Japanese knotweed regulated treatment

Real live triffids!

As a landlord who has an ongoing relationship with Japanese Knotweed I understand the pain that it can cause. Im currently having a slow divorce with the mamouth weed at one of my rental properties. Apparently it can four years before your decree absolute.

So obviously this press release caught my attention as it dropped through Property Hawks virtual mailbox, well pinged more than dropped I suppose.

Anyway to get to the PR point, the UK trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a new group – dedicated to the removal and control of Japanese Knotweed. I say three cheers to that !

The PCA has been working with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and The Building Societies Association - together with Japanese Knotweed control companies that currently operate within the UK, to develop the Invasive Weed Control Group.

This new aspect of the Association coincides with the publication of new guidance from RICS entitled Japanese Knotweed and Residential Property, authored by Phil Parnham.

The guidance - along with the development of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group to signpost consumers to professional treatment companies - now offers assurance and certainty in tackling the problem.

Stephen Hodgson, general manager of the PCA, which has its headquarters in Huntingdon, said: “For several months, the PCA has been working with sections of the Japanese Knotweed control industry to provide representation, accreditation and trade association services.

“Ultimately this work has drawn together a set of standards that will ensure consumers can identify companies - through the PCA - that have the skills, infrastructure, knowledge and integrity to eliminate this troublesome weed properly and cost-effectively.

“Our role as an established trade body, with a reputation for high standards, ensures a recognised and effective route for the delivery of this work.

“What we can do now is promote certainty. We have standardisation, consistency and best practice standards in the treatment industry.”

Further information is available at www.property-care.org where a list of professional Japanese Knotweed control contractors is available.