Giant Hogweed Removal on the Wirral

How do I tell giant hogweed from common hogweed or cow parsley?

Giant hogweed is huge — 2 to 5 metres tall — with thick, bristly, hollow stems clearly blotched and streaked with purple, and flat white umbrella-shaped flower heads up to 80cm across. Common hogweed and cow parsley are usually under 2 metres, with slimmer green stems and much smaller flower heads.

What happens if the sap touches my skin?

The sap is phototoxic. On skin that is then exposed to sunlight it causes painful burns and blistering, and the affected skin can stay sensitive to light for years. Wash it off with soap and water, keep the area out of sunlight, and seek medical advice if the skin reacts.

Why must I not strim or cut it myself?

Strimming flings sap in a fine mist over your skin, face and eyes and is the most dangerous thing you can do with this plant. Even hand-cutting exposes you to the sap. It should only be handled with full protective equipment.

What does the law say about giant hogweed?

It is one of the species listed under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to plant it or cause it to grow in the wild. Cut material and soil containing its seed are classed as controlled waste and must be disposed of at a licensed site.

How long does it take to clear?

It is a multi-season job. Cutting the crown stops that year's growth, and repeat herbicide treatment over the following two or more seasons runs the seed bank down. Seeds can stay viable in the soil for several years, so monitoring continues after the visible plants are gone.

What does giant hogweed removal cost?

It depends on the size of the stand, how difficult and steep the ground is, and how many treatment visits the site needs across the season. We quote after a site visit.