Other Species
Although Japanese Knotweed is probably the best known and most infamous non-native invasive plant species in the UK, there are many other species including native species than can be problematic on your site/property causing damage or reducing land value. Listed below are some of the species that Ashfield Japanese Knotweed manage of behalf of its clients.Our services in relation to invasive species include:
- Surveying for non-native invasive species
- Preparing an Invasive Species Management Plan
- Managing the cost effective implementation of the required invasive species strategy
Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam is a rapid coloniser along river banks and other areas of damp ground. It is an annual plant with a lack of natural predators and diseases; once introduced, this invasive plant spreads rapidly forming dense stands which grow up to two to three metres tall. When the seed pods are mature, they explode and scatter seeds up to seven metres from the plant, which are also further spread by air and water movements. Himalayan Balsam’s dense stands suppress the growth of grasses and native British plants leaving riverbanks bare of vegetation in autumn and winter exposing them to erosion. Areas can become quickly colonised with seeds remaining in the ground for up to two years still viable for growth. There are a number of measures available to control and remove Himalayan Balsam depending on the specific site requirements, which AJK can advise on.Horsetail
Horsetail is an invasive deep-rooted perennial weed capable of growing in varying climates and conditions, quickly forming a dense carpet of foliage. Horsetail damages hard surfaces such as paving and it easily penetrates cracks and joints in tarmac. Removing horsetail from the ground can be particularly difficult; the structure of the plant means that segments can easily break apart and regenerate, the roots can be up to two metres deep and the lack of leaf surface reduces the ability to intake herbicide to lethal levels.Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is highly invasive and has spread throughout the whole of Great Britain, primarily favouring river banks but also other areas such as parks, cemeteries and wasteland. It can grow to six metres in height with leaves up to one and a half metres wide. The flower heads are half a metre wide and are capable of producing 50,000 seeds annually which survive in surrounding soils for several years still viable for growth. The sap of Giant Hogweed contains toxic chemicals known as furanocoumarins. When these come into contact with the skin, and in the presence of sunlight, they cause a condition called phyto-photodermatitis: a reddening of the skin, often followed by severe burns and blistering. The burns can last for several months and even once they have died down the skin can remain sensitive to light for many years.Call for independent advice today on 07852 972 704 or make contact on our enquiry page here.