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To discuss our custom made Japanese Knotweed & Root Barriers please contact us for further information.
Japanese Knotweed & Root Barriers
Japanese Knotweed & Root barriers are a key component in the battle against invasive weeds and roots.
Applications for our Japanese Knotweed & Root Barriers include:
- Vertical installations which prevent lateral ingress of invasive species and roots
- Horizontal Installations which protect roads, paved surfaces, floored areas and buildings from invasive species and roots
- Burial cell applications where a cell is excavated on the remedial site, lined, filled with the contaminated soil and then capped. This option is a much cheaper than transporting to landfill!
Why choose HBB to supply your Japanese Knotweed or Root Barrier membranes?
- Wide range of barrier membranes available including impermeable and permeable solutions
- Our barrier membranes offer high puncture, tensile and tear strengths but are lightweight and flexible
- Indefinite service life once buried – Minimum 50 years
- All our barrier membranes are CE Certified, are Root and Light penetration tested and have over 15 years field performance history
- All our barrier membranes are supplied in client specific sized pre-welded panels, panels available up to 25m wide x 150m long, larger if required. This significantly reduces the amount of onsite jointing required and on some occasions removes the need for any onsite jointing, allowing contractors to place the barrier with their own labour
- Excellent customer service with 2-3 day standard lead times with overnight deliveries available across the UK mainland for urgent requirements
- Aside from our barrier membranes we also supply a range of puncture resistant geotextiles and HBB Probond Double and Single Sided Jointing Tape
- All our barrier membranes conform to the Environment Agency’s ‘The Knotweed Code of Practice’ document.
Please contact us to discuss your specific Japanese Knotweed & Root barrier requirements.
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What Is a Barrier for Knotweed?
A barrier for knotweed is typically a heavy-duty, puncture-resistant membrane or geotextile fabric designed to contain the plant’s extensive root (rhizome) system. When properly installed, this barrier prevents the spread of knotweed by creating a physical obstacle that its roots cannot penetrate. To be effective, barriers must be buried deep enough to contain the rhizomes (generally 2-3 metres) and carefully secured along edges. These membranes are often used alongside other treatment methods, such as herbicide application.
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Why Can’t You Just Cut Japanese Knotweed?
Cutting Japanese knotweed is often ineffective and can actually worsen the problem. Knotweed is highly resilient, and any small fragment of its roots or stems can regrow into a full plant. Cutting it can stimulate further growth if roots are left in the ground. Additionally, improper disposal of knotweed clippings can spread the plant to new areas. Professional treatment methods such as herbicide applications or careful excavation are generally more effective.
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How Quickly Does Knotweed Spread?
Japanese knotweed can spread quickly through its underground rhizome system, which can grow several metres horizontally each season. Above ground stems can reach full height (around 7-10 feet) in a single growing season. This rapid growth rate allows knotweed to overtake other plants, making it a difficult species to control once established.
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Should I Pull Up Knotweed?
Pulling up knotweed is generally not recommended as a primary removal method. Knotweed rhizomes are highly resilient, and manually removing the plant typically leaves root fragments behind, allowing it to regrow. If small areas of young knotweed are pulled carefully, there’s a chance it might not regrow, but this approach is rarely successful for larger infestations. Instead, methods such as herbicide treatments or professional excavation are generally more effective for permanent control.
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How Do You Permanently Get Rid of Knotweed?
Permanent removal of knotweed usually requires a combination of methods:
- Herbicide Treatment: Systemic herbicides applied over several growing seasons can weaken and eventually kill knotweed.
- Excavation: For immediate removal, professional excavation is effective but expensive. Soil containing knotweed must be disposed of at licensed facilities.
- Barrier Membranes: In some cases, installing a barrier can help control spread, especially when combined with other methods.
- Professional Services: Knotweed removal companies specialise in effective, long-term eradication techniques.
Full eradication typically requires sustained efforts over several years.
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Do You Declare Japanese Knotweed When Selling a House?
Yes, if Japanese knotweed is present or has been treated on the property, sellers are required to declare it. Most property sales include a questionnaire (e.g., the TA6 Property Information Form in the UK) that asks specifically about Japanese knotweed. Failure to disclose its presence can result in legal repercussions, especially if it affects the property value or future landscaping.
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Will the Council Remove Japanese Knotweed?
In many places, local councils are not responsible for removing Japanese knotweed from private property. However, if knotweed is spreading from council-owned land onto private land, some councils may take action to control it on their property. In certain cases, councils may offer advice or guidance, but it’s generally the landowner’s responsibility to manage knotweed on their property.