Knotweed Management Plan (KMP)
What is in your Management Plan?
A Japanese Knotweed management plan is usually essential when buying or selling a property with Japanese Knotweed. Mortgage lenders and financial institutions are looking for a management plan from a specialist accredited contractor who is a member of an organisation such as the Property Care Association (PCA). Most lenders these days are satisfied to lend on a property with a Knotweed Management Plan in place.
The most effective way to deal with Japanese Knotweed is to take action and employ a professional as soon as it has been identified. All large infestations start off as a small ones and the problem will only get worse each growing season.
A management plan is usually in the form of a ‘5-year treatment plan’ which involves treatments twice a year for the first two years and then a singular treatment in year 3. After these treatments have been carried out, a further two years of monitoring must be completed to ensure there is no regrowth. If there has been no regrowth within the two years of monitoring, we are then in a position to issue a completion certificate along with our 10-year company warranty. Don’t worry though, lenders are only looking for the plan to be in place, plans are transferable to the prospective new property owners which leaves you free to move on. We will liaise with the new owners regarding planned visits for treatment and monitoring.
How does the plan work?
After we have visited the property, a report detailing our recommendations for a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan that is tailored to your specific needs will be emailed to you. This will include information on controlling the infestation through various actions and will highlight the risks associated with those actions. There will be a quote for our services at the end of the report.
Our plans are easy to understand and free of technical terms. We are trusted by many solicitors, estate agents, managing agents and homeowners to deliver clear and easy-to-understand reports. The report will show site plans, the timings of our visits and a description of the site. There will be a schedule of the process we will use to ensure the control of Japanese Knotweed.
We understand that many conveyancing solicitors, mortgage lenders and other property professionals rely on our reports to be the on-site eyes and ears so clear reporting is a must. We are always on hand if any questions or queries arise which is included in our service.
What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee and do I need one?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee is an insurance policy that makes sure the Knotweed management plan is followed through to completion no matter what. If for any reason, your chosen contractor was to cease trading, the treatment plan would still be carried out by an approved contractor. Insurance Backed Guarantees are usually required when a house sale/purchase is involved as it gives the lender the assurance they are looking for.
We would always advise our clients to consider taking out an IBG even if a sale is not involved. The cost for an IBG is around £230 and is provided by QANW (Warranty Services Limited.). This can be organised by us when you are taking out a treatment plan.
Other Services
Herbicide Treatment
In-situ herbicide treatment is the most cost-effective way of treating of Japanese Knotweed
Excavation
Excavation is a permanent removal option which involves digging the plant and rhizome (root system) out from the ground
Expert Identification
Our specialists can help you identify Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants.
Expert Witness Report Writing
Our experts have a vast amount of experience in writing Civil Procedure Rulings Part 35 (CPR)
Surveys
Site surveys (site surveys are free when we have confirmed Japanese Knotweed through photo identification)
S4JK are invasive weed management experts based in Manchester, England. Our team comprises fully certified surveyors, qualified to spray Japanese Knotweed with herbicide, as well as stem injecting.