Giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, bamboo, mare’s tail, invasive rhododendron and yellow skunk cabbage can call for very different responses. We help you identify what is growing and plan practical control around your site.
From riverbank invaders to persistent garden weeds, an accurate identification is the first step. Mare’s tail (common horsetail) is native to Britain, even though it can be troublesome on a site.
A very tall plant with large divided leaves, thick blotched stems and clusters of white flowers. Its sap can cause serious skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Avoid touching or cutting a suspected plant.
We can assess the extent of growth, access and nearby water before agreeing a suitable response.
RHS guidance on giant hogweed ↗Often found beside rivers and streams, this plant has pink flowers and seed pods that can scatter seeds when disturbed. It can spread through a catchment and crowd out other vegetation.
We consider timing, the wider infestation and the risk of moving seeds when planning control.
RHS guidance on Himalayan balsam ↗Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a native plant with upright, jointed stems and whorls of slender branches. Its persistent underground rhizomes can make it difficult to manage in gardens and on disturbed ground.
We can assess the extent of growth and discuss realistic management options for the site.
RHS guidance on horsetail ↗Some running bamboos spread beyond their original planting through underground rhizomes and can become difficult to contain. The response depends on the type of bamboo, the boundary and what surrounds it.
We can help identify the issue and discuss a suitable management approach.
RHS guidance on bamboo control ↗An evergreen shrub that can form dense stands and suppress other vegetation in suitable habitats. It is a non-native invasive plant subject to restrictions on causing it to grow in the wild.
We can assess the extent, surrounding habitat and practical control requirements for established growth.
RHS profile: Rhododendron ponticum ↗Yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a robust wetland plant with large leaves and distinctive yellow flower spathes. It can spread along ponds, wetlands and watercourses and is a regulated invasive non-native species.
Water-adjacent infestations need careful planning around access, spread risk and the surrounding habitat.
RHS profile: yellow skunk cabbage ↗For broader information on invasive non-native plants, see GOV.UK guidance ↗ and the RHS invasive non-native plants guide ↗.
Send photographs of the plant, its leaves and stems, and the surrounding patch. We can give an initial view from photos and arrange a site assessment where needed.
We then discuss a proportionate method, suitable timing and biosecurity for the location. River and water-adjacent work is a particular area of experience.
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