The Property Care Association (PCA) says home gardeners can play a vital role in protecting their properties from Invasive Non-Native Plants (INNPs) like Japanese Knotweed which can damage driveways, overtake gardens, and spread to neighbouring properties.
Daniel Docking, technical manager of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “While experienced gardeners have a keen eye for plant species, there are many plant families, such as gunnera, rhododendron and bamboo, that have ornamental and invasive varieties which can be confusing.
(Image: Property Care Association (PCA))
“As part of a recent government consultation, we’ve called for better plant labelling to help householders understand what they are buying and for nurseries and suppliers to adopt Biosecurity Management Plans to help ensure businesses are working to reduce the risk of invasive plants spreading through horticultural pathways.”
The PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group provides remediation advice to homeowners as well as setting out best practice and standards for specialist surveyors who work alongside construction, landscaping and property professionals.
The organisation has outlined three key steps for gardeners to help prevent the spread of invasive non-native plants.
The first step is to ‘know your nursery’ by speaking to staff at garden centres about their labelling practices and how they identify invasive species.
The second is to ‘seek support’ by recognising when to consult a professional, especially with high-risk species like Japanese Knotweed.
The third is to ‘watch your waste,’ ensuring contaminated soil and any seeds or rhizomes are properly disposed of to prevent further spread.
Sarah Garry, chief executive of the PCA, said: “We are seeing increasing evidence that waste soil containing invasive plant material is being diverted to quarry infill or land reclamation schemes rather than landfill.
“Gardeners and homeowners have a key role to play in asking contractors about the responsible and compliant disposal of contaminated soil as well as demonstrating demand for improved plant labelling to help remove horticultural pathways for INNPs.”
“We believe there are solutions that combine environmental ambition with real-world deliverability and we’re asking the Government to consider creating incentives to promote innovation and investment in research and development.
“Gardeners and homeowners have a key role to play in asking contractors about the responsible and compliant disposal of contaminated soil as well as demonstrating demand for improved plant labelling to help remove horticultural pathways for INNPs.”
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