Ben Lindley, Company Director at Japanese Knotweed Ltd.
Last reviewed on .
Excavation – the smart answer for knotweed removal if you need knotweed gone for good.
You’ve probably heard of the dreaded Japanese knotweed. It’s one of the UK’s most notorious invasive plants – known to cause damage to building and underground structures and knock a potential 10% off property value.
So it’s no surprise that people are often left wondering: what’s the best way to get rid of it?
While herbicide treatment can work in some cases, if you’re looking for a way to get it properly gone – root, stem and all – excavation is one of the most effective options on the table.
If you’re facing a knotweed problem, understanding your removal options is key to protecting your home, your future plans, and the value of your property.
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the UK tackle knotweed and other invasive plants over the past 15+ years. So here’s the lowdown on Japanese knotweed excavation, and why it might be exactly what you need.
Excavation vs. Herbicide: What’s the Difference?
There’s more than one way to deal with Japanese knotweed — and while they each have their place, they come with very different timelines, costs, and outcomes.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Herbicide Treatment | Less disruptive Lower upfront cost – Kills above-ground foliage Forces knotweed into a dormant state |
Takes multiple seasons of treatments Annual payments according to length of plan May not be suitable if you’re selling or building soon |
| Excavation | Quick removal Stops regrowth Ideal for sales, developing or renovations Permanently removes the infestation |
Higher upfront cost Some short-term disruption to land or garden |
When Does Excavation Make Sense?
Excavation isn’t always necessary — but there are times when it’s absolutely the smarter option.
- If you’re planning to sell: Buyers and mortgage lenders take knotweed seriously. Excavation clears it fast, reducing delays and boosting confidence.
- If you’re planning to build: Whether you’re planning on erecting a residential extension or commencing a commercial development project, building knotweed causes a lot of issues, and is risky. Excavation gives you a clean slate to build on.
- If it’s spreading fast: If you need to take control quickly, excavation removes the whole root system in one go.
Why Choose Excavation?
It’s fast.
It’s effective.
And when it’s done right, it stops knotweed in its tracks.
You won’t have to wait years for results, and you won’t need to worry about whether it’s really gone. Excavation removes the plant and the problem with it — giving you peace of mind and, more importantly, a knotweed-free future.
Want to learn more about how it works?
Check out our full page on eradication services.
FAQs
- Is excavation right for every property? Not always. Smaller infestations in places where time isn’t a factor might be fine with herbicide. But if speed and certainty matter, excavation is usually the safer option.
- Will excavation wreck my garden? We get this question a lot. While it does involve digging out the affected area, we aim to keep disruption to a minimum and we can help with reinstatement once it’s done.
- What if the knotweed comes back? When excavation is carried out properly, the chances of regrowth are very low. That said, we always recommend monitoring the site for a period afterwards just to be sure.
Think excavation might be the right solution for your knotweed problem?
Get in touch for expert advice and a no-obligation survey.