PBA Solutions

04/02/2026

Devon County Council appointed PBA Solutions to carry out Japanese knotweed removal in support of the A382 improvement scheme near Stover.

The presence of Japanese knotweed within the works area created a clear risk of spread across the wider construction site, making early intervention essential. Addressing this at the right stage helped reduce programme risk and support progress on a complex, multi-phase infrastructure project.

While the removal formed part of a much larger scheme, the project presented several practical challenges, including constrained access due to large boulders, additional rhizome material identified during excavation, and the presence of another Schedule 9 invasive species.

The case study highlights how resolving invasive species issues early can help reduce risk and support delivery on major infrastructure projects.

🔗 Read the case study here:
https://www.pba-solutions.com/japanese-knotweed-news/case-study-japanese-knotweed-removal-in-devon/

Japanese knotweed removal in Devon case study: PBA Solutions clear the works corridor for Devon County Council's A382 improvement project.

23/12/2025

30 years of PBA Solutions!

Built on arboriculture, shaped by invasive-species work, and grounded in practical site experience.

Reaching this milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect and, importantly, to say thank you. To our clients, partners and suppliers who have trusted us over the years; to those who have collaborated with us on complex sites and challenging projects; and to everyone who has supported the business along the way - your confidence and relationships have shaped who we are today.

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we remain excited about the future of all aspects of PBA and the opportunities still to come.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

24/10/2024

🍂Autumn knotweed produces a striking display!

At this time of year you can expect to see an array of yellow, orange and green leaves, all speckled with the look of autumn. Often, you'll see the contrast of knotweed's browning canes against the green of other plant species.

Now is the Time to Act:

✔️ Visibility: The vivid colours make knotweed easy for you to spot.
✔️ Site Surveys: Perfect conditions for us to delineate the infested area and devise a management plan.
✔️ Effective Removal: With high visibility, reduced foliage & good ground conditions, autumn is ideal for knotweed removal.

🌿 Our latest blog, 'How to Identify Japanese Knotweed in Autumn', provides all the details you need to recognise the plant. Then, If you spot knotweed, or need confirmation, we’re here to assist!

hashtag hashtag hashtag

As summer fades, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) undergoes distinct changes that can help with identification. Recognising the transformation of

05/06/2024

🌿 climbing vines may enhance aesthetic appeal, but often they also pose an invasive threat to both natural and built environments.

These invasive climbers, some of which are listed in the Wildlife & Countryside Act and some which are Species of Special Concern, challenge the UK's biodiversity and risk the surface integrity of built structures.

Our latest blog explores the identification and management of these pervasive climbers, offering insights into their complex nature and the potential risks they pose. From the expansive Virginia Creeper to the beautiful but dense Japanese Honeysuckle - capable of suffocating and toppling trees.

Distinguish between decorative and destructive vines and find out the best practices for controlling their growth to protect your surroundings.

A home, or outbuilding, adorned with foliage is often considered quaint, or representative of a quintessential countryside setting. However, many of these

24/05/2024

🌿As we mark the close of 'Invasive Species Week', let's examine the dual nature of one of the lesser talked about invasives...

🍂 Virginia creeper - a plant celebrated for its vibrant autumnal colours, yet notorious for its invasive growth. Capable of smothering an entire house with leaves of yellow, orange and red; it’s a plant that is both striking and daunting.

Classified as an invasive species in the UK (under the Wildlife & Countryside Act), Virginia Creeper is a plant species that comes with responsibility. Ignored, it can overwhelm native flora and damage architectural structures.

We address the challenges posed by this vigorous climber, from its historical charm to its invasive tendencies. And, provide advice on identification, management and effective removal.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is an attractive self-clinging climber that can be seen adorning the walls of UK houses and sometimes tall

03/05/2024

Rarely do we talk about invasive trees.

Yet, something often referenced is the common characteristic of invasive species to form a thick canopy. It’s one of the attributes they use to outcompete native plants.

So, what happens when you get this in the form of a tree?

Tree of heaven is capable of growing 15-25 metres in height, with a canopy 6-10 metres wide! That’s a significant shaded area below just a single plant.

Up in that canopy it’s producing hundreds of thousands of winged seeds. Whilst below, it's sending out suckers to spread locally and making the soil inhospitable to other plants.

Our latest blog, 'Tree of Heaven: The tree threatening UK ecosystems’, discusses the problems associated with this formidable species and how to recognise it.

Despite its misleading name, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), also known as Chinese Sumac, stink tree, varnish tree, and ghetto palm, poses a

11/04/2024

The garden aggressor not listed in UK legislation.

It's not one of the native injurious plants listed in the Weeds Act, nor is it a non-native invasive species covered in the Wildlife & Countryside Act. However, it is recognised by so many of us as a garden problem that leads many to DIY methods that include: boiling water, vinegar, or to the laborious task of rhizome removal.

It’s another example from the intriguing family of Umbellifers that includes the most poisonous plants in the country, toxic skin burners and some of our most delicious everyday veg. A naturalised invader, that’s attractive and people are largely aware of, which only really becomes a problem when allowed to gain a hold where it is not wanted.

Our latest blog, ‘How to get rid of ground elder’, assesses the common DIY methods used for the plant along with professional control and removal methods.

Learn what ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is & how to get rid of it. Will vinegar or boiling water will kill ground elder?

03/04/2024

Japanese knotweed is simple to identify! Isn’t it?

In full season, you’ll hear talk of shield-shaped leaves, speckles, crowns and zigzags. There are key pointers to look for that do make things relatively straightforward, even when unfamiliar with the plant.

In the spring, or more frequently earlier than this, with the mild weather encouraging early starts for knotweed, identification can be more tricky.

There are still signature characteristics to look for: buds emerging from crowns, asparagus-like spears and young pinkish stems with green or pink leaves. Though, in many locations, knotweed is further along than this already.

Other considerations can add more complexity. Knotweed that has been previously treated with herbicide can appear strained, or as bonsai growth. And, hybrid knotweed can display a slightly different appearance dependent on the plants that have crossed.

In our latest blog, we discuss how to identify spring and early season knotweed, simplifying matters for those less familiar with the UK’s most notorious invasive plant.

Recognise Japanese knotweed's early growth, its life cycle stage, and the appearance of spring shoots for effective identification.

18/03/2024

Russian vine is an example of one those plant species that is: non-native, has invasive characteristics, but isn’t captured within ’Species of Special Concern’, or listed as a 'Schedule 9' plant.

Nonetheless, in urban settings it is capable of quickly taking control of an area, engulfing an object or part of a building. In fact, (spoiler alert) in the Agatha Christie book Nemesis its rapid growth and ability to cover things up, was used as a metaphor. A chapter heading was devoted to it, under its scientific name 'Fallopia baldschuanica’.

It’s not a plant that rings the same ecological alarm bells as something like Himalayan Balsam, although its impact is being monitored. However, it is an aggressive species that's capable of combining with the most notorious invasive plant to produced 'hybrid knotweed'.

Our latest blog, 'Has Russian vine climbing plant become a UK problem?’, discusses how tricky it can be to get rid of, and this ability to hybridise with Japanese knotweed and produce viable seed. Should it be treated more seriously?

P.S. Thanks to Swansea University for supplying the hybrid knotweed picture in our blog.

Assessing Russian vine climbing plant as a UK problem: Learn appearance, legality, and how to eliminate it.

16/02/2024

A love hate relationship with a family of plants...

Some we eat, some have toxins that can harm or burn our skin, and one is considered the most poisonous plant in Britain. Umbellifers really do cover the whole gamut when it comes to human interaction. Often they also display invasive characteristics, with some native and others not.

Now known by the scientific name Apiaceae, they are unlikely shake off the name (Umbellifer) that describes their flower display so well. A common characteristic that can also be a problem when the stakes for getting identification wrong can be high.

Our latest blog, 'An Introduction to Umbellifers’, looks at Apiaceae common to the UK and those that, whilst certainly striking, should be avoided or dealt with.

Guide to UK umbellifers: identifying types of Apiaceae family, including poisonous umbellifers to avoid and other commonly seen varieties.

05/01/2024

Ground elder falls into that category, a little like running varieties of bamboo, where it can be problematic but isn’t listed (at least in this country) as an invasive species.

Although not native, it has been naturalised based on a long history in this country dating back a few thousand years. Whilst ground elder doesn’t raise neighbourly tensions in quite the same way bamboo can, it can be a source of frustration on land earmarked for landscaping. The problem being the aggressiveness of the plant and how quickly it can take hold.

It’s useful to be able to identify ground elder, it has some culinary uses, but also some pretty nasty relations, including Giant Hogweed and Poison Hemlock. Our identification guide provides some pointers, lookalikes and discusses the cultivated variety.

If you’re set upon redesign of an area of land with ground elder present, we can help with that and get you back on track.

Gain useful pointers in ground elder identification. Flowers, leaves, lookalikes & using ground elder leaves for culinary & medicinal uses.

27/10/2023

If you enjoy an autumnal walk in the woods, you will have likely seen the ecological impact Rhododendron ponticum is having on our native habitats. Many understand the plant’s ability to outcompete and shade out native species, but perhaps the broader ecological impact isn’t always full appreciated.

It’s a Schedule 9 plant for good reason! A plant that is poisonous to humans, animals and some insects when ingested. It thrives in poor quality (acidic) soil, can dry up bog land areas, create dense woodland thickets, and spread pathogens that kill trees. The impact on native plant recovery in locations where the plant was once present can last decades.

As we head towards the winter months, conditions are good for dealing with the plant. Better access can be gained without the dramatic flower display and the cold weather will make the leaves droop and curl.

Plan ahead and get you rhododendron problems dealt with this winter.

Expert Rhododendron Removal: Tackle Rhododendron ponticum & luteum problems. Banish purple rhododendron invasions with our trusted service.