Invasive Vegetation

How To Manage Invasive Vegetation Disposal

As global warming continues to affect our climates and seasons, various strains of invasive vegetation continues to thrive and spread across the UK, remaining unseen in the gardens and landscapes around us. Many could be mistaken for flowers or indigenous plants to the United Kingdom; however, they pose threats to our indigenous species and could even cause permanent damage to entire eco-systems.

Waste Spectrum are committed to helping customers dispose of Invasive Vegetation in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. To this end we developed the Volkan 400 IV incinerator, perfectly suited to the disposal of invasive and non-native vegetation.

Listed below are 10 of the most common invasive and dangerous species that are currently found in the UK, all of which can be disposed of utilising our bio-secure incineration systems.

• The Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed highly invasive plant. It can cause damaging to both the health of humans and animals and is commonly found along river bans and next to sources of water where it often grows out of control, and in this process kills other non-invasive plants. Giant Hogweed is incredibly dangerous due to the photo-toxic sap that it produces, which upon contact can cause blisters, burns and scarring on both humans and animals.

• Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native plant to the UK, and it is illegal to intentionally grow it. If found in the UK it should be treated by an expert, who can completely dispose of all elements of this plant, from soil to leaf, with a bio-secure solution.

• Horsetail

This weed can grow up to 1.5 meters deep into the ground and will grow out of control quickly and spread rapidly. If it is attempted to be disposed of and not done so properly, it will re-grow and regenerate very quickly if broken or damaged. This plant causes great concern to the agricultural industry as it can damage crops and destroy arable land and make it unusable for growing crops. Additionally, this weed is highly dangerous to grazing farm animals.

• The Japanese Knotweed

Known as the Killer of Gardens, Japanese Knotweed grows at alarming rates and often goes undetected. However, once it begins to grow it can cause huge concern as it can pass through concrete, building foundations, electrical cables, and piping. This weed can cause serious and lasting damage to properties and requires specialist extermination.

• Wolfsbane

Due to its impressive and some-what beautiful exterior, many people do not recognise Wolfsbane as a weed and it often is passed off as a flower. However, many people are unaware that this species of plant is highly poisonous and contact with it should be completely avoided and upon its detection it should be disposed of immediately.

• Himalayan Knotweed

Often mistaken for Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Knotweed should be identified by a professional body and in-turn disposed of appropriately upon its identification. This weed should be controlled in the same way as Japanese Knotweed and its characteristics of fast growing and the effects it has on surrounding plants and eco-systems are largely the same.

• Hedge Bindweed

Hedge Bindweed is an aggressive, climbing weed that grow up to 3 meters in height. It usually grows amongst other plants, trees and weeds and its ability to integrate with other organisms makes it particularly hard to control and remove. This type of weed can cause damage to surrounding eco-systems as it can suffocate species of plants within its vicinity, that are indigenous to the UK.

• Common Ragwort

Common Ragwort spreads via the wind and it is increasingly difficult to manage, as its spread is unpredictable and uncontrollable. Ragwort contains toxic alkaloids, which is poisonous in varying degrees to animals. Its growth and spread across the UK is worsened due to the fact that its seeds can remain active for up to 15 years, once it is carried in the wind and thus making it difficult to control and contain.

• Hairy Bittercress

This is one of the most common weed types found in gardens. This weed type reproduces and spreads incredibly quickly, via firing its seed pods into the air during flowering. Due to its aggressive and invasive nature, this weed type can quickly spread out of control and can very quickly cover whole gardens.

• Deadly Nightshade

This is a highly poisonous and incredibly dangerous plant commonly found in central and eastern England. Poisoning from this plant causes you to experience; dilated pupils, loss of balance and can lead to hallucinations and convulsions. This plant can be identified as a shrubby looking weed with purple bell-shaped flowers. Its identification is imperative and expert opinion is vital and upon ts identification it can be disposed of quickly and safely.

The invasive strains of vegetation listed above are some of the most dangerous and damaging weed types that can be found in the UK. It is imperative that upon their identification, immediate and responsive action is taken.

Choosing incineration to dispose of invasive vegetative species is a responsible, quick and bio-secure method for destroying these plant types and eliminating their re-growth and spreading.

A Waste Spectrum Incineration System is a recognised solution to eliminate invasive vegetation securely and effectively, with our Volkan 400 IV specifically designed for utilisation in the management of various invasive and dangerous species.

All models in the Volkan Range are supplied with integral secondary chambers and fully conform to EU Regulations and in accordance with the Environment Agency’s requirement guidelines for the safe disposal of non-native plants.

Trust the experts and speak to a member of our team today.