Mike Clough's Japanese Knotweed blog

Norway - Blissfully unaware

December 17th, 2008 by Mike Clough

This is a guest Blog by Helen Todd of JKSL

Having recently returned from a short break in Oslo, I have come back to the office feeling that us Brits need to take more pride in our Country.  We have become very lazy - we need to stand up and make things happen and I feel a distinct lack of this at the moment. Yes times are hard but if we all curl up and go into depression, things will only get worse. We all need to pull together and get things done for the future of our country. (Very patriotic!)

What struck me the most about my trip was the sheer passion that Norwegians have for their country. Having explained what I do for a living, the utter shock and look of disbelief in people’s faces when they hear about Japanese Knotweed was truly priceless. They simply could not comprehend how this problem weed has been allowed to get so out of hand. “Surely if it is so bad, as soon as it is discovered, people should deal with it.” Well yes they should but on the long list of everyone’s priorities, Japanese Knotweed is nowhere near the top so it does not get the attention it requires.

People have just got used to seeing the mass infestations of Knotweed in this country and accept that is how it will be. This does not have to be the case - we can do something about it! Call us now to discuss the problems near you.

 Apparently, Norway does have some Japanese Knotweed growing on their land but none of the people I met have heard of it and I guarantee, as soon as it so much as looks like causing problems, it will be dealt with to ensure their beloved land is kept Knotweed and problem free.

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Who is Responsible?? Not me mate.. I only built it….!

December 10th, 2008 by Mike Clough

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Land Values – or does it?

December 3rd, 2008 by Mike Clough

Is land an asset or a liability? I guess it all depends on what’s on it, in it or in some cases growing all over it!

We have been trying for several years to get through to the large landowners that careful management of undeveloped land can save you thousands of pounds and make sure that you have an asset and not a liability.

I do not exaggerate when I say that some sites we see are wall to wall with invasive weeds. I have been to sites that you literally cannot walk onto - let alone walk across due to the mass of Japanese Knotweed…

I have banged my head against many brick walls over the last few years but none more so than with the landowners who cannot see that the value of his land decreases each year that Japanese Knotweed continues to spread unchecked…

The old saying a stitch in time - springs to mind…

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

November 26th, 2008 by Mike Clough

Japanese Knotweed Solutions are encouraging you to get down and dirty!

You will be able to take the opportunity to get hands on with the Uk’s most invasive plant - take on an alien - and win!

In 2009 we will be sending out invitations for customers to join us for walks around brown field sites and river valleys to help you learn about invasive plants and to see first hand the problems that alien species can cause.

You will be helped first hand to identify all the invasive plants that you should be aware of and given opportunity to see how we tackle the treatment issues specific to Japanese Knotweed.

Look out for the invite - anyone not on our database please contact the office on 0161 723 2000 for an invitation.

Posted in Invasive Weeds Info
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Complete Pizza Express!

November 19th, 2008 by Mike Clough

Have you ever noticed when going to Pizza Express that the Pizzas they serve aren’t always the same? Some Pizza Express restaurants serve hot fresh Pizza’s, some serve cold soggy unappetising Pizza’s…yet they are all called Pizza Express….?

That’s because it’s a ‘franchise’, you don’t have to be particularly good at making Pizzas so long as you have the money to buy the name.

You can’t be creative and make your own Pizza’s based on what your customer requires - because its not allowed as part of the franchise deal. You aren’t even allowed to talk about new and different Pizzas because it’s not allowed as part of the franchise deal.

Controlling Europe’s most invasive weed cannot be a lottery. You cannot deal with Japanese Knotweed properly by buying a recipe - you need years of experience and skilled trained staff to get the results that your sites require - fast, efficient, guaranteed eradication everytime.

So next time you want the same quality of service on every site that you work on, don’t go to Complete Pizza Express, go to Japanese Knotweed Solutions - Independently owned, Independently run - get the quality of Pizza you deserve!

NB Some names may have been changed in this article to protect companies that give a poor service.

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Get Plotted!

November 12th, 2008 by Mike Clough

Do you live near a stand of Japanese Knotweed? Do any of your clients have Japanese Knotweed adjacent to their property?

Have you noticed how quickly it spreads?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if it grew through your boundary fence, came up on your drive or worst case scenario grew through your floor in your house or office!

In these difficult times, surveyors who note a Japanese Knotweed infestation when carrying out a valuation - may reduce the value of the property based on the cost implication of eradication and removal…often £££ thousands of pounds.

If you have to re-mortgage or use your property as a guarantee against borrowings it is essential that Japanese Knotweed problems do not reduce the value of your property.

The best way to fight back against the problem weeds is to have evidence!

Prove where the plant originated from and you can claim for damages and get your costs back.

The first question that is always asked in legal circles is ’where did the plant originate from?’ It is at this point that everyone points the finger at each other and blames the adjacent landowner.

So give Japanese Knotweed Solutions a call and get plotted! Have a detailed drawing produced which highlights where the infestation is - the drawing will be updated every year showing where your problems originated from giving clear undisputable evidence that will save you £££ and a serious headache!

Posted in JKSL, Japanese Knotweed Info
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Where we lead; Others follow!

November 5th, 2008 by Mike Clough

You may have noticed a huge increase in the number of companies offering Japanese Knotweed eradication? The internet is awash with warranties and guarantees and what seem to be ‘new’ strategies and ‘new’ ideas.

What appear to be ‘new’ thoughts are unfortunately simply a re-hash of established strategies and what appear to be warranties and guarantees are simply sales talk and twaddle.

Japanese Knotweed Solutions have been in the business of eradicating problem weeds for longer than any of our competitors - (not counting those that have simply changed their name!). We were the first Knotweed eradication company to advertise on Google and are still listed on page 1 of both the sponsored and non-sponsored links proving that we generate the most interest from our website.

We have recently had to take legal steps to have a competitor’s website withdrawn after they simply cut and pasted the content of our site onto their name!

Japanese Knotweed Solutions were the first company to recognise the problem and continue to be the best service provider in the industry.

Japanese Knotweed Solutions are still the only company to specialise in Japanese Knotweed eradication.

Japanese Knotweed Solutions were the first company to offer an insurance backed warranty and are still the only company who can back this statement up with solid guarantees.

For the original and best Japanese Knotweed Solutions - call 0161 723 2000

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Domestic Bliss at Last?!

October 29th, 2008 by Mike Clough

Struggling with Japanese Knotweed on your property? Don’t know who do you turn to?

Check out www.Japaneseknotweeddomestic.com It doesn’t have all the answers but will certainly point you in the right direction.

Domestic issues are going to become more of an issue as people struggle to sell their property, astute buyers will use any excuse to beat down the price. If you have an established stand of Japanese Knotweed on your property it is going to cause you a problem.

Home Information Packs completed by any competent surveyor will advise buyers of issues relating to invasive weeds which will be enough to deter already nervous mortgage providers.

Act now and resolve the problems before they cause a headache.

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Ireland–a new market place?

October 22nd, 2008 by Mike Clough

Japanese Knotweed Solutions are proud to be involved in the developing market for Invasive Weed Control in Ireland.

Initial development of new websites aimed at the specific market in Ireland has already seen several projects underway and a number of surveys in the pipeline. Senior Surveyor Alex Dayes stated that on a recent site visit Ireland has a ‘significant invasive weed problem with only a basic understanding of the complex issues involved.’ 

One of the major drawbacks is that currently we are told, Ireland’s nearest landfill site licensed to take Japanese Knotweed is in Scotland!!

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Natural Enemies to be introduced to halt spread of Japanese Knotweed

October 13th, 2008 by Mike Clough

Hold on, hold on; lets just think about this!

Latest news report issued by the BBC suggests that ‘Predators could be superweed fix’ (BBC News Science and Environment 13^th October) highlighting the potential release of natural predators from Japan to control the spread of Japanese Knotweed.

Hang on though…do they kill Japanese Knotweed? - NO
Do they defoliate Japanese Knotweed (remove the leaves of the plant) - YES
What’s the best way to kill Japanese Knotweed - foliar applied herbicides - so if the plant hasn’t got any leaves how are you going to kill it!!!!

The answer is - you cant!

Therefore… if you are trying to develop land your only option would be to physically remove the plant by excavation. And thanks to Gordon Brown having removed Landfill Tax exemption - your current estimated cost for 1 square metre of Japanese Knotweed surface growth (by the time you have removed its roots which extend 7 metres beyond surface growth and 2/3 metres deep) is £50,000.

Hmmm maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all!

Do you believe that the scientists have got this one right? Would you want to pay £50,000 per square metre?

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