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Testimonials

TCM have carried out Japanese knotweed eradication on various sites for Hyndburn Borough Council over the last twelve months.

I have always found TCM to be helpful and efficient in all areas, from the tendering procedure to the completion of the works. All sites have been left tidy and clear of arisings and [more]

TCM have carried out Japanese knotweed eradication on various sites for Hyndburn Borough Council over the last twelve months.

I have always found TCM to be helpful and efficient in all areas, from the tendering procedure to the completion of the works. All sites have been left tidy and clear of arisings and to date there are no signs of re infestation.

TCM provided comprehensive risk assessments, method statements and product data sheets prior to the start of work and I could not fault any of their billing or administrative procedures.

I would have no reservations in recommending TCM for the eradication of noxious weeds.

Andrew J Hayhurst
 Senior Parks Development Officer
For Director of Community Services
 

Japanese Knotweed - Eradication Strategies

Japanese Knotweed - Eradication Strategies

The HIT® (Holistic Integrated Treatment) family of systems provides the land owner or developer with a variety of sustainable and environmentally sound choices for Japanese knotweed eradication.

Following our initial and free survey, solutions for your site are designed around your development plans and to suit your budget and time scales and could use one or a combination of the techniques described below.  

Verification of the success of herbicidal treatments is confirmed using our patent pending rhizome viability test, giving the customer additional peace of mind.

We specialise in developing an eradication programme that will have minimum impact on the site’s development, even when Japanese knotweed is identified at a critical point of the project plan.

TCM have carried out Japanese knotweed eradication on various sites for Hyndburn Borough Council over the last twelve months.

I have always found TCM to be helpful and efficient in all areas, from the tendering procedure to the completion of the works. All sites have been left tidy and clear of arisings and to date there are no signs of re infestation.

TCM provided comprehensive risk assessments, method statements and product data sheets prior to the start of work and I could not fault any of their billing or administrative procedures.

I would have no reservations in recommending TCM for the eradication of noxious weeds.

Andrew J Hayhurst
 Senior Parks Development Officer
For Director of Community Services
 

Knotweed Eradication Strategies Glossary

Knotweed Eradication Strategies Links



Single Season Herbicidal Treatment

Single season herbicidal methodology is based on a sound understanding of the ecology and biology of the plant and the site. The method targets weaknesses in the plants physiology and it is essential that all elements of the treatment programme are carried out strictly in accordance with the treatment protocol.  All work is carried out by trained and qualified specialists and is routinely monitored to ensure the treatment is on programme and effective. During the eradication process strict control of the site and all activities will be carried out by us in consultation with the client. This avoids the inadvertent spread of Japanese knotweed to other areas.

Treatment using herbicides takes six months during the active growing season to be effective (sites adjacent to water courses and trees must be treated using our herbicidal treatment for environmentally sensitive areas).  The treatment can be applied in-situ or as part of an Integrated On Site Treatment plan.

In-situ herbicidal treatments represent the most sustainable and environmentally friendly method of Japanese knotweed eradication on the market as it is virtually carbon neutral and there is minimal soil disturbance.
 

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Eradication methodologies can be tailored to suit the most environmentally sensitive areas found, including sites adjacent to watercourses, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, woodlands and other areas deemed ecologically sensitive because they contain protected flora and fauna.

With input from our in-house BASIS qualified advisor and our full time ecologists, we can develop an eradication strategy that will take two years to complete. All works in environmentally sensitive areas are undertaken with the full approval of the local Environment Agency office and include consultation with Natural England and the Wildlife Trusts when necessary.
 

Integrated On Site Treatment

This method involves the excavation and removal of Japanese knotweed from the area of the site required for immediate development, and moved to a more convenient area of the same site. The spoil is then stockpiled on a plastic membrane, allowing the Japanese knotweed to re-grow sufficiently, without further contaminating site soil, so that herbicidal treatment will prove effective the following growing season. The HIT® system is then used to treat the stockpile, and once eradication has been judged successful, the soil can then be re-introduced to the site and used normally.

This method of eradication can often complement development plans, but also saves money, is sustainable, and reduces the environmental impact of the eradication process when compared to 'dig and dump'.
 

 

Soil Screening

Soil screening is a sustainable, time efficient and effective method of separating Japanese knotweed from soil following excavation. It is the most preferred method for customers who want minimal environmental impact combined with quick results.

Soil is passed through a variety of screening processes after which spoil can be transported to licensed land fill, incinerated on site or taken to a biomass power station for use as fuel. The remaining soil can be reincorporated on the site, eliminating the need to import large quantities of back fill.  View our video of undertaking this type of eradication on the 7ha site at Dolcoath, Cornwall.

Soil screening uses large plant making it a suitable application for use on sites that are in excess of 1,000m². TCM are working on strategies to lift this constraint and make this method available on smaller sites.

The method requires supervision by trained specialists but gives the fast turnaround of ‘dig and dump’.  We hold a Mobile Treatment Licence and have WAMITAB qualified staff.
 

 

On Site Burial and Cell Encapsulation

Where space is at a premium on a site and only a short time frame is available, on site burial or cell encapsulation can be options to pursue. Sub strata soil conditions such as water table level and soil type need to be assessed to determine which the best option is. When onsite burial is recommended, one treatment with a non-persistent herbicide should be applied in order to reduce the vigour of Japanese knotweed. A pit needs to be dug to a depth of 5 metres. The Japanese knotweed is then excavated under the supervision of our staff, using our reduced excavation methodology, and transferred to the pit. The spoil is then covered with membrane and the pit is filled in.

When cell encapsulation is recommended, a pit is dug to a depth of 2m and the pit is then lined with a heat joined membrane. The Japanese knotweed is excavated under the supervision of our experienced staff using our reduced excavation methodology and transferred to the pit. Further heat joined membrane is then laid on top of the spoil and the edges are sealed. The remainder of the pit is then filled in. 

This option is only suitable where there is no likelihood of future excavation over the burial area.  The location of the pit must be mapped clearly and this information must be stored.

 

Reduced Excavation

Our reduced excavation methodology can offer cost effective project management.  Reduced excavation must be supervised by trained specialists and involves reducing the quantity of material for disposal to landfill via detailed monitoring, followed up by post excavation herbicidal treatment. This method can also be backed up by  warranty, and can also result in savings of around 50% when compared to the Environment Agency's guidelines where all soil contained within a radius of 7 metres and to a depth of 3 metres is removed.

Soil screening uses large plant making it a suitable application for use on sites that are in excess of 1,000m². TCM are working on strategies to lift this constraint and make this method available on smaller sites in order to decrease land fill use.
 

Off Site Disposal

When there are time or space constraints, sometimes off site disposal is the only option for the developer.Using our reduced excavation method, up to 50% less spoil than the Environment Agency's guideline recommendation needs to be transported to landfill, making this a more sustainable and cost efficient option for our customers.