................ 33
Selecting the correct service.................................................................................................................. 35
Herbicide Treatment............................................................................................................................. 36
Foliar Spray........................................................................................................................... 36
Stem Injection...................................................................................................................... 36
The Process - Herbicide Treatment...................................................................................... 37
Off-site Disposal.................................................................................................................................... 38
Commercial & Large Scale Development............................................................................. 38
Risk and Method Statements .............................................................................................. 39
Health and Safety................................................................................................................. 39
Site Plans.............................................................................................................................. 39
Underground Services ......................................................................................................... 39
Pre-start Meetings & Consultation...................................................................................... 39
Company Insurance and Accreditations............................................................................... 39
Working Alongside Other Professionals .............................................................................. 39
Private Households & Residential Gardens.......................................................................... 40
The Process - Off-site Disposal............................................................................................. 41
On-site Screening.................................................................................................................................. 42
The Process - On-site Screening........................................................................................... 43
Cell Burial.............................................................................................................................................. 44
The Process - Cell Burial....................................................................................................... 45
Relocation............................................................................................................................................. 46
The Process - Relocation...................................................................................................... 47
Guarantee Information.......................................................................................................... 49
Information About Our Insurance Backed Guarantee............................................................................. 51
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 51
Why do I need one? ............................................................................................................ 51
What is covered? ................................................................................................................. 51
What isn’t covered? ............................................................................................................ 51
How much will it cost?......................................................................................................... 51
Case Studies.......................................................................................................................... 53
Residential Herbicide Treatment........................................................................................................... 54
Project Scope....................................................................................................................... 54
Remediation Strategy........................................................................................................... 54
Project Overview.................................................................................................................. 54
Commercial Herbicide Treatment.......................................................................................................... 55
Project Scope....................................................................................................................... 55
Commercial Off-site Disposal................................................................................................................. 56
Project Scope....................................................................................................................... 56
Large Commercial Off-site Disposal....................................................................................................... 57
Project Scope....................................................................................................................... 57
Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................................................. 58

Who are TP Knotweed Solutions
Mr Thomas Payne
Managing Director
TP Knotweed Solutions are a dedicated team providing our clients
with the most efficient, reliable and stress-free experience, coupled
with the best possible quality of work and value
“
“

TP Knotweed Solutions Ltd - www.tpknotweed.com 0800 389 1911 enquiries@tpknotweed.com
About TP Knotweed Solutions
TP Knotweed Solutions have grown rapidly since 2011 to
become the UK’s leading Japanese Knotweed and invasive
plant specialists. We control and eradicate Japanese knotweed
and other invasive plants throughout the UK, for commercial
and residential clients.
TP Knotweed provide our clients with guaranteed invasive
plant control, removal and eradication solutions. No two
sites are the same and we therefore tailor each remediation
strategy to our clients individual needs.
Commercial or residential, we work to provide a service which
suits our clients. All of our remediation programmes come
with a comprehensive 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee to
protect the sites or property and ensure peace of mind.
With mortgage refusals and property sales being the primary
reason for residential clients requiring our services, we ensure
that we apply our expert knowledge and experience to help
provide a simple, cost-effective solution.
TP Knotweed Solutions work closely with Commercial
property developers, Blue Chip construction companies,
Surveyors, Estate Agents, Housing Associations, Councils and
home owners, to advise and resolve invasive plant issues.
With thousands of successful management and removal plans
completed across the UK there is no site too large or too small
for our dedicated and highly qualified team to tackle.
Training
All site staff that attend your site or property have undergone
rigorous internal and external training to ensure that our
clients’ invasive plant issues are solved by highly qualified
specialists. Site Managers are qualified SMSTS, SSSTS and
CPCS Qualified. Surveyors are CSJK qualified as a minimum.
Technicians hold a variety of NPTC qualifications with all in-
house plant operators being CPCS and CSCS qualified.
Technology
Another area where TP Knotweed Solutions offer significant
value to our clients is in our use of technology and state of the
art systems.
We understand that our clients need a fast, high quality and
guaranteed service to eradicate Japanese Knotweed and
other invasive plants so that they can develop their land,
satisfy mortgage lenders, buy and sell properties and get on
with their busy lives.
Our in-house IT team have therefore tailored our CRM system
and custom-built elements to ensure that every process
within the company is as quick and efficient as possible.
Support
At our head office, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire we have
dedicated customer service, operations, finance, IT, marketing
and senior management teams, alongside our CAD technicians
who are all here to ensure that our nationwide service is
exceptional.
Standards
From day one, we have focused on providing our clients with
the facts, simple solutions to the problem and the highest
level of customer service.
TP Knotweed Solutions are proud of the portfolio of
accreditations achieved over the years (some of which are
displayed to the right), showcasing our commitment and
standards.
50800 389 1911 enquiries@tpknotweed.comTP Knotweed Solutions - www.tpknotweed.com

4,350
Properties Treated
31,150
Site Visits
1,820
Mortgages Approved
78,400t’s
Excavated Material
908,977
Miles Driven
2,220
Surveys Written
98%
Customer Satisfaction
218,800m2
Area Treated
Some of our clients Setting the standard since 2011
TP Knotweed Solutions believe that it is important for clients to see our results, reviews and case studies along
with the facts and figures to back up our claims.
In a fragmented market TP Knotweed Solutions have rapidly become the market leader within the invasive
plant remediation industry.
Over the last 7 years the company has grown from a starting point of 1 man, 1 van and a clear vision,
to 18 full-time members of staff executing the same clear vision.
On a residential basis we have put herbicide treatment plans in place for approximately
4,500 sites and assisted with approximately 1,820 mortgage approvals.
For our commercial clients TP Knotweed Solutions have built up a very impressive
client list, some of which can be seen on the opposite page. Our in-house
excavation team have remediated thousands of development sites, varying
in scale, enabling clients to continue with their developments on time and
budget, with minimum disruption.
Since 2011 TP Knotweed have driven 908,977 miles (equivalent to 36
times around the world) assisting clients and have excavated 78,400
Tonnesof‘ControlledWaste’(Approximately27Olympicswimming
Pools). We have also treated over 130 miles of invasive plants
(Equivalent of walking from London to Birmingham).
TP Knotweed Solutions ensure the highest standard of
professional service, which is reflected in the repeat
business and feedback we receive, with 98% of our
clients being completely satisfied with our work
and happy to recommend us.
We hope that this brochure provides
further guidance on invasive plants,
an insight into our company, as well
as outlining our knowledge of the
sector.

Poses threats to health and property
Giant Hogweed:
This species originates from South-West Asia, but became established in the UK
sometime after 1817. Chemicals in the plant’s sap cause skin to become hyper-
sensitive to sunlight which can cause burns.
Japanese Knotweed:
This species originates from Central Asia, and was established in the 19th Century.
The plant grows rapidly and is very persistent making eradication difficult. The
rhizomes of the plant can grow through small cracks and fissures potentially
damaging buildings.
Poses threats to biodiversity
Invasive non-native plant species can out-compete, damage or potentially
eradicate native species and habitats.
Himalayan Balsam:
This species became established
in the UK after 1855. An individual
plant can produce 800+ seeds, which
disperse up to 7m from the parent
plant. Balsam grows rapidly, out-
competing native species. The nectar
yield is higher than many indigenous
species, resulting in lower pollination
and decreases in flowering plant species.
Dense root systems that die back in winter
erode banks, whilst in summer the vegetation can
slow water speed and cause flooding.
Floating Pennywort:
This species was widely available for sale until April 2014, when it was removed
from sale due to its ecological impact. The species is common in South-East UK,
where it forms dense mats in still or slow flowing waterways, reducing oxygen and
affecting flow rates causing flooding. Removal is time consuming and in 2014, the
estimated cost to the economy was £25.4m.
Economic costs
With an annual cost of £1.7 billion per annum as a result of non-native species
(Williams et al., 2010)
Japanese Knotweed – London Olympic Park:
Prior to the development of the site in time for the Olympics in 2012, approximately
4 hectares (40,000m²) of the site contained Japanese Knotweed. Various removal
and eradication practices were implemented, including excavation, treatment with
herbicide, soil screening and cell burial. The total cost of remediation at the site
was approximately £70m, and the project took place over the course of three years.
Rationale
Law surrounding invasive plant species
• Schedule 9 Species – schedule 9 species are non-native to the UK. Since
their introduction they have become naturalised and now pose a threat to
biodiversity.
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the principal legislation surrounding non-
native species in the UK.
• Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence under Section
14(2) a to “plant or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is
included in Part II of Schedule 9”
• Both the Police and local authority have the ability to enforce this, with a
maximum fine of £5000 or a prison sentence of 6 months, or both.
• There is no statutory requirement to remove or treat Schedule 9 species on
your property, but it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the outbreak does
not spread, and in some cases, the presence of these species must be declared.
• Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, any schedule 9 species and the
soil surrounding it is classified as controlled waste Controlled Waste Regulations
1992, and only a licensed waste carrier is permitted to dispose of this. Not
adhering to this could result in a maximum fine of £20,000, a prison sentence
of 6 months, or both.
Our responsibility
• Under Section 34 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990, any company
responsible for the disposal or treatment of a Schedule 9 species must be
licensed by the appropriate waste carrier body and remove all waste from site
in a lawful manner so as not to cause environmental damage. TP Knotweed
Solutions are registered waste carriers, holding a license from the Environment
Agency.
• Any ‘Controlled Waste’ soils leaving our clients sites will receive detailed Waste
Transfer Notes, to ensure that we comply with The Environmental Protection
Act 1990.
• Suppliers–Itisourresponsibility tocheckthatourhauliersandlandfilloperators
have the appropriate licenses and permits to transport waste and receive it.
• Responsible and legal use of herbicides, including reading herbicide product
labels and strictly adhering to legislation. The Food and Environment Protection
Act 1985 and Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, as amended sets out the
rules on using herbicides to control invasive plants growing in water or on land.
• Ensuring our site technicians hold the relevant NPTC qualifications eg. PA1, PA6,
AW.
• Submitting AQHerb01 Forms - Agreement to use herbicides in or near water,
when necessary.
• Consulting the Environment Agency when carrying out certain remediation
strategies.
References;
Williams, F., Eschen, R., Harris, A., Djeddour, D., Pratt, C., Shaw, R.S., Varia, S., Lamontagne-Godwin, J., Thomas,
S.E., Murphy, S.T. (2010) The Economic Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species on Great Britain Report for Centre for
Agriculture and Biosciences International.
- Why you should care about non-native plant species

Which plant species do we specialise in

Knotweed Solutions
Invasive Species Reference Table
The table on the opposite page provides brief diagnostics for each of the invasive species that we deal with, and their associated threats and considerations. It should be noted
that further considerations are disclosed elsewhere within this booklet, and additional questions can be found in the FAQ’s section.
Introduction - The Invasive Species Guide
The following pages will provide a brief summary of each invasive species that we remediate, as well as considerations for mortgage lenders and developers, with notes on
the legislation covering that particular species.
Having some insight into each of the species ecology is important in order to gain a deeper understanding of why and how each of these plants has come to cause issues for
both residents and businesses alike. The more you have an understanding of the problem, the better equipped you are to deal with it.
Japanese Knotweed Himalayan Balsam Giant Hogweed Field Horsetail
Is it harmful to human health? No No Yes No
Is it harmful to the
environment?
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Does it spread via seed? No Yes Yes Yes
Does it spread via rhizome/
roots?
Yes No No Yes
Can the work be guaranteed? Yes Yes Yes No
Can it be eradicated via
herbicides within 5 years?
Yes Yes Yes No
Can it affect a mortgage
application?
Yes Yes No No
Do I need to declare it on a TA6? Yes No No No
Can it affect a planning
application?
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Is it classified as Controlled
waste?
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Can it affect the structure of my
property/building?
Yes No No Yes
Do I have a legal responsibility
to stop it spreading?
Yes Yes Yes No

Japanese Knotweed
Overview
Japanese Knotweed has its origins in Asia, and was brought over to the UK by
the Victorians. In its natural range, the plant grows within riparian areas, with its
frequency controlled by environmental factors. In the UK the plant has no natural
predators, and easily out-compete other native species due to its accelerated
growth rates.
The plant itself spreads via transportation of rhizome material and also via seed
dispersal, though as all Japanese Knotweed found in the UK is either female or
hermaphrodite, the seeds produced are not fertile (research at University of
Leicester). As a result, transportation of plant material is the only method by which
Knotweed spreads in the UK.
The plant itself grows rapidly, and is very resilient, which makes it a difficult plant
to deal with. It requires professional intervention in order to ensure that it is
successfully eradicated. During the summer it can grow at speeds of 10cm a day.
If left untreated these emerging shoots can quickly exploit weaknesses in brick,
tarmac, and metal piping, causing costly damage to everything from buildings to
roads.
Attempting to remove the weed yourself will only make the problem worse.
Knotweed can re-grow from cuttings as small as 2mm, meaning the smallest traces
can leadto newgrowth. Because of this, knotweedis classed as controlled wasteand
must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the Environmental
Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. By the end of the growing season
Japanese knotweed can reach heights of 4m.
Dealing with Japanese Knotweed effectively can be challenging, and the plant
itself poses two specific issues which make professional treatment a high priority;
• The plant is very pervasive and spreads easily. It also has the potential to
impact the structural integrity of buildings, particularly if left untreated.
• The plant is also classified as controlled waste, and therefore requires removal
from a licensed waste carrier.
The Lenders View
Each provider has their own guidelines with regards to what action needs to
take place prior to lending, but in our experience, there are a several common
prerequisites that satisfy the majority of lenders:
• The company undertaking the work holds Property Care Association
Membership (Gold Standard as of September 2017) to ensure work undertaken
is of a professional standard
• A 5-year herbicide treatment plan (which includes a monitoring period)
• A 10-year Insurance backed guarantee covering the work undertaken
If each of these criteria are met, most mortgage lenders are willing to progress with
a purchase or sale. With TP Knotweed Solutions you can rest assured that you are
dealing with a professional company who work within the remit described above.
If you are looking to purchase a property lenders recommend having a survey
specifically for Japanese Knotweed prior to the Application. This determines the
presence/absence of the plant, and also indicates the potential cost to the buyer.
This is a service that TP Knotweed Solutions offer for a small fee.
(Fallopia japonica)

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Like many plants, Japanese Knotweed
undergoes growth cycles that can
make knotweed identification a
challenge across the year. In spring, it
is identifiable as red buds, emerging
into new shoots. These shoots grow
rapidly at speeds of up to 10cm a day.
By the time summer hits, the plant’s
shoots can reach 2-3m tall. These
stalks look like bamboo and you’ll
see purple and red speckles on its
leaves. Towards the end of the season,
the plant produces distinctive white
flowers.
The flowers last until late autumn,
when they drop. Leaves also start
to yellow, then brown, before finally
falling off, leaving tall clumps of hollow
brown stems.
Japanese Knotweed identification is far
more difficult in the winter. Although
the hollow stems above the ground
are dead, the widespread rhizome
network beneath the ground remains
alive and will begin growing again in
the following spring.
Legislation Relating to Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is covered under the following laws. Dealing with the plant
professionally will ensure the lawful disposal of it from your property.
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild
in the UK.
• Wildlife Order (Northern Ireland) 1985
It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild
in Northern Ireland.
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Local councils and the police have the power to issue Community Protection
Notices against “individuals who are acting unreasonably and who persistently
or continually act in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life
of those in the locality” including for invasive non-native species like Japanese
Knotweed. A notice could require an individual or organisation to make
reasonable efforts to make good the problems arising as a result of Japanese
Knotweed within a specified period of time and/or a requirement to take
reasonable steps to prevent future occurrence of the problem. Breach of any
requirement of a Community Protection Notice, without reasonable excuse,
would be a criminal offence.
• Community Protection Notices
Although this does not refer specifically to particular plants, the protection
notice can be used against individuals who act unreasonably, or who continually
act in a way which impacts upon local residents.
• Environmental Protection Act 1990

Under Sections 33 and 34, If taken away from the site of origin, Japanese
Knotweed and associated material, e.g. soil, becomes Controlled Waste and
must be disposed of at a landfill site that is authorised to accept it. Japanese
Knotweed waste that is disposed of at a landfill site must be accompanied by
appropriate waste transfer documentation.
• Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Section 215 of the England and Wales Act;
Although this Act does not make specific reference to specific weeds, they
provide local authorities with power to serve notices on owners or occupiers
of land to control weeds that may be harming the amenity of the surrounding
area and if the owners and occupiers fail to remedy the situation, they may be
liable to a fine or have to repay the costs of action taken by the local authority
to control the weeds.
• Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1992

Section 63 of the Scottish Act;
• Common Law

There is provision within Common Law to take civil action against neighbouring
landowners where the spread of Japanese Knotweed is considered to be a
private or public nuisance.
The Life-cycle of Japanese Knotweed

19TP Knotweed Solutions Ltd - www.tpknotweed.com 0800 389 1911 enquiries@tpknotweed.com
Himalayan Balsam
Overview
Himalayan Balsam originated in Asia but was introduced to the UK in the Victorian
Age. This plant is found along watercourses and in wetlands, where it is an important
plant for pollinators.
Himalayan Balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation so
gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants. It is sometimes seen in
gardens, either uninvited or grown deliberately, but care must be taken to ensure
that it does not escape into the wild.
Himalayan Balsam is a distinctive plant with reddish jointed stems and long, green,
oval-shaped leaves. The flowers range from fuchsia to pale pink in colour and
tend to appear between June and October, followed by seed pods that explode
dispersing the seeds from late July to October.
The plant reproduces via seed, with an unusual exploding dispersal mechanism
scattering seeds up to 7m from the parent plant. As the plant is most common
around water, the seeds can be transported for great distances. Removal of the
seed bank is highly recommended for effective remediation, though the plant does
respond well to herbicide treatment.
The plant colonises areas rapidly, and although it dies back quickly in winter, it will
reoccur annually on sites, spreading into the wider area. The root system is very
dense, and can cause localise flooding as well as erosion along riverbanks.
Although Himalayan Balsam is included within Schedule 9 species, its impact upon
development and domestic properties is less severe than Japanese Knotweed.
The plant is also very persistent and as a result treatment or excavation is
highly recommended, and in our experience, these approaches are effective
in combating this species. The plant is also classified as controlled waste, and
therefore requires removal from a licensed waste carrier.
The Lenders View
AtpresenttherearenospecificguidelinesinplacewithregardstoHimalayanBalsam,
however, as the species is listed under Schedule 9, there is a legal responsibility to
ensure that the species does not spread. It is likely that legislation regarding other
Schedule 9 species will be reviewed and updated in the near future.
There have been recorded instances whereby surveyors have noted the presence of
Himalayan Balsam within a property. This has on occasion been taken into account
by mortgage providers and affected the lending approval process. Please check
with your provider prior to the application process.
(Impatiens glandulifera)

The plant can be difficult to identify
during early growth, with small
double-lobed leaves with red stems.
Prior to flowering, the plant has leaves
which are purplish at the base, with
3-4 leaves opposite each other evenly
distributed on the plant. The main
stem of the plant is a deep red colour.
When flowering, the plant shows
several pink flowers, which have
2 distinctive petals at the top and
bottom of the opening. Once the plant
has finished flowering, a seed is left
on the stem, which when disturbed
“explodes” distributing seeds several
feet from the plant.
Once the plant has flowered and seeds
have been distributed, the plant begins
to die back. By late autumn, little
vegetation is left, leaving riverbanks
susceptible to flooding.
Himalayan Balsam is more difficult
to identify in the winter period, as it
dies back completely. The root system
is still in place, though much of the
material will be decayed.
Legislation Relating to Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam is covered under the following laws. Dealing with the plant

It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Himalayan Balsam to grow in the wild in
the UK
It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Himalayan Balsam to grow in the wild in
Northern Ireland
Under Sections 33 and 34, If taken away from the site of origin, Himalayan
Balsam and associated material, e.g. soil, becomes Controlled Waste and must
be disposed of at a landfill site that is authorised to accept it. Himalayan Balsam
waste that is disposed of at a landfill site must be accompanied by appropriate
waste transfer documentation.
• Common Law
landowners where the spread of Himalayan Balsam is considered to be a private
or public nuisance
The Life-cycle of Himalayan Balsam

Giant Hogweed
Overview
This plant originates in Central Asia, where is occurs in damp upland areas. The
plant was brought to the UK in 1817 with a specimen listed as present in Kew
Gardens at this time, and were planted for their aesthetic value in gardens. The
plant spread quickly from gardens, and by 1828 it was found in a naturalised state
in Cambridgeshire.
Giant Hogweed is similar in appearance to several umbellifers commonly found in
the UK, though it can easily be identified by its large size, spiked leaves and large
flowering head. Giant Hogweed can reach heights of 5 metres high with small,
creamy-white flowers. The numerous flower umbels on each stalk can each measure
up to 2 feet. The plant’s sap contains furanocomarin, which can cause burns when
affected skin comes into contact with sunlight. Sap levels are at their highest in June
and as such the plant presents its greatest risk to people in the summer.
Giant Hogweed relies solely on seeds for reproduction and spread. It only takes
a single plant germinating from as little as one seed to cause an invasion. This is
especially worrying as each flower of a single umbel produces 30 to 50,000 seeds.
As a result of the threat the plant poses to human health and due to its non-native
status, the plant must be treated professionally, and can either be treated with
herbicide or excavated.
Although Giant Hogweed is included within Schedule 9 species, its impact upon
development and domestic properties is less severe than Japanese Knotweed.
The plant is also very persistent and potentially hazardous to human health and
as a result treatment or excavation is highly recommended, and in our experience,
these approaches are effective in combating this species.
The Lenders View
At present there are no specific guidelines in place with regards to Giant Hogweed,
however, as the species is listed under Schedule 9, there is a legal responsibility to
ensure that the species does not spread. It is likely that legislation regarding other
Schedule 9 species will be reviewed and updated in the near future.
Toxicity
When Giant Hogweed sap, which contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins,
contactshumanskininconjunctionwithsunlight,itcancausephytophotodermatitis
- a serious skin inflammation. In brief, the sap prevents your skin from protecting
itself from sunlight which leads to a very bad sunburn. Heat and moisture (sweat or
dew) can worsen the skin reaction. The photo-toxic reaction can begin as soon as
15 minutes after contact, with sensitivity peak between 30 minutes and two hours
after contact.
What should you do if you are exposed to Giant Hogweed sap?
• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap
and COLD water as soon as possible
• Keep exposed area away from sunlight for 48
hours
• If a reaction occurs, topical steroids applied
early can reduce the severity of the reaction
and ease discomfort
• If sap goes in eyes, rinse them with water and
wear sunglasses
• If a reaction has occurred, the area of skin may
be sensitive to sunlight for a few years and you
maywanttoapplysunblockorkeeptheaffected
area covered from the sun when possible
• See a doctor if you have a reaction or any
questions
(Heracleum mantegazzianum)

When emerging, Giant Hogweed has
a deep red stem, with bright green
spiked leaves, similar in appearance to
the mature plant.
A very large umbellifer, standing over
2m in height. In its final year, the plant
has a slightly convex multi-stemmed
head, with small white flowers. The
main stem has hairs concentrated
around the inter-node.
In the plants final months of the year,
flowers die back to reveal thousands
of seeds on the head. Once the seeds
have been produced, the plant dies,
leaving the structure of the plant in
place.
Like all perennial plants, Giant
Hogweed dies completely back in
the winter. Mature plants which
have seeded will have the remaining
structure of the plant in place during
winter period.
Legislation Relating to Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is covered under the following laws. Dealing with the plant
Section 9, Schedule 14;
It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Giant Hogweed to grow in the wild in the
UK.
Section 9;
It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Giant Hogweed to grow in the wild in
Northern Ireland.
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 & Community Protection
Notices
Local councils and the police have the power to issue Community Protection
Notices against “individuals who are acting unreasonably and who persistently
or continually act in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life
of those in the locality” including for invasive non-native species like Giant
Hogweed. A notice could require an individual or organisation to make
reasonable efforts to make good the problems arising as a result of Giant
Hogweed within a specified period of time and/or a requirement to take
reasonable steps to prevent future occurrence of the problem. Breach of any
requirement of a Community Protection Notice, without reasonable excuse,
would be a criminal offence.
Sections 33 and 34;
If taken away from the site of origin, Giant Hogweed and associated material,
e.g.soil,becomesControlled Wasteandmustbedisposed ofatalandfill sitethat
is authorised to accept it. Giant Hogweed waste that is disposed of at a landfill
site must be accompanied by appropriate waste transfer documentation.

Section 79;
In certain circumstances Local Authorities have powers to deal with Giant
Hogweed when it is growing on land, allowing enforcement action to be taken
where the Giant Hogweed is, or is likely to be, prejudicial to health and may
include where the plant is growing along pathways or on land which is easily
accessible to users or passers-by.
• Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Section 215 of the England and Wales Act;
• Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1992
Section 63 of the Scottish Act;
• Common Law
landowners where the spread of Giant Hogweed is considered to be a private
or public nuisance.
The Life-cycle of Giant Hogweed

Field Horsetail
Overview
Commonly incorrectly called mare’s tail, Horsetail is a highly invasive species found
throughout the UK. As it requires minimal resources, it can grow quickly in almost
any location, out competing local flora and adversely impacting on local biodiversity.
The plant occurs widely throughout the northern hemisphere in temperate to Arctic
latitudes, and has changed little in over 300 million years.
The plant reproduces by releasing spores, and as a result it can spread great
distances. The plant spreads in a similar manner to Japanese Knotweed, with the
rhizomes capable of enormous spread – a 10cm length of rhizome spreading to
64m in 1 year, and able to colonise 1 hectare within 6 years (Bond et al., 2007).
The plant is very simple in appearance, with several needle like leaves emanating
from a single stem, and it is generally found in tight clusters. Both the leaves and
stem are rough to touch and once fully grown Horsetail can hit 60cm in height. The
plant’s growing season begins properly in March and lasts until the winter.
Horsetail isabletogrowthrough tarmacand cementsurfaces,and commonly causes
damage to driveways and paved areas. It is also toxic, poisoning and potentially kill
the livestock that grazes on it, which makes Horsetail removal a particular priority
in the eyes of the farming and agriculture industries.
Field Horsetail is not included within Schedule 9 species, its impact upon
development and domestic properties is less severe than Japanese Knotweed,
but it can still cause issues with hard-standing surfaces. The plant is also very
persistent and as a result treatment or excavation is highly recommended, and in
our experience, these approaches are effective in combating this species.
The above image illustrates the potential damage Field Horsetail can inflict on
structures or hard standings if left unmanaged.
(Equisetum arvense)

Legislation Relating to Field Horsetail
There is currently no specific legislation covering Field Horsetail, but this is liable to
change in the future, with the potential for action to be taken against developers
who do not remove this plant from sites prior to development.
When Horsetail emerges in spring, the
shoots have a distinctive spike, not
dissimilartoafungus.Darknewgrowth
leaves and nodes are diagnostic for all
Equisetum species.
The plant produces spores rather than
seeds, releasing countless numbers to
be dispersed by wind. Contrary to most
vascular plants, this takes place in the
spring, between March and April.
Once the plant has matured, it forms
the distinctive eponymous shape. The
plant itself is quite woody and tough,
and is reminiscent of fresh growth on
a pine tree.
Horsetail is more difficult to identify
in the winter period, as it dies back
completely. The root system is still in
place, though there is no evidence of
the plant above the surface.
Spring Summer Winter
The Life-cycle of Field Horsetail
Spore Release

Survey
Private Residential
If you are looking to buy or sell a property, you will likely require a
full survey to ascertain the presence or absence of certain invasive
species within the property boundaries.
Due to the implications of having Japanese Knotweed on your
property, this must be declared on the TA6 form. If you do not
declare this you may be legally accountable. Many mortgage
providers will ask for a full survey to be undertaken prior to a sale.
Our highly experienced surveyors are trained to detect the
presence of any invasive plant species within a property, so you
can rest assured that any potential issues will be identified.
Commercial
Surveys at commercial sites are usually required if; a developer or
owner is uncertain of the presence of invasive species or invasive
species are known to exist within or surrounding the site.
Development plans and property sales can be subject to the
outcome of a full survey, and our experienced team will ensure
the most efficient service possible enabling works within a pre-set
time-scale.
We provide comprehensive survey documents from as little as:
£300.00+VAT
A comprehensive survey report document would include the
following information drafted from site data collected:
• Relevant legislation
• RICS Risk category assessment (Japanese Knotweed)
• Site findings
• Surveyor on-site datasheet
• CAD site plans
• Annotated photographs
• Recommended remedial strategy
What does the survey cover
Contractor Details
This section of the survey gives a summary of not only contact information for TPK Solutions, but also
some additional information which may be required prior to any works commencing, such as trade
membership information and relevant qualifications.
Introduction to Relevant Invasive Species
This section of the survey gives a brief summary of invasive species relevant to the report findings,
including history in the UK and life cycle of each plant.
Legislation
This section of the survey gives a brief summary of the legislation surrounding the invasive species
for which the survey is being undertaken, giving the implications of the plants in question in relation
to two specific pieces of legislation; The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Control of Pesticides
Regulations 1986. There is also a summary in relation to the correct disposal methods for controlled
waste, which is relevant only to Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam.
Information Relating to the Scope and Limitations of the Survey
This section of the survey gives a summary of how the survey is conducted and what the limitations of
our methodologies are. The surveys conducted are to ascertain presence/absence of invasive species
at the site but are limited to physical evidence observed on the day at a terrestrial level. If invasive
species are noted on site, the surveyor will identify any potential risk to the property, which will allow
for us to provide professional recommendations for remediation.
If the survey is for domestic Japanese Knotweed, a section relating to the RICS (Royal Institute for
Chartered Surveyors) category will be included. The RICS categories are not applicable for other
invasive species, nor for commercial/development sites. See below:
RICS - Japanese Knotweed risk categories
Category Descriptors
4
Japanese knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this
property or in a neighbouring property or space;
and/or
Japanese knotweed is causing serious damage to outbuildings, associated structures, drains, paths, boundary walls and fences
and so on.
Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required.
3
Although Japanese knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space,
conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths and boundary walls and fences,
it is minor.
Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required.
2
Japanese knotweed was not seen within the boundaries of this property, but it was seen on a neighbouring property or land.
Here, it was within 7 metres of the boundary, but more than 7 metres from habitable spaces, conservatory and/or garage of
the subject property.
1
Japanese knotweed was not seen on this property, but it can be seen on a neighbouring property or land where it was more
than 7 metres away from the boundary.
Site Findings
This section of the survey gives a full report of the outcome of the survey, which includes the total
area affected, proximity to habitable space, any considerations on site (physical or operational), what
species were located on site, and, if the site is a domestic property, what risk category the area would
fall into under the RICS scale.
Survey Datasheet
This section displays a tabulated layout of the surveyors on-site notes and findings in their raw form.
Site findings are formulated using the surveyor notes displayed within this section.
Site Plan
A detailed CAD site plan is included in all surveys, this shows the exact location and scale of the
outbreak, even if this is over multiple areas or ownerships. The site plans provide a visual reference and
overview of the areas in question allowing a geographical understanding of the layout and positioning.
Photographs
On the day of the survey, we will take images of the area and outbreak, along with any notable
features which may need to be considered at the quotation stage. The photographs are useful as a
point of reference for any future purchasers or developers, giving context of the outbreak within the
landscape. These photographs can be provided in a digital format should they be required for any
reason.
Recommendations
The final section of the report covers our recommendations for remediation at the site. These will be
tailored to your needs, depending upon the future use of the area. Generally, the recommendation
will be for either a herbicide treatment, or for some form of excavation on the site. A full breakdown
of each remediation type and application can be found in the following pages of this booklet.
Once we have visited the site and confirmed the presence of invasive plant species, a quotation for
remediation will be issued along with the full written survey. These documents will ensure that you
have all the relevant information to make an informed choice about the next steps.
*Survey prices are subject to change and depend on varying factors
JK1
14.23m

35TP Knotweed Solutions Ltd - www.tpknotweed.com 0800 389 1911 enquiries@tpknotweed.com
We use our
experienced clerk of
works to chase root
systems and seed banks
rather than excavating
indiscriminately. This
minimises waste
removed from site, and
means our excavation
service is one of the
most competitively
priced on the market.
We strictly adhere to all
duty of care
requirements. All
machinery and
equipment is inspected
and decontaminated
after use, to prevent
further spread of these
invasive plants.
Soil screening involves
the excavation and
removal of Japanese
knotweed material
from the ground. A
selection of different
sized metal screens and
conveyors are then
used to separate the
knotweed rhizome
(Root material) from
the soil. A handpicking
station is then used to
manually remove any
remaining bits of
rhizome from the soil.
The screening process
means that the amount
of material taken off
site is significantly
reduced, resulting in
lower costs for the
client.
If your site has the
space available we are
able to excavate the
infested soil and
encapsulate it within a
heat welded geo-textile
membrane. A large
burial pit is created (up
to five metres deep)
which is lined with a
geo-textile membrane.
The clean soil is
stockpiled while the
infested soil is placed
into the burial pit. The
seams of the geo-textile
membrane are heat
welded to create a fully
sealed “cell” with a
minimum of two
metres clean soil being
placed on top of this
cell.
02Off-site Disposal
We offer complete
herbicide treatment
packages which are
tailored to your
property, site or land.
This is the most
cost-effective method
available.
TP Knotweed Solutions
has over 3000
properties and sites
undergoing treatment
twice each year. You
can rest assured we
have a wealth of
experience and
knowledge to ensure
effective efficient
eradication of any
invasive plant species.
01Herbicide
Treatment
03On-site Screening*Japanese Knotweed only*
04Cell Burial
Where the space is
available on a clients
site, contaminated soil
containing invasive
plant species can be
excavated from the
affected area of the site
and relocated to a
different area of the
site to be stockpiled.
Here, it can be treated
on-site using herbicide
treatments over a
period of 5 years to kill
any existing plants.
The client would need
to have a large site for
this removal method
and should contact TP
Knotweed Solutions
early on during the
development so that
we can advise further.
05Relocation
Do you have any plans to develop,
landscape or disturb the gound
within 7m of any visible identified
plants?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Or
Or
Yes
Are there any significant open
spaces within the site which are
beyond 7m from any habitable
spaces or buildings, current or
future?
Are those open spaces currently or
planned to be used as any of the
following:
- Hard standings
- Parking
- Landscaped gardens
- Recreational land
- School fields
Are these works to be conducted
in the winter months?
OR
Are the soil types waterlogged or
clay based?
£
£
£ £
£
Off-site
Disposal
Off-site
Disposal
Off-site
Disposal
Off-site
Disposal
Herbicide
Treatment
Cell Burial
Relocation &
Herbicide
On-site
Screening
Or
£
£
£ £
£
£
£
£ £
£
£
£
£ £
£
£
£ £
£ £
£ £
£
£ £
£
Selecting the correct service

Herbicide Treatment01
3 years of treatment
Once agreed, we will begin treatment.
Treatment times vary depending on
the size and severity of your
infestation. Our service promises the
continued treatment of the infestation
until all traces are permanently
removed.
3.Treatment
10 years warranty
Following successful eradication; we
offer our 10 Year Insurance Backed
Guarantee (10 Year IBG Policy). This
guarantee will cover your property
against the regrowth after eradication,
it will only come into effect should the
contractor cease trading.
5.Guarantee
2 years of checking
Once the treatment period has
reached completion, your property
will enter a monitoring period. During
this time our team will regularly visit
your property to ensure no regrowth
occurs.
4.Monitor
24hrs turn-around
Our recommended treatment will
depend on your particular
circumstances. These can include the
scale of your infestation, the location,
your property type, the immediacy
with which you require the area
treated, our advised treatment
options, and more.
2.Quotation
£
Free site visit
It’s important to have an expert
visit your property to carry out a
comprehensive site inspection.
We offer site inspections to all
our customers, in order to
establish the size and condition
of the problem.
1.Survey
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 Year 14 Year 15
TreatmentTreatment
Survey
TreatmentTreatment
MonitoringMonitoring
Clearance
TreatmentTreatmentClearance
Guarantee Period
Herbicide treatment offers a cost-effective, in-situ solution to an
invasive plant infestation. Provided there are no plans to develop
or disturb the ground within proximity to an area affected by
invasive plants, a herbicide management plan would most likely
be the recommended remedial strategy.
Our 5 Year herbicide treatment programmes effectively eradicate
the target plant species with each being tailored to our clients’
individual property or site requirements.
Due to the invasive nature of these plants and to ensure
permanent eradication, it is essential that all affected properties
are treated under one contract. If any invasive plant species are
identified within 7m of a property or site boundary then these
areas would be included within the quoted works.
Our experienced surveyors will fully assess the scale of the
problem and discuss our clients’ requirements following an
on-site inspection and meeting. Within 24 hours, our team will
deliver a detailed written quotation.
Throughout the treatment and monitoring stages our site
technicians generate on-site visit reports, following each site visit,
these are subsequently delivered to our client’s. This ensures the
highest quality of service and provides progress updates with
images.
When buying and selling property with identified invasive plants,
especially Japanese Knotweed, lenders generally require the
following in place:
• 5 Year treatment programme
• Evidence the treatment programme has been implemented
• 10 Year insurance backed guarantee
Foliar Spray
Using a knapsack sprayer herbicides are applied to the top and
underside of the plants leaves surface. This happens twice a year;
once during the early part of the growing season (April - June)
and then again during late summer/ autumn (July – September).
How it works:
• During the growing season, plant’s photosynthesise via their
leaf, taking in sunlight and water to stimulate growth.
• Herbicides are applied to the top and underside of the leaf,
this is absorbed and carried into the plant.
• The herbicide within the plant takes effect, and over a period
of time kills the plant at its base. Time varies depending on
different factors, taking affect from as little as 4 days up to a
few months.
• Repeat applications of herbicide cause the plant to become
stunted and reduce its capacity to photosynthesise and
therefore regenerate. In our experience, over the course of 3
years the plant will show complete die back.
Pros Cons
Cost effective method Treatment dependant on weather conditions
In-situ treatment reducing risk of further
spread
Takes up to 5 years to complete
Can be very effective when carried out by a
specialist, qualified company
Soil containing dead roots or rhizomes will
always be classed as ‘Controlled Waste’
Enables large areas to be treated, relatively
quickly
Not suitable for development sites with plans
to disturb soil within affected area
Mortgage compliant treatment method Non-target plants and trees risk damage
Restricted use of herbicides close to water
Future soil disturbance can cause re-growth
Stem Injection
Our stem injection system offers excellent results when you are
looking to eradicate smaller areas of Japanese Knotweed and
Giant Hogweed within or around your site or property.
This process involves injecting a specified dose of undiluted
herbicide directly in to the stems of the plant, between the first
and third ‘node’ of the stems. This process has the benefit of
reducing the possibility of damaging non-target plants, however
this method is only suitable for smaller infestations and can take
longer to administer compared with a foliar spray.
Pros Cons
Cost effective method Only suitable for small affected areas
In-situ treatment reducing risk of further
spread
Plant stems must be a suitable size for
injection
Can be very effective when carried out by a
specialist, qualified company
Soil containing dead roots or rhizomes will
always be classed as ‘Controlled Waste’
Stem Injection can take place in most weather
conditions
Not suitable for development sites with plans
to disturb soil within affected area
Mortgage compliant treatment method Precautions should be taken not to breach
the maximum permitted dose per hectare per
application
Environmentally friendly with minimal
negative effects on nearby plants or wildlife
Disturbing soil following treatment can cause
re-growth to occur
Can be used within Root Protection Zones and
where TPO’s are in place
Suitable for sensitive sites eg. SSSI and near
water
Duration: 3 years treatment followed by 2 years monitoring
Guarantee: 10 year Insurance Backed Warranty (issued end of year 5)
Cost: £1500+
Includes: Comprehensive survey document, treatment reports, clearance of controlled waste, EA
applications, monitoring reports
The Process - Herbicide Treatment
Stem InjectionFoliar Spray

Commercial & Large Scale Development
When looking at remediating a site affected by invasive plants, it
is crucial to firstly cordon off the area, erect signage and contact
a specialist company to discuss the options available.
A good example of this type of physical removal is when the
discovery of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plants halt
property developments. It can also be a planning condition that
the knotweed is excavated and removed off-site before works
commence.
Developers rarely have the time available to carry out a 5 Year
herbicide treatment programme, which are not suitable if you
haveplanstoexcavate‘ControlledWaste’soils;anddevelopwithin
affected areas. In this case, immediate invasive plant removal via
physical excavation and licensed disposal of the Controlled Waste
is the best option.
Following a site survey with one of our CSJK qualified surveyors
to discuss your individual requirements, our team act quickly to
prepare a remediation strategy and quotation for the proposed
excavation and disposal works.
Our in-house CAD Technicians create detailed site plans to show
the affected areas, assist with decision making and also create a
series of drawings to ensure the smooth planning and deployment
on site.
As part of our industry leading service, we are happy to attend
pre-start meetings to discuss quotations and works in further
detail. Before works commence on site, clients are provided with
risk and method statements as standard.
On site, our site managers are SMSTS and SSSTS qualified; and all
plant operators hold CPCS and CSCS qualifications. TP Knotweed
Solutions are able to act as either principle contractor or sub-
contractor and are used to satisfying the most stringent health
and safety criteria, within the industry.
With Japanese Knotweed, our experienced clerk of works chase
the Rhizome network rather than excavating indiscriminately. This
minimises costly unaffected soils removed from site, enabling our
excavation service to be one of the most competitively priced
on the market. We have effective measures in place to ensure
all Duty of Care requirements are met under the Environmental
Protection Act (EPA) 1990. All machinery is inspected and cleaned
after use, to prevent further spread and cross-contamination of
these highly invasive plants.
TP Knotweed Solutions have accounts with plant hire companies,
hauliers and specialist landfill sites throughout the UK, enabling
us to provide a complete solution to an invasive plant issue; from
start to finish, with minimum hassle for our clients.
Following successful excavation and off-site disposal, our clients
are provided with a 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee, from
a leading insurer, which becomes valid once we complete the
excavation works on site.
Development works can commence as normal once we are
finished remediating the site. Typically, an excavation takes 1-2
weeks to complete, however this does depend on the scale of the
works.
As part of our after-care service sites are monitored on a bi-
annual basis for 2 years (2 growing seasons) following completion,
to ensure no-re-growth occurs.
02
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
Year 13 Year 14 Year 15
TreatmentTreatment
Excavation
Survey
Survey
TreatmentTreatment
Clearance
Guarantee Period
Guarantee Period
Excavation Contract Lifecycle
Duration: On-site works followed by 2 years monitoring
Guarantee: 10 year Insurance Backed Warranty (issued beginning of year 1)
Cost: £3500+
Includes: Comprehensive survey document, Risk & Method Statements, CAD Drawings, SMSTS
Qualified Site manager and/or SSSTS Qualified Supervisor, monitoring reports, Ongoing project
consultation
Risk and Method Statements
A ‘Risk Assessment and Method Statement’ (RAMS), is a safety
management document required for activities where there are
significant safety risks. A RAMS must be activity-specific and not
generic.
The ‘Risk Assessment’ identifies safety control measures that form
the basis of a safe system of work and the ‘Method Statement’ is
a written record of that safe system of work for a specific activity
developed from the relevant risk assessments. Together they
form the RAMS document.
Detailed RAMS documents are completed for all works carried out
by TP Knotweed Solutions and copies are provided electronically
to our clients before works commence. Copies are provided to
our on-site staff who must ensure they understand and follow the
procedures.
Health and Safety
We do not and would not compromise on site safety and welfare.
TP Knotweed Solutions are strong believers in providing high
quality welfare facilities as well as Health and Safety management
procedures for all of our employees and sub-contractors. Any
and all of our on-site works will include provisions for welfare
facilities, fire safety, PPE and safety auditing.
Our on-site team adhere to the highest level of construction, lone
working and controlled substance health and safety standards.
With comprehensive documentation and pre-start research, our
team mobilise to site with complete knowledge of the task at
hand whilst adhering to safe practice procedures.
TP Knotweed Solutions ensures rigorous training procedures for
all plant operators and on-site Labour. This provides our clients
with piece of mind that on-site safety and experience is of the
highest level minimising the risk of accidents and personal injury.
Site Plans
TP Knotweed Solutions have dedicated and experienced in-house
CAD Technicians who ensure that our surveyors findings are
clearly displayed within accurate CAD site plans. We produce a
range of site plans using the latest software, to ensure the smooth
running of site works.
Underground Services
Our in-house team have full CAT and Genny training and have
vast experience working with UK utility companies, to remove
invasive plants from some of the most challenging sites. Where
service plans are not available, we have links with suppliers who
can obtain the information for us and produce a detailed report
containing findings and site plans, for use when planning and
executing the required works on site.
Pre-start Meetings & Consultation
We actively encourage our clients to involve us within pre-start
meetings and consultations. This is a crucial step to ensure all
parties fully understand the work involved to remediate a site
with invasive plants, ask questions and agree work schedules.
Company Insurance and Accreditations
TP Knotweed Solutions are highly experienced, accredited and
insured. Having completed thousands of jobs of varying scales for
commercial developers, blue-chip companies, utilities companies,
housing associations, councils and public bodies, our clients can
rest assured that their site is in good hands.
Working Alongside Other Professionals
TP Knotweed Solutions are used to working alongside architects,
ecologists, arboriculturists and other professionals when
remediating sites affected by invasive plants. Should you require
us to act as principal contractor, we are also able to arrange
and manage other work elements alongside the invasive weed
removal.
Off-site Disposal
Commercial & Large Scale Development

Off-site removal of waste
Once agreed, we will mobilise with
minimal lead times. Completion times
may vary depending on the size and
severity of your infestation. Our
service promises continued works until
all traces of invasive species are
successfully removed and disposed
off-site.
3.Excavation
10 years warranty
Following successful removal through
on-site works; we offer our 10 Year
Insurance Backed Guarantee (10 Year
IBG Policy). This guarantee will cover
your property/site against the
regrowth after removal works, it will
become live immediately following
on-site completion.
4.Guarantee
2 years of checking
Following on-site works and under the
guarantee, your property/site will
enter a monitoring period. During this
time our team will regularly visit your
property to ensure no regrowth
occurs.
5.Monitor
48hrs turn-around
Our recommended remediation
method will depend on your particular
scale of infestation, the location,
future site plans, the immediacy with
which you require the site remediated,
our advised methods, and more.
2.Quotation
£
Free site visit
visit your site/property to carry
out a comprehensive inspection.
of the problem.
1.Survey
Knotweed Solutions Ltd.
Private Households & Residential Gardens
For our private households and residential gardens we have now
introduced a ‘rapid excavation service’, where our in-house team
can excavate invasive plants from your garden within days.
We understand that the costs of excavating invasive plants within
residential gardens is normally prohibitive compared to the in-situ
herbicide treatment programmes available.
The problem with 5 year herbicide treatment programmes comes
when you have plans to landscape the garden, extend the house
or re-turf the lawn for example. Although the herbicide treatment
is very effective, you are unable to dig or disturb the soil as it can
spread the plants further and invalidate your guarantee.
TP Knotweed Solutions have therefore invested heavily to bring
clients’ an in-house solution, to physically excavate and remove
the ‘Controlled Waste’ soils, enabling you to use your garden with
no on-going restrictions.
Following a site survey with one of our CSJK qualified surveyors
excavation and disposal works.
Our excavation team arrive at your property in a timely manner,
with our own micro excavators, dumpers and necessary excavation
equipment. Our machinery can fit through a minimum opening
of 680mm meaning that we can now access most residential
gardens via the side gate and in some circumstances, through the
property itself!
The affected areas are quickly excavated by our highly trained
staff and the soil placed within skips at the front of the property,
to ensure that no cross contamination takes place. The soil is
then collected by 8-wheeler grab lorries and taken off site to a
licensed landfill and all necessary paperwork handled by TP
Knotweed Solutions, to ensure requirements are met under the
Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.
Once our clerk of works is satisfied that all of the invasive plants
have been removed from the garden, our team will then backfill
the void using topsoil and compact it.
Following successful excavation and off-site disposal, our clients
are provided with a 10 year insurance backed guarantee, from
All machinery is promptly removed from site and the working
areas are cleaned, leaving clients with a garden free from invasive
plants.
Below are the Pros and Cons of off-site disposal for both private
residential and commercial clients:
Pros Cons
Invasive plants can be completely removed
from a site very quickly. In most cases, within
days or weeks.
Costs are considerably more than on-site
remediation; however, this is unavoidable in
some cases.
Development and landscaping works can
commence as normal following remediation,
with no restrictions
Excavation must be carried out by a
recognised specialist to ensure legislation is
complied with and to minimise risk of cross-
contamination.
Guarantees can be issued straight away
following works
Environmental Issues – Soil must be taken to
registered landfill that can accept ‘Controlled
Waste’ material.
Mortgage compliant treatment method Issues to consider: Underground services,
Tree Preservation Order’s, Root Protection
Zones, Party Wall Act etc.
Easier to sell land and property as no ‘stigma’
or ongoing liability.
Excavated materials must be located within
controlled stock pile zones. Areas of open
space and easy access must be available.
Excavation is not dependant on the time of
year and can take place at any point within
the plants growth stage.
In the rareevent that soil analysis results come
back as ‘Hazardous’ from the laboratory, then
landfill costs can be very high.
Other site contamination can potentially be
remediated at the same time.
For residential excavation – We have our own
excavators, dumpers and equipment enabling
us to mobilise very quickly.
For commercial excavation – We can normally
mobilise within 1-2 weeks.
The Process - Off-site Disposal
1
Day
3
Days
4
Days

On-site screening of material
Once agreed, we will mobilise with minimal
lead times. Completion times may vary
depending on the size and severity of your
infestation. Our service promises continued
works until all traces of Japanese Knotweed
are successfully screened and disposed
oﬀ-site. Screened material may be
repurposed within the site.
3.Screening
10 years warranty
Following successful remediation
through on-site works; we oﬀer our 10
Year Insurance Backed Guarantee (10
Year IBG Policy). This guarantee will
cover your property/site against the
regrowth after screening works, it will
on-site completion.
4.Guarantee
2 years of checking
occurs.
5.Monitor
48hrs turn-around
2.Quotation
£
Free site visit
of the problem.
1.Survey
On-site Screening03
Screening
Survey
Guarantee Period
Duration: On-site works followed by 2 years monitoring
Cost: £8000+
Qualified Site manager and/or SSSTS Qualified Supervisor, Monitoring reports, Ongoing project
consultation
The Process - On-site Screening
This method can be very effective but depends on the soil type,
weather conditions and the space available on the development
site. If feasible, it can reduce costs by over 50% compared with
complete excavation and off-site disposal to landfill.
Soil screening involves the excavation and removal of Japanese
Knotweed material from the ground. A selection of different
sized metal screens and conveyors are then used to separate the
knotweed rhizome (Root material) from the soil. A hand-picking
station is then used to manually remove any remaining bits of
rhizome from the soil.
The Japanese Knotweed rhizome can then be placed in to sealed
bags and taken off-site to be incinerated. The screened soil can
then be placed in to a separate area of the site and used for
landscaping or alternatively as a subsoil layer, which is capped off.
It is also important that a monitoring programme is implemented
to ensure that any missed Japanese Knotweed rhizome is quickly
spotted and treated effectively.
The screening process means that the amount of material taken
off site is significantly reduced, resulting in lower costs for the
client. There will still be some soil that needs to be taken to a
licensed landfill, however the quantities will be much lower.
This method is suitable for sites that do not have time for long-
term herbicide treatments or they are not suitable due to
planned development. Specialist machinery is used, tailored and
specifically designed for the processing the soil into 3 fractions.
TP Knotweed Solutions have vast experience screening soil
containing Japanese Knotweed and will be able to advise if this
method is suitable for your particular site. For very large sites
affected by mature and well-established stands of Japanese
Knotweed, soil screening can provide large savings over off-site
disposal.
There are a few conditions to check for when you are looking at
soil screening as a remediation option:
• The site soil type – it is very difficult to screen and process
clay soils. We normally test the soils before we start, to
ensure soil type is suitable for screening.
• Time of year – To ensure successful processing and screening
the soil must be dry, meaning works are limited to spring/
summer.
• We have tried and tested the majority of screening machinery
and only a few are suitable for Japanese Knotweed soil
screening. The correct size and number of screening plates
are essential.
• It is important to incorporate a hand picking station, with
highly trained Japanese Knotweed experts, to ensure all
visible rhizome is removed physically from the soil.
• You should have an Environment Agency permit and all
projects should be by signed off by a WAMITAB qualified
person.
TP Knotweed Solutions can work with designers and engineers to
ensure the waste soils are re-engineered in to the site correctly,
ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Following successful excavation and on-site soil screening, our
clients are provided with a 10 year insurance backed guarantee,
from a leading insurer, which becomes valid once we complete
the excavation works on site.
Pros Cons
from the affected area of a site and screened,
relocated and/ or re-engineered within the
site relatively quickly. In most cases, within
weeks.
The site must be large enough for a 5m deep
cell to be created
Development and landscaping works within
previously affected areas can commence as
normal following screening works, with no
restrictions
Excavation and screening must be carried
out by a recognised specialist to ensure
legislation is complied with and to minimise
risk of cross-contamination.
following works
Soils must not contain any other contaminants
Significantly less material removed off site to
licensed landfill, meaning less landfill tax and
lower costs for the client
Issues to consider: Underground services,
Zones, Party Wall Act, Water table levels
More environmentally friendly as soil is being
reused on site. The rhizomes separated from
the soil are taken off site and incinerated,
which in turn creates heat for some district
heating schemes.
Screened controlled waste materials should
only be placed under areas of soft landscape,
hard standings and car parks
Works can often take longer than off-site
disposal to complete
Although the site has been remediated, the
site cannot officially be classed as ‘free from
Japanese Knotweed’ as screened soils are still
classed as ‘Controlled Waste’.
(Japanese Knotweed Only)

On-site burial within a cell
Once agreed, our team will mobilise
with minimal lead times. Completion
times may vary depending on the size
and severity of your infestation. Our
service promises continued works until
all traces of invasive species are
successfully contained and sealed
within the constructed burial cell.
3.Cell Burial
10 years warranty
Following successful containment
through on-site works; we oﬀer our 10
Year Insurance Backed Guarantee (10
Year IBG Policy). This guarantee will
cover your property/site against the
regrowth after removal works, it will
on-site completion.
4.Guarantee
2 years of checking
occurs.
5.Monitor
48hrs turn-around
2.Quotation
£
Free site visit
of the problem.
1.Survey
Cell Burial04
Cellburial
Survey
Guarantee Period
Duration: On-site works followed 2 years monitoring
Cost: £4000+
Qualified Site manager and/or SSSTS Qualified Supervisor, Monitoring reports, Ongoing project
consultation
The Process - Cell Burial
If your site has the space available we are able to excavate the
invasive plants with ‘Controlled Waste’ soils and encapsulate it
within a heat welded geo-textile membrane.
This remediation measure is perfect for very large development
sites that do not have the time available for herbicide treatment,
need to excavate the affected areas, but do not have the budget
for licensed off-site disposal to landfill.
When considering on-site cell burial, it is very important that the
future use of the site is taken in to account. Due to the likelihood
of future movement (settlement), cells are best placed beneath
areas of soft landscape such as playing fields, sports pitches and
with suitable compaction; car parks.
Detailed site plans are created by our in-house CAD technicians
showing the location of the cell and to act as a record for future
use by developers, contractors and landowners.
On site, our site managers are SMSTS and SSSTS qualified; and all
plant operators hold CPCS and CSCS qualifications. TP Knotweed
Solutions are able to act as either principle contractor or sub-
contractor and are used to satisfying the most stringent health
and safety criteria, within the industry.
The Environment Agency must be contacted at least one week
before the works commence, so that the local EA officer can verify
that no other contaminants are being buried. Site water tables
also need to be considered.
Once signed off, a large burial pit is created (up to five metres
deep) and lined with a thick geo-textile membrane.
Geo-textile membrane is a thick permeable, non-woven fabric
used to prevent invasive plants from spreading across land
boundaries (vertical root barriers) or encapsulating within burial
cells. This fabric is needle punched to give it higher performance
characteristics.
The clean soil is temporarily stockpiled while the soil containing
invasive plants is placed into the burial pit and compacted in
layers. Once complete, the seams of the geo-textile membrane
are heat welded to create a fully sealed “cell” and then a minimum
of two metres of the clean soil is placed on top of the cell. This
ensures that the cell does not become damaged by humans or
burrowing animals.
Following successful excavation and on-site cell burial, our clients
are provided with a 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee, from
Development and landscaping can commence within the
previously affected area/s, as soon as TP Knotweed Solutions have
completed the cell burial works.
Pros Cons
from the affected area of a site, relocated
and buried relatively quickly. In most cases,
within weeks.
The site must be large enough for a 5m deep
cell to be created
normal following relocation and cell burial,
with no restrictions
Excavation and burial must be carried out by
a recognised specialist to ensure legislation is
contamination.
following works
Soils must not contain any other contaminants
No landfill tax to pay as the ‘Controlled Waste’
soils have been kept on site.
Zones, Party Wall Act, Water table levels
Burial cells can only be placed under areas of
soft landscape and car parks
Although the site has been remediated, the
site cannot officially be classed as ‘free from
Japanese Knotweed’.

Relocation05
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 Year 14 Year 15
TreatmentTreatment
Survey
Relocation
TreatmentTreatment
Clearance
Guarantee Period
Duration: On-site works followed by 3 years treatment and 2 years monitoring
Guarantee: 10 year Insurance Backed Warranty (issued end of year 5)
Cost: £5000+
Qualified Site manager and/or SSSTS Qualified Supervisor, Herbicide Treatments, Treatment reports,
Monitoring reports, Ongoing project consultation
The Process - Relocation
Where the space is available on a development site, contaminated
soil containing Japanese Knotweed and/ or other invasive plants,
can be excavated from the affected area of the site and relocated
to a different area of the site and stockpiled. Here, it can be
treated on-site using herbicide treatments over a period of 5
years to kill the invasive plants.
This will enable the client to develop the previously affected area
of the site immediately and will also reduce the overall costs as no
‘Controlled Waste’ soils would need to be taken off site.
When dealing with Japanese Knotweed, during the excavation
process, our trained team manually remove as much of the visible
rhizome material from the excavated soil as possible, to minimise
the re-growth within the stockpile. This rhizome material is then
double bagged and taken off site to be incinerated.
The remaining soil is then relocated to an area of the site, where it
can be fenced off and treated over a 5-year period.
Stockpiled material must be placed on to a geo-textile root barrier
membrane, to ensure that the clean material underneath is
protected.
Typically, the stockpile should be no higher than 0.5 metres deep
and the rhizome/ root material should be concentrated as close to
the top surface as possible, so that it can actively grow. This growth
will then be treated using herbicides as part of a structured 5-year
treatment programme. If rhizomes and roots are left buried at the
bottom of the stockpile or bund, they will lie dormant until they
are disturbed, ultimately posing a problem if the client wishes to
re-use the soil on site for landscaping.
Stockpiled material can be manually turned using an excavator
in a controlled manner, to encourage growth throughout the
treatment programme, with the aim of ultimately exhausting the
rhizome and root systems.
The client would need to have a large site for this remediation
method and should contact TP Knotweed Solutions early on
during the development, so that we can advise further.
Following a site survey with one of our CSJK qualified surveyors,
excavation works.
Our in-house CAD Technicians create detailed site plans to show
the affected areas, proposed stockpile areas and also assist with
decision making.
Pros Cons
from the affected area of a site and relocated
within the site relatively quickly. In most
cases, within weeks.
The site must be large enough to stockpile the
material to a maximum depth of 0.5m deep.
normal following relocation works, with no
restrictions
Excavation must be carried out by a
recognised specialist to ensure legislation is
contamination.
No landfill tax to pay as the ‘Controlled Waste’
soils have been kept on site.
10 Year guarantee will not become active until
year 5, when the works have been completed.
More environmentally friendly as soil is being
reused on site.
Zones, Party Wall Act
Excavation, relocation and stockpiling is a
cost-effective remediation measure.
The site will still have ‘Controlled Waste’ soils
on site
Excavate and relocate
Once agreed, our team will mobilise
with minimal lead times. Completion
times may vary depending on the size
of the area to be relocated. Our service
promises continued works until all
traces of invasive species are
successfully excavated and relocated.
3.Relocation
3 years of treatment
Following relocation, we will begin
treatment. Treatment times vary
depending on the quantity of
relocated material. Our service
promises the continued treatment of
the areas until all traces are
permanently removed.
4.Treatment
10 years warranty
Following successful eradication; we
oﬀer our 10 Year Insurance Backed
Guarantee (10 Year IBG Policy). This
guarantee will cover your property
against the regrowth after eradication,
it will only come into eﬀect should the
contractor cease trading.
6.Guarantee
2 years of checking
Once the treatment period has
reached completion, your site will
site to ensure no regrowth occurs.
5.Monitor
Free site visit
visit your site to carry out a
comprehensive site inspection.
of the problem.
1.Survey
24hrs turn-around
Our recommended treatment will
depend on your particular
scale of your infestation, the location,
your property type, the immediacy
with which you require the area
treated, our advised treatment
options, and more.
2.Quotation
£

Overview
All work that is undertaken by TP Knotweed Solutions includes a 10-year insurance backed guarantee,
in line with industry standards*. This provides our clients with the confidence that works have been
carried out by an accredited specialist contractor and should any invasive plant re-growth occur
following remediation, it is covered by our robust guarantee.
For 5-year herbicide treatment programmes, the 10 Year IBG is registered from day one, however does
not become active until the end of the treatment programme. This is standard practice within the
industry and the majority of mortgage lenders simply like to see that the insurance policy is in place
and registered with the insurer.
For excavation and physical remediation methods; TP Knotweed provides 10 Year IBGs following
completion of both the remedial onsite works and 2 years of post works monitoring visits.
Why do I need one?
If you are looking to buy or sell property and land affected by Japanese Knotweed, it is a mandatory
requirement by all mortgage providers that a 10-year insurance backed guarantee is in place. The
guarantee is also in place to give you peace of mind that should any re-growth occur during the
guarantee period, it will be treated free of charge. It also provides cover in the highly unlikely event
that TP Knotweed Solutions ceased to trade.
What is covered?
The 10-year insurance backed guarantee covers any re-growth at the subject property or site, within
the guarantee period. Should you notice any re-growth, simply contact TP Knotweed Solutions and we
will re-attend to treat any plants using herbicides, at no additional cost. This insurance also allows for
another accredited contractor to carry out these works, should TP Knotweed Solutions cease to trade.
What isn’t covered?
Our guarantee does not cover damage to buildings, properties, hard surfaces, drainage, loss of value
or other personal property including but not limited to: non-target plants within a garden/ site, other
structures or buildings within the subject property grounds, or any of the above within neighbouring
properties. It does not cover spread to or from a neighbouring garden, if it has not been included
within our remediation programme. Full terms and conditions can be provided upon request.
How much will it cost?
For a standard 10-year insurance backed guarantee, the cost is £89.60 per affected property, for
contracts up to £5000.00. For excavation works and contracts in excess of £5000.00, the 10-year IBG
fee will be charged, based on a percentage of the contract value.
What happens if I move house or sell my development site?
The guarantees are assigned to the site or property and not to the owner, which enables them to be
fully transferable. We simply ask that any new owners details are provided, so that our system and the
IBG documents can be updated.
*With the exception of Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Field Horsetail – there is currently no
guarantee available to cover these invasive species.
Information About Our Insurance Backed Guarantee

Knotweed Solutions Guide

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