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Knotweed Report?

Hi All, I have treated some Japanese Knotweed on behalf of a block management company. One of the tenants now wants to sell so I have been asked to produce a report. I sent back an e-mail detailing what I have done and plan to do and they have come back saying it isn't official enough? They have suggested that I put it down on headed paper and use a template to format the information? If I don't get it right I feel it could be a time consuming exercise. Time unfortunately I don't have. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated.

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  • Just don't do it, it will probably come back to bite you. You'll be liable if it's wrong etc. are you insured against this?

    I have been asked before but just refused.
  • also the treatment musty be an ongoing 3 year programme or its meaningless, this includes even if its gone in year 1, visits for 2 and 3 to ensure it does not return.

    If all you have done is do a visit once and spay then you may aswlel of not bothered - and you should make that clear to eh management company that its erradication is dependant on ongoing monitoring of the site and treatment

  • Thanks for the replies. Just to put you in the picture I have not made any guarantees regarding the site and have clearly stated that the area needs to be monitored for at least 3 years. To date I carried out a stem injection last September which reduced the re-growth to about 5-10%. Since then I have carried out 2 foliar sprays which have reduced the re-growth again. From an insurance point of view I'm not sure where I stand but will investigate this further tomorrow.

  • Just state a small covering letter then;

    " The knotweed on site is currently been treated as part of a 3 year treatment programme that started in september 2014; the table bellow details the treatments carried out so far"

    1 Treatment 1
    2 """" 2
    3 """" 3

    • That's what I plan to do although I think I will try and go into a little more detail. Location, size, method of control, chemical used and site plan. That's the best I will be able to do.

      • fair Id keep the detail quite brieft to avoid being dragged into a time wasting thing.
        Also maybe put further details and discussion available through consultation and that you would charge for this - fair price would be 30 for a letter like that.

        this would be normal for most services selling a house.

        • Just don't want it to keep being returned. I think I need more training to offer this service in future.

          • do you actually have to do it? Your should charge for anything more than that simple email! Your doing work for them that is over and above what was agreed by writing the report! If they want to keep giving a specification charge for it!

  • Do check your insurance! 

    Also do charge for it as this is not part of your specification, I would normally charge £40-50 depending on required details.

    Don't put vast amounts of detail but include location on site, area affected in m2, methods of control, I would add your PA certificate no's incase anyone wants to check. 

  • It might be worth becoming a member of the PCA (the Property Care Association) or INNSA, the 2 trade bodies for invasive plant control although it is a long process with tough criteria to become a member - I am hopefully on the last stage now.

    Many mortgage companies and developers are requiring insurance backed guarantees only available for trade body members presumably as more people are trying to get into the industry.

    In the meantime the PCA, RICS and the Environment Agency have good practice guidance which will give you an idea.

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