Japanese knotweed (JK)

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Red shoots.Red stems, lighter shade green tips (similar to asparagus).

Greenish shoots.Green stems speckled with purple/red, alternate leaves (one left then one right).

Bamboo like and hollow stems with white flowers.Brown outer skin on stem and can peel, remains of flowers.

Smooth light coloured brittle canes.

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Japanese knotweed (JK)How to identify Japanese knotweed.

Introduced to Britain in the 19th century asan ornamental plant. Japanese knotweed isa tall, vigorous perennial that can quicklygrow to over 3m in height, with a complexunderground network of rhizomes whichcan extend to the depth of 3m and 7mlaterally from visible above ground plants.

Why manage Japanese knotweed?

The aggressive growth pattern ofJapanese knotweed is capable ofexploiting weaknesses in hard engineeredstructures such as concrete, tarmac andbrick.

Early intervention can limit this damage,prevent spreading and stop any civilactions as it is an offence under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to causeto grow in the wild or plant in the wild.

More info on Japanese knotweed.

Rhizomes can remain viable for a number ofyears without producing shoots aboveground, when disturbed shoots may appear.

Several control methods can beimplemented. Disturbing the plant andrhizomes can also lead to further spread.

Japanese knotweed through the seasons

Call: 0141 772 2789

www.ersremediation.com

In-situ herbicide treatment.

The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Efficient and effective control.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

Types of Japanese knotweed treatmentIdentify Japanese knotweed treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Japanese knotweedinfested sites.

We work with clients to develop atreatment strategy which meets the clientstimescales, budget and futuredevelopment requirements.

Japanese knotweed management plans.

When Japanese knotweed is identified onsite ERS can develop and implement aJapanese knotweed management plan.

The plan is essential, both for the currentowner and any future owners as a recordfor treatment of the site.

ERS insurance backed guarantee.

ERS are members of the PCA and are ableto provide up to a 10 year insurancebacked guarantee for the treatment ofJapanese knotweed.

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Combined digging and herbicide treatment.

Majority of the stand removed to landfill, leaving sensitive areas intact.· Reduces area of Japanese knotweed infestation.· Allows sensitive environments to be left undisturbed.

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On-site treatment, ex-situ.

Contaminated soil is excavated and moved to a more convenient area on site forstockpiling and herbicide treatment.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Remediated soil can be used on site within landscaping and monitored.

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On-site burial.

A cell 5m deep lined with root barrier membrane. The Japanese knotweed is excavatedand placed inside the cell, capped with root barrier and then covered with soil.· Cost effective way of removing the Japanese knotweed and an immediate solution.· Ideal for areas of a site not to be built on.

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Remove and dispose.

Used as a last resort where all other options are not viable.· ERS is a licensed waste carrier we can dispose at an appropriate licensed landfill.· Immediate solution to allow works to continue.

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Lianne Cameron - Invasive Weeds SurveyorEmail: [email protected] Call:0141 772 2789


The size of Giant Hogweed makes it easyto identify as it can grow up to 5m in height.

Serrated and sharply divided leaves with bristlesgrowing up to 3m in length. (1)

Green hollow stem with purple blotches, hairybristles and 5-10cm in diameter. (2)

Large umbels of white or rarely pink flowers fromJune to August. Setting seed and producingbetween 5,000 and 100,000 seeds, 1.5cm inlength and lightweight, easily dispersed by windand watercourses. Seed bank can remain activefor up to 5 years. (3)

Giant HogweedHow to identify Giant Hogweed.

Introduced to Britain in the 19th century asan ornamental plant. Giant Hogweed is alarge, vigorous biennial, growing from seedin the first year, to producing flowersbetween 2-5 years, followed by settingseeds and eventually dying. Reaching 5m inheight with large coarsley toothed leavesand large umbels of white flowers up to80cm in diameter.

Giant Hogweed is a highly toxic andcommonly found growing on wasteground,streams, river banks, road verges andrailway embankments.

Why Giant Hogweed is dangerous?

Giant Hogweed produces a sap which isfound in all parts of the plant. The toxic sapcontains a chemical that photosensitises theskin, when the affected skin is exposed tothe sunlight it can cause a severe red rashand blistering within 24-48 hours. Thediscoloured skin can last from severalmonths to several years with the reactions tothe sunlight persisting.

Early intervention can limit exposure of riskto people, prevent spreading and stop anycivil actions as it is an offence under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to causeto grow in the wild or plant in the wild.

Immediately wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Cover skin to reduce the exposure to sunlight/light forat least 48 hours.

Seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early treatment with topical steroids can reduce severity.

Use sun-cream on sensitive skin for several monthsthereafter.

The toxic sap containing furocoumarin causes the skin tobecome sensitive to sunlight/light. A red rash and painfulburning blisters on the affected area can be observed within48 hours. Photophtodermatitis is the resulting skin condition.

First Aid If contact made with the sap of the plant:

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Call: 0141 772 2789


The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Immediately kills the adult plant.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

The removal of seeds heads and taproot cutting.· Immediately kills the adult plant.· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces further contribution to the seed bank.· Ideal for sensitive areas.


Contaminated soil is excavated and buried at least 1m deep within a convenient areaof the site.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Removes all of taproot and greatly reduces the seed bank.

Used as last resort where all other options are not viable.· ERS is a licensed waste carrier we can dispose at an appropriate licensed landfill.· Immediate solution to allow works to continue.



In-situ manual treatment.

On-site burial.

Remove and dispose.

Types of Giant Hogweed TreatmentIdentify Giant Hogweed treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Giant Hogweed infestedsites.

We work with clients to develop atreatment strategy which meets the clientstimescale's, budget and futuredevelopment requirements.

Giant Hogweed management plans

When Giant hogweed is identified on siteERS can develop and implement a GiantHogweed management plan.


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Finely serrated edged whorls of 3-5 leavesform at the joints on the stem. Green with apink mid-rib reaching 25cm long and 7cmwide. (1)

Up to 5cm in diameter hollow, fleshy, brittlestems reaching 2.5m in height. Green to redin early growth turning pink to red later. (2)

Trumpet shaped, sweetly scented white,pink or purple flowers appearing in thesummer. Reaching 2.5-4cm in length. (3)

Exploding seed pods up to 3cm long, foundon the end of red stalks, contain up to 16seeds each, 2-3mm in length. A single plantcan produce over 800 seeds expelling theseup to 7m from the plant. Seeds are buoyantallowing further spread along watercourses.Seed bank can remain active for up to 2years.

Himalayan BalsamHow to identify Himalayan Balsam.

Introduced to Britain in the 19th century asa herbaceous annual plant. HimalayanBalsam can grow in one season from seedto 2.5m in height, flowering in summer,followed by setting seed and eventuallydying. Hollow, shallow rooted stems withleaves growing opposite each other bearingwhite/pink/purple flowers up to 4cm long.

Himalayan Balsam is commonly foundgrowing on semi-shaded damp areas, byslow-moving watercourses, riverbanks,streams and wasteground.

Why manage Himalayan Balsam?

Vigorous growth of Himalayan Balsamoutcompetes native plants. Forming densestands which block out sun-light causingbiodiversity issues. Large stands onriverbanks can impede water flow during thesummer increasing the risk of flooding. Inwinter increasing the risk of erosion due toexposed riverbanks following dieback.Sweet scented flowers also attractpollinators away from native species.

Early intervention can limit the impact tobiodiversity, prevent spreading and stop anycivil actions as it is an offence under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to causeto grow in the wild or plant in the wild.

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Call: 0141 772 2789


The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Immediately kills the adult plant.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

Hand pulling or cutting down of plants.· Immediately kills the adult plant.· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces further contribution to the seed bank.· Hand pulling ideal for sensitive areas.


Contaminated soil is excavated and buried at least 1m deep within a convenient areaof the site.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Greatly reduces the seed bank.





Remove and dispose.

Types of Himalayan Balsam TreatmentIdentify Himalayan Balsam treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Himalayan Balsam infestedsites.

We work with clients to develop atreatment strategy which meets the client'stimescales, budget and futuredevelopment requirements.

Himalayan Balsam management plans

When Himalayan Balsam is identified onsite ERS can develop and implement aHimalayan Balsam management plan.


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On-site burial.


Eliptical, leathery dull green leaves, between 6-12cm long with a pale underside.Leaves spiral towards the ends of the stems.

Light brown, woody stems, diameter up to 15cm and reaching 5m in height. When amature plant stem forms into solid trunk, they can reach up to 8m in height.

Pink to purple clumps of individual flowers with 5 petals and 5cm in width. Floweringbetween May and June. (1)

Seed pods 3cm in length containing between 3,000-7,000 seeds are produced inautumn. They become woody before seeds dispersed in winter. Seeds are spread alongwatercourses, by wind, birds and mammals. Seeds bank can remain active for up to 1year.

Rhododendron ponticumHow to identify Rhododendron ponticum.

Introduced to Britain in the 18th century asan evergreen shrub. Rhododendronponticum is a large woody shrub withleathery leaves, reaching between 4-5m inheight. Shallow rooted rhizomes canproduce suckers of new plats floweringafter 10-12 years in age on early summerfollowed by woody seeds pods produced inwinter.

Rhododendron ponticum is commonlyfound growing on acidic, peaty or sandysoils found in moorlands, woodlands, rockyhillsides, riverbanks, gardens and parks.

Why manage Rhododendron ponticum?

Vigorous growth of Rhododendron ponticumoutcompetes native plants by forming densestands which block out sunlight, causingbiodiversity issues. Rhododendron ponticumcarries devastating diseases which canspread and kill woodlands.


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Call: 0141 772 2789


Contaminated soil is excavated and moved to a more convenient area on site forstockpiling and herbicide treatment.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Remediated soil can be used on site within landscaping and monitored.· Woody material can be chipped and used on site.

The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Stem injection used on larger plants 1.3m in height.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

Hand pulling or digging out individual plants.· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces further contribution to the seed bank.· Hand pulling ideal for sensitive areas.





Remove and dispose.

Types of Rhododendron ponticum TreatmentIdentify Rhododendron ponticumtreatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management and remediationof Rhododendron ponticum infested sites.

We work with clients to develop a treatmentstrategy which meets the clientstimescales, budget and future developmentrequirements.

Rhododendron ponticum managementplans

When Rhododendron ponticum is identifiedon site ERS can develop and implement aRhododendron ponticum management plan.


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Large, yellow flower hoods (spathes)up to 45cm in length, formed around aspike of tiny green flowers 3.5-12 cmlong, with a strong skunk-like odour. (1)

Large, leathery bright green leaves witha slight shine, growing up from arosette forming on the soils surface.Reaching between 0.4-1.5 m long. (2)

Rhizome roots reaching 70cm deepcan fragment and spread alongwatercourses or within soil. Duringwinter die back rhizomes remaindormant during this period.

Seeds are contained in green berriesproduced in late summer, a single plantcan produce up to 500 seeds. Seedsare spread along watercourses, bybirds and mammals. Seed bank canremain active for up to 8 years. (3)

American Skunk-CabbageHow to identify American Skunk-Cabbage.

Introduced to Britain in the 20th century asa perennial herb. American Skunk-Cabbagediffers from other plants, yellow flowersappear first in spring with ,skunk-like odour,followed by the growth of leaves reaching1.5m in height. Shallow rooted rhizomesproduce rosettes of leaves, flowering after 3years in age and setting seed in latesummer.

American Skunk-Cabbage is commonlyfound growing on wet, muddy areas, on theedges of ponds, swampy streams andmarshy woodlands.

Why manage American Skunk-Cabbage?

Vigorous growth of AmericanSkunk-Cabbage outcompetes native plants.Forming dense stands which block outsun-light causing biodiversity issues. Largestands on riverbanks can impede water flowduring the summer increasing the risk offlooding. In winter increasing the risk oferosion due to exposed riverbanks followingdieback.

Early intervention can limit the impact tobiodiversity, prevent spreading and managealready colonised stands as restrictions areimposed under EU Invasive Alien Species(IAS) Regulation 2014 on importing, sellingand growing of listed plant species.

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Call: 0141 772 2789


The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Ideal for hard to reach wet areas.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.



Contaminated soil is excavated and buried at least 1m deep within a convenient areaof the site.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Greatly reduces the seed bank.

Used as last resort where all other options are not viable.· ERS is a licence waste carrier we can dispose at an appropriate licensed landfill.· Immediate solution to allow works to continue.




On-site burial.

Remove and dispose.

Types of American Skunk-Cabbage TreatmentIdentify American Skunk-Cabagetreatment.

ERS has experience in identification,management and remediation of AmericanSkunk-Cabbage infested sites.

We work with clients to develop a treatmentstrategy which meets the client's timescales,budget and future developmentrequirements.

American Skunk-Cabbage managementplans.

When American Skunk-Cabbage isidentified on site ERS can develop andimplement an American Skunk-Cabbagemanagement plan.


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Long, lance shaped deep green leaves,between 7-13cm in length with a whitevelvety underside. Forming opposite eachother along the length of the stem. (1)

Tall, arching woody stems reaching 5m inheight. Quadrangular in shape with palebrown bark, becoming deeply fissuredwhen mature. Younger stems are softerand hairy to the touch.

Tiny little lilac/purple flowers produce along, pyramidal shaped cluster, 15-20cmin length which is loaded with sweetscented nectar. (2)

Seeds are contained within a capsuleproduced in late summer, a single flowercluster can produce over 40,000 seeds.Seeds are spread along watercourses, bywind and birds. Seed bank can remainactive for up to 4 years.

Buddleja davidiiHow to identify Buddleja davidii.

Introduced to Britain in the 19th century asa perennial shrub. Buddleja davidii has longarching woody branches reaching 5m inheight. Flowers are produced in summer tolate autumn, 15-20cm in length. Shallowrooted fibrous roots with no taproot sustaina plant that can grow between 0.5m-2m ayear. Flowering after 2 years in age andsetting seed late summer to early autumn.

Buddleja davidii is commonly found growingon dry open sites, brownfield sites, railwayembankments, old quarries, walls andurban environments.

Why manage Buddleja davidii?

Vigorous growth of Buddleja davidiioutcompetes native plants. Forming densestands which block out sun-light causingbiodiversity issues. Buddleja davidii has theability to grow in extremely shallow soil orbarely any at all. Often seen growing out ofwalls, chimney stacks and built structures. Ifallowed to mature it can cause significantdamage to these features.

Early intervention can limit the impact tobiodiversity, prevent spreading, reduce thestructural damage to built structures andprevent damage to listed and historicalbuildings.

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Call: 0141 772 2789


The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Cut-stump treatment used on mature plants.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.


Remove and dispose.(disposed of alongsode other native shrubs)

Hand pulling, cutting or digging out individual plants.· Immediately kills the adult plant. (Stump herbicide treated).· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces further contribution to the seed bank.· Hand pulling ideal for sensitive areas.


Types of Buddleja davidii TreatmentIdentify Buddleja davidii treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Buddleja davidi infestedsites.

We work with clients to develop atreatment strategy which meets the clientstimescales, budget and futuredevelopment requirements.

Buddleja davidii management plans

When Buddleja davidii is identified on siteERS can develop and implement a Buddlejadavidi management plan.


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Large, clump-forming umbrella sizedleaves reaching 2m in height and 2macross. The leaf stem reaches 1.5mlong with pale bristles and weakspines. (1)

Stems are thick creeping rhizomes,found horizontally on the surface of thesoil. Can fragment and spread alongwatercourses or within soil. Duringwinter die back rhizomes remaindormant during this period.

Tall, cone-like shaped flowers, tingedred reaching 1m height. Floweringbetween June and August. (2)

Seeds are produced in autumn, asingle plant can produce over 250,000seeds. Seeds are spread alongwatercourses, by birds and mammals.Seed bank can remain active for up toseveral decades. (3)

Giant RhubarbHow to identify Giant Rhubarb.

Introduced to Britain in the 19th century asa perennial herb. Giant Rhubarb is a largeclump-forming, long living plant reaching2m in height. Shallow rooted rhizomes,thick and creeping are visible on the soilssurface. Flowering after 5 years in age inlate summer and setting seeds in autumn.

Giant Rhubarb is commonly found growingon damp or wet areas, within shaded areasalong the edges of ponds, streams anddrains.

Why manage Giant Rhubarb?

Vigorous growth of Giant Rhubarboutcompetes native plants. Forming densestands which block out sun-light, causingbiodiversity issues. Large stands onriverbanks can impede water flow during thesummer increasing the risk of flooding. Inwinter increasing the risk of erosion due toexposed riverbanks following dieback.


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Call: 0141 772 2789


Types of Giant Rhubarb TreatmentIdentify Giant Rhubarb treatment.

ERS has experience in identification,management and remediation of GiantRhubarb infested sites.


Giant Rhubarb management plans.

When Giant Rhubarb is identified on siteERS can develop and implement a GiantRhubarb management plan.


The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Effective at suppressing vigorous growth.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

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4 ►Contaminated soil is excavated and buried at least 2m deep within a convenient areaof the site.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Greatly reduces the seed bank.


Used as last resort where all other options are not viable.· ERS is a licenced waste carrier we can dispose at an appropriate licenced landfill.· Immediate solution to allow works to continue.

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On-site burial.

Remove and dispose.


Light brown stems, between 20-50cm tallwith darker brown joints (rings) along itslength. To the tip of the stem a coneshaped structure is found containingfertile spores. These stems are producedin spring. (1)

Black with an off white coloured centre,creeping roots called rhizomes reachingas deep as 2m are the main cause ofspread. Fragments of the rhizomes cangenerate new colonies of plants. Duringwinter die back rhizomes remain dormantduring this period. (2)

From the joint's rings of sterile, waxy,long, slender, green tube-like pointedleaves are produced. Giving the firtree-like appearance of ridged, hollowstems seen throughout the summer andreaching up to 60cm in height. (3)

No flowers are produced.

HorsetailHow to identify Horsetail.

Introduced to Britain over 300 million years agoa prehistoric native perennial weed. Horsetail isa non-flowering, deep rooted plant with firtree-like stems reaching 60cm in height. A coneshaped structure which contains fertile sporesis produced in spring. Deep rooted rhizomescreeping through the soil can spread over largeareas sending up dense stands of foliagethroughout the summer.

Horsetail is commonly found growing on wet,boggy areas, on the edges of ponds, swampystreams, marshy woodlands, open fields, roadverges, waste ground and brownfield sites.

Why manage Horsetail?

Vigorous persistent growth of Horsetail canquickly form dense carpet out competing smallerplants by blocking out sun-light. Horsetail is toxicto horses, cattle and sheep if eaten fresh ordried within their feed. If rhizomes of Horsetailare within the soil, they can exploit weaknesseswithin hard standing areas, tar, concrete, gravel,paving, monoblock causing an unsightly problemwithin new developments.

Early intervention can limit the impact to smallerslow growing plants, prevent spreading andreduce the exploitation of weaknesses ofhardstanding areas within new developments.

Call: 0141 772 2789

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The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces the rhizome root system.· Hand digging ideal for sensitive areas.


Contaminated soil is excavated and buried at least 3m deep within a convenient areaof the site.· Cost effective immediate solution.· Greatly reduces the rhizome root system.





On-site burial.

Remove and dispose.

Types of Horsetail TreatmentIdentify Horsetail treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Horsetail infested sites.


Horsetail management plans.

When Horsetail is identified on site ERS candevelop and implement a Horsetailmanagement plan.



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Hand digging out small isolated areas.


Seedlings 10-15mm in height grow from latesummer in year one. Green, bluntly toothed leavesthat over winter. Following spring seedlings forminto rosettes. (1)

Green, bluntly toothed leaves alternate up the stemwith size reducing as you travel upwards, 7-20cmlong and 2-6cm wide, very fine hairs on underside.Distinctive unpleasant smell produced from theleaves. (2)

Upright, straight stems grow to 1-1.5m in height.Roots are deep rooted, if a small fragment of rootremains a new plant can grow.

Daisy like bright yellow flowers, 1.5-2.5cm indiameter form dense flat topped clusters.2,000-2,500 flowers produced per plant floweringJune to October. (3)

75,000-120,000 seeds produced per plant inAugust, two differing characteristics. Seeds fromthe flowers centre are light with hairs easily spreadby wind over long distances. Seeds from the flowersouter area are heavier with thick coats, falling nextto the parent plant. Seed bank can remain active forover 16 years.

RagwortHow to identify Ragwort.

Introduced to Britain over 12 thousand yearsago a native biennial weed. Ragwort growsfrom seed in year one, producing flowers andsetting seeds in year two and eventually dying.Reaching 1-1.5m in height with bluntly lobedleaves having a distinctively unpleasant smell.Yellow, dense, flat topped clusters of flowersfrom summer into late autumn.

Ragwort is commonly found growing ongrazed/open fields, woodland, waste ground,road verges, brownfield sites and railwayembankments.

Why manage Ragwort?

Ragwort is a quickly spreading injurious weedcontaining many poisonous alkaloids which aretoxic to horses, cattle and sheep. If eaten freshor dried within their feed it can lead to cirrhosisof the liver. Can cause dermatitis in people withsensitive skin and may cause long term illness ifhandled incorrectly.

Early intervention can limit the impact to grazingfields, prevent spreading and reduce the risk ofharvesting within animal's feed. Under theWeeds Act 1959 and the Ragwort Control Act2003 landowners can be served notices to takeaction to control Ragwort within their land toprevent it spreading.


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Call: 0141 772 2789

The application of herbicide to the foliage.· Efficient and effective control for large stands.· Less labour intensive.· Less intrusive method.

· Immediately kills the adult plant.· Efficient and effective control for small isolated stands.· Reduces further contribution to the seed bank.· Hand pulling ideal for sensitive areas.

Used as last resort where all other options are not viable.· ERS is a licensed waste carrier we can dispose at an appropriate licensed landfill.· Immediate solution to allow revegetation works and grazing to continue.


Remove and dispose.


Hand digging out individual plants.

Types of Ragwort TreatmentIdentify Ragwort treatment.

ERS has extensive experience inidentification, management andremediation of Ragwort infested sites.


Ragwort management plans.

When Ragwort is identified on site ERS candevelop and implement a Ragwortmanagement plan.



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Documents

Japanese knotweed (JK)