Invasive Plant Surveys: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need an invasive plant survey before buying or developing a property?
An invasive plant survey can be highly beneficial before purchasing, developing or carrying out any type of land or construction work on a property. A professional survey can identify invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, bamboo, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed, as well as establish their location and extent. Professional invasive plants surveyors will often identify more than was originally expected to be found.
Identifying invasive plants at an early stage can help buyers, developers and contractors understand potential treatment, management, excavation and remediation requirements before work begins. This can reduce the risk of unexpected costs, construction delays and the accidental spread of invasive plant material or contaminated soil.
2. What does an invasive plant survey check for?
An invasive plant survey checks a site for the presence of invasive and non-native plant species (INNS) and assesses the extent and potential risks associated with any infestation identified.
Depending on the purpose and scope of the survey, a trained surveyor will look for any invasive plants, while also considering surrounding land, disturbed ground, boundaries, watercourses, drainage routes and other potential pathways for spread.
The survey can include site inspection, species identification, photographs, and recommendations for appropriate invasive plant management and treatment.
3. How much does an invasive plant survey cost?
The cost of an invasive plant survey varies depending on the size and location of the site, accessibility, survey requirements and the number and type of invasive species being investigated.
A small residential garden will generally require a different level of assessment from a large commercial development site, construction project or complex brownfield site.
The most reliable way to establish the cost is to provide the surveyor with the site location, size, intended use and reason for the survey. A professional assessment can then be scoped around the specific requirements rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. What happens if an invasive plant is found during a survey?
If an invasive plant is identified, the first step is to establish what species is present, how extensive it is and what risks it creates for the site. Immediate excavation or removal is not always the best solution.
Depending on the species and circumstances, recommended invasive plant control measures could include herbicide treatment, monitoring, excavation, controlled removal, soil management or an integrated management programme.
For development and construction projects, identifying invasive plants before groundworks begin is particularly important because disturbing or moving affected soil or plant material can increase the risk of spreading the infestation.
If you’d like to book a survey, or have any questions for our invasive plants experts you can call 0330 056 8880 or contact them via the form: