INVASIVE WEED TreatmentS
Effective long-term treatments will control or eradicate invasive plant species that cause problems for homeowners and commercial businesses. Our treatment plan controls plants such as Bamboo, Himalayan balsam, Giant hogweed and Horsetail (but not common garden weeds such as bindweed).
Get a treatment plan in place
The government guidelines on controlling invasive plants lists a treatment plan as the most effective option. We agree – it is one of the most effective and responsible ways to control invasive plant species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, Horsetail and Giant hogweed – and it’s suitable for homeowners as well as commercial companies. Unlike reactive spraying or excavation, a treatment plan provides a long-term, managed approach that ensures complete eradication while maintaining environmental compliance.
Invasive plants often spread through underground rhizomes or extensive root systems. A multi-visit treatment plan is designed to attack the plant during its most vulnerable growth stages preventing regrowth and ensuring the root network is exhausted. A treatment plan spreads the cost over time, requiring minimal disturbance to soil and structures ideal for residential gardens, public land, and commercial sites.
If you want to book a treatment plan fill in the form and we’ll be in touch, or read on to find out more about different methods of treatments we can provide.
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What is an invasive weed TREATMENT Plan?
A invasive weed treatment plan is a programme of scheduled visits where herbicide is applied to the invasive plants (usually by spraying). With repeat applications the herbicide exhausts the plant bringing it under effective control and preventing further spread.
We deliver over 9,000 herbicide visits to 8,000 loyal customers every year, so we know how to keep your property and land safe whilst operating. We’re respectful of your needs at all times, and you’ll receive a schedule of planned visits.
We will choose the best treatment method to use depending on the plant, the site and any environmental considerations, which may be one or several of the following:
- Knapsack spraying
- Stem injection
- Leaf wiping
- Quadbike spraying
- Spraying from a boat
Treatment METHODS
There are several remediation methods that suit the control of certain invasive weeds, which can include:
- Herbicide spraying.
- Cutting by hand.
- Hand pulling.
- Mechanical dredging and covering.
- Full excavation and removal
- Biological methods (using natural predators).
Areas where cutting or pulling takes place is netted to ensure fragments don’t spread downstream, and all cut material are removed from the area or water and safely disposed of, preferably on site, well away from water courses.
Full information on control and eradication of invasive weeds in this GUIDE:
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Why choose us
- Industry experts in invasive weeds
- Over 1,000 5* Trustpilot reviews
- Fully qualified and licensed
- Nationalcoverage
What is a Safe Herbicide?
Studies have shown that there are optimum herbicides and application techniques that should be adopted for the best results and our methods adhere to these findings. One such study on Glyphosate and its potential risk to human health states; “Glyphosate has lower acute toxicity to humans than 94% of all herbicides and many common household chemicals, including vinegar and table salt. Glyphosate also has lower chronic toxicity to humans than 90% of all herbicides.”
Additionally in a recent report, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) “did not identify any critical areas of concern in its peer review of the risk assessment of the active substance glyphosate in relation to the risk it poses to humans and animals or the environment.” As such, we use Glyphosate for the majority of our herbicide control projects. This chemical is highly effective and safe when used by professionals in the right way, and adhering to public safety regulations.
Can you treat near water?
Studies have shown that there are optimum herbicides and techniques that should be adopted for any treatment, but especially for treatments near water. Our methods adhere to these findings, and when planning a treatment programme, we always consider:
- Proximity of the species to watercourses and bodies of water.
- Sensitivity to proximity non-target vegetation (trees, plants and grasses).
- Size of the infestation and density of the stand.
- Proximity of tree roots (if using residual herbicides).
- Proximity of badger sets or other forms of protected wildlife.
Public and environmental safety – what we do
As a safety-first company Environment Controls is fully compliant with the relevant Health and Safety regulations, ensuring our staff are fully trained and our processes comply with H&S standards and legislation and all information is kept up to date.
Health & Safety has always been a crucial part of our business, both for our staff and how we operate for our clients. We hold a range of safety SSIP and industry-related accreditations which are supported by our commitment keeping the general public safe whilst we are supplying treatments. When applying pesticides in areas where the public are allowed to go our operatives ensure that people are not put at risk. This means stopping if there is a risk to health either from the machinery or from the spray if people are using the land or right of way while we are applying pesticides. We avoid spraying near schools at peak times, or if in a public area where pedestrian activity is high at certain times of the day we will avoid these times.
See how we keep the public and the environment safe at all times:
Top FAQs: Invasive Plant Treatment Plans
1. What is an invasive plant treatment plan and why do I need one?
An invasive plant treatment plan is a site-specific strategy for controlling and managing invasive and non-native plants such as Japanese knotweed, bamboo, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed. It sets out the recommended treatment method, programme, monitoring requirements, responsibilities and controls needed to prevent further spread.
A professional treatment plan is particularly important for construction sites, commercial properties, development land and property transactions, where unmanaged invasive plants can create environmental risks, additional costs and programme delays. The plan should be based on a professional survey and tailored to the species, site conditions and intended future use of the land.
A treatment plan will also assist with property sales as it assures buyers and mortgage lenders that an effective removal plan is in place.
2. What is the best treatment for invasive plants?
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every invasive plant infestation. The best invasive plant treatment depends on the species, size and location of the infestation, accessibility, environmental constraints and whether the land is being developed or excavated.
Treatment options can include herbicide treatment, physical removal, excavation, soil management, containment, monitoring or a combination of methods. A professional treatment plan should identify and advise on the most appropriate solution while considering any environmental or site risks.
3. How long does an invasive plant treatment plan take?
The timescale depends on the invasive species and the treatment method selected. Most infestations require multiple treatment visits and ongoing monitoring over several growing seasons.
Where excavation or engineered removal is appropriate, the programme may be shorter but can involve considerably more complex soil and waste management.
A good treatment plan should therefore provide a clear programme of works, follow-up inspections and completion criteria, rather than assuming that visible removal means the infestation has been eradicated.
4. Can an invasive plant treatment plan prevent problems during construction or property development?
Yes. Early identification and a properly prepared invasive plant treatment plan can significantly reduce the risk of delays, unexpected costs and accidental spread during construction or development.
The plan can establish which areas require treatment, where contaminated soil or plant material may be present, how materials will be managed, and how treatment will be coordinated with the construction programme.
For developers and contractors, integrating invasive plant management into the project before excavation and groundworks begin can provide greater certainty over programme, costs, environmental controls and site responsibilities.
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