Invasive Weed Control on the Wirral

Can you identify a weed from a photo?

Yes. Send a clear photo of the whole plant, a close-up of the leaves and stem, and something for scale, plus a note of where it is growing. We can usually confirm whether it is Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, horsetail or something harmless, free of charge.

Which invasive weeds do you deal with?

The four that cause the most trouble on the Wirral — Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and horsetail or marestail. Each has its own treatment approach, timescale and legal position, covered on its own page.

Is it against the law to have invasive weeds on my land?

Having them is not an offence. Under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause certain species, including Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed, to grow in the wild, and allowing them to spread onto a neighbour's property can lead to a private nuisance claim or a community protection notice.

Will invasive weeds affect a house sale or mortgage?

They can. The TA6 Property Information Form used in most sales asks specifically about Japanese knotweed, and lenders typically want to see a professional treatment plan, often with an insurance-backed guarantee, before they will lend against an affected property.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on the species. Himalayan balsam is usually cleared over two to three annual visits, giant hogweed over two or more growing seasons, Japanese knotweed typically over three growing seasons of herbicide treatment or a matter of weeks if excavated, and horsetail is an ongoing management programme rather than a job with an end date.

Can I deal with it myself?

For Himalayan balsam, careful hand-pulling before seed set can work if you are thorough every year. For Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and horsetail, DIY usually makes things worse or spreads the problem, and cut or dug material from knotweed and hogweed is classed as controlled waste that must go to a licensed site.

Do you provide reports for landlords, solicitors and developers?

Yes. We can supply a written survey, a treatment plan and progress reports suitable for lenders, buyers, managing agents and planning conditions on development sites.