Phototoxic sap
Contact with giant hogweed sap, followed by sunlight, causes severe burns and blistering that can recur for years.
Invasive species · Heracleum mantegazzianum
Giant hogweed. Handled safely.
One of the most dangerous invasive plants in the UK. We identify, treat and clear giant hogweed across the East of England with full PPE, qualified operators and written method statements.
How we work
- Response
- On site < 24h
- Coverage
- East Anglia & home counties
- Operators
- PA1 / PA6 certified
Why it matters
A weed that burns people.
Giant hogweed isn't just a garden nuisance — it's a genuine public-safety issue. Treat it methodically, with the right kit and the right qualifications.
Legal duty
Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or cause giant hogweed to spread in the wild.
Aggressive spreader
A single mature plant can produce 50,000+ seeds, viable in soil for up to 15 years. Untreated stands expand rapidly along watercourses.
Our approach
Methodical, documented.
- 01
Site survey & risk assessment
Identify the species (it's often confused with cow parsley or common hogweed), map the stand, and produce a written method statement with PPE requirements for any third parties on site.
- 02
Targeted herbicide treatment
Professional-grade herbicide applied by PA1/PA6 certified operators in spring before seed-set, with a second visit later in the season to catch regrowth.
- 03
Seed-bank management
Multi-season programme to exhaust the soil seed-bank. Most sites need 3–4 years of monitoring to declare clear.
- 04
Safe mechanical removal
Where required (development sites, watercourses), full PPE removal with sealed disposal as controlled waste.
Tell us about your site
Got giant hogweed? We can help.
Send a few photos with your postcode. Free identification within 24 hours and a written quote if treatment is needed.