Himalayan Balsam Control
Himalayan balsam is a voracious weed that quickly becomes invasive causing issues for local authorities and landowners. Environment Controls specialist services will treat or eradicate Himalayan balsam infestations.
get rid of Himalayan Balsam
Due to a lack of natural predators in the UK, dense colonies of Himalayan balsam can quickly establish themselves. Himalayan balsam has a range of negative impacts on the environment; it will out-compete native plants, leave riverbanks exposed to erosion, increase summer flooding and reduce insect populations. Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offense to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild.
If you’ve got Himalayan balsam, Environment Controls can help! We offer a range of services to identify, eradicate and remove Himalayan balsam infestations on your property including:
- Herbicide treatment
- Complete excavation
- Mechanical control measures
Environment Controls is a trading name of Japanese Knotweed Ltd. We have been building relationships with customers for over 10 years and have over 1,000 independent five star reviews on TrustPilot. We have skilled and accredited team members who will be more than happy to help with the removal of your Himalayan Balsam infestation.
The benefits of a survey
Getting the help you need starts with a survey. Book your survey today and our highly qualified and experienced surveyors will be able to provide you with a comprehensive report of the extent of the infestation and offer clear no-obligation advice on the best options available to resolve the issue.
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Himalayan Balsam control Services
Environment Controls can control Himalayan balsam growth in a number of ways, but the two primary options are:
Herbicide treatment
We offer a range of treatment options and techniques that are designed to control and kill the balsam growth and permeate deep into the roots. The method of application varies depending on the species and level of growth, but we can conduct a survey and advise you on the best course of action via a treatment plan.
Excavation
Excavation results in the eradication of the immediate infestation and this is achieved by careful excavation of the above ground and below ground elements of the plant. Balsam doesn’t tend to grow very deeply into the ground, but it can spread out quite far. We strip out the top layer of soil which removes the plant and any seedlings. We provide a survey and comprehensive report before hand to ensure precise and targeted excavation of the affected ground. And finally, all plant waste material and contaminated soils will be safely removed.
Why is Himalayan Balsam a problem?
Himalayan balsam is the tallest annual weed in Britain, growing to more than 2-3m in height. Each plant produces more than 2,500 seeds which are released explosively from seed pots and can travel of distances up to 7m. Its seeds can remain viable for up to 3 years and can be transported by water.
Himalayan balsam grows very rapidly which means that it needs access to soil moisture. Because of this Himalayan balsam tends to colonise riverbanks which have an abundance of moisture and nutrients.
This causes problems because Himalayan balsam does not have an extensive root system, but it crowds out perennial plants that bind the riverbank. With their root systems missing the riverbanks that they normally inhabit are vulnerable to floodwater.
An Integrated Approach
At Environment Controls, we believe in an integrated approach to weed management. As such, we will always explore environmentally friendly control practices that often work hand-in-hand with our treatment and removal options, such as hand-pulling.
When we conduct our survey, any alternative solutions that may support control and eradication of the Balsam infestation will be highlighted in our comprehensive survey report.
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about our approach to integrated weed management, please do not hesitate to contact us!.
Why choose us
- We are a trusted partner with over 1000 independent five-star reviews on Trustpilot
- We have extensive in-house expertise
- We are industry leading Himalayan balsam specialists
- Our teams are fully trained and qualified to the highest standards
- We work nationwide so we can help no matter where you are
