Ground Elder Removal & Control
The overview
Common Name: Ground elder
Latin name: Aegopodium podagraria
In Detail
- The plant is a member of the carrot family, introduced to the UK from continental Europe as a medicinal plant and pot herb.
- Seed dispersal is limited and seed bank is short lived. The plant is mainly spread through transferal of rhizome which can be spread accidentally in soils. Rhizomes can spread up to 90cm a year.
- Although it can be invasive, the white flowers provide a pollen and nectar source to a range of insects in the summer months.
Who we help
We have a long track record of managing some of the most complex sites in the country and have worked with the Environment Agency on several large flood alleviation projects, as well as providing advice to the majority of house builders and developers in the UK.
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Habitat & Distribution
- Ground elder can be found throughout the UK, it is a native species commonly found in grasslands, farmland, woodlands and gardens.
What’s the problem?
- Ground elder is an herbaceous perennial species which can quickly become invasive, creating dense stands which outcompete other species.
- The plants spread via seed but mainly via underground rhizomes which can regenerate from small fragments, making infestations difficult to eradicate.
Identification
- Root and rhizome system remain dormant over the winter period and are whitish in colour.
- In early spring leaf stalks emerge from the ground producing three lobed-leaves.
- Flowers are present from June to August and are white in colour, arranged in compact umbels resembling the flower of the Elder Tree (an unrelated species).
Control Methods
Mechanical Control
Plants can be dug out but it is essential that all the rhizome is removed. If rhizome fragments are left they can produce new plants and potentially make the problem worse.
Chemical Control
Infestations can be effectively treated with herbicide whilst the plants are actively growing in mid-summer. Additional applications may be required later in the year.
If you would like a quotation for control, please contact one of our specialist surveyors. Treatment costs start from £380.00 + VAT.
Where we have worked
We operate nationwide with a Rapid Response Team on standby 7 days a week, to deal with the most urgent client enquiries.
We’re a dedicated team of professionals who share a great deal of experience. We invest heavily in the continual training of all our employees, ensuring you always have a highly qualified team working on your project with the latest industry accreditations.
Our process
1. Identify
Our first step is to identify if you have an invasive plant. For a quick ID, you can send us some photos. Alternatively, we can carry out a full site survey to confirm the extent of the infestation.
2. Solution
We will provide a range of treatment options individually tailored depending on your site requirements.
3. Quote
A detailed breakdown of costs for each phase of treatment will be provided, including on-going monitoring programmes with insurance backed guarantees.
4. Removal
Our experienced and professional in-house teams will carry out the treatment to the highest of standards to achieve full eradication. All works are carried out in accordance with the INNSA Code of Practice.
5. Treatment
A range of treatment solutions are available, from in-situ herbicide application to excavation and removal or burial. All carried out in-house by our experienced team.
