SPECIALIST RHODODENDRON CONTROL SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE RHODODENDRON PONTICUM USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

TREATMENT & REMOVAL

Rhododendron P. is similar to Japanese knotweed in that its underground rhizomes can spread rapidly, and all fragments of the rhizomes need to be completely removed, making the fully grown plants problematic to eradicate as all parts of the plant above and below ground growth need to be completely removed from site. Being large shrub like plants it is easier to cut the stems down and then treat with herbicide. The best option is to have the plant completely dug out (excavated) – but this must be done by a trained professional if the result is required to be permanent. As the plant waste is deemed as special ‘controlled waste’ it will need to be taken to a suitably licensed landfill.

To find out the best way to remove Rhododendron P. and the best time of year to have treatment or excavation carried out get in touch.

WHY IS RHODODENDRON A PROBLEM?

This plant is listed as a Schedule 9 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, therefore it is an offence to plant or allow to spread into the wild as it will quickly take over habitats. It is not illegal to plant on your own property but it is an offence to allow it to spread onto other properties.

The main issue with this species is it’s growth rate and pattern, spreading predominantly by seed, each plant can produce up to 7,000 seeds which can remain dormant in the ground for several years until favourable conditions establish germination. new growth can also arise from branches that have fallen on the ground, allowing seeds to quickly become embedded. The density of growth makes it difficult to manage or eradicate completely.

ABOUT RHODODENDRON P.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron ponticum
ORIGIN: Iberian Peninsula

Rhododendron P. is an established invasive non-native species found all over the UK. An evergreen shrub often reaching 4-5m in height at maturity, even up to 8m in the optimum environment. These shrubs have light brown, woody stems which develop into trunks over time and elliptical, glossy, dark green leaves.

• Large leathery leafed shrubs.
• Clusters of white, pink, red or purple blooms that flower March to October.
• Rhododendron flowers have fragrant blossoms.
• Brown woody stems.

HABITAT

Rhododendron P. was first recorded in the wild in 1894, as it had escaped from horticulture and been planted in woods for game cover. Now populating woodland areas across the UK.

IMPACT: HIGH

Rhododendron is currently a threat to a variety of habitats and the associated flora and fauna causing damaging effects on the local environment. By growing rapidly this plant out-competes native flora, decreases biodiversity and is a sporulating host to the harmful Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae which caused the Irish potato famine and more recently, is responsible for Sudden Oak Death.

TOXICITY: MEDIUM

Potentially toxic chemicals, particularly ‘free’ phenols, and diterpenes, occur in significant quantities in the tissues of Rhododendron P. Diterpenes, known as grayanotoxins, occur in the leaves, flowers and nectar which are toxic if ingested.