Buddleia davidii, commonly known as butterfly bush, is a non-plant species known for its ability to grow in inconvenient and often damaging locations. If left unmanaged, invasive buddleia can cause structural problems, particularly when it grows in hard-to-reach areas like walls, rooftops and chimney stacks. Due to height complexities, buddleia removal from walls and rooftops often requires specialist intervention, using professional equipment to safely access and treat the plant. Buddleia removal costs can vary, but it’s essential to prevent regrowth to halt damage.
Is Buddleia Invasive
Buddleia davidii is a non-native plant species that in 2010 Defra estimated had cost the UK economy nearly £1 million in damage reparations. Today, as a more recognised problem, this amount is certain to have risen. Though, not listed as a Schedule 9 Wildlife & Countryside non-native invasive plant species, buddleia’s invasive characteristics aren’t in question. It thrives in poor soil conditions, disturbed areas, and urban environments, often taking root in places like walls, roofs, and chimneys where other plants cannot grow. Buddleia’s rapid growth and ability to produce millions of seeds make it highly adaptable, allowing it to spread quickly and outcompete native species. While it is valued for its flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies, its invasive nature means it can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure if not managed.
Removing Buddleia From Walls
Buddleia is notorious for taking root in cracks and crevices of walls, where its roots can cause structural damage if left untreated. Removing buddleia from walls requires specialist equipment and professional expertise to ensure the plant is safely eradicated without damaging the structure further. Typically, our professionals will use a combination of herbicide treatment and manual removal methods. Herbicide treatment can be applied to the plant prior to cutting back to allow absorbsion by the plant roots that will inhibit regrowth. Alternatively, after cutting back the buddleia, the remaining stem and root structure can be injected or treated with herbicide plugs. Due to accessibility complexities removal from walls often involves the use of scaffolding or other specialist equipment to reach the affected areas.
Cutting back buddleia growing from wall before treatment
PBA using scaffolding to access buddleia growing from a wall
Buddleia growing in chimney stacks and roofs
The ability of buddleia to grow in high, hard-to-reach places makes chimney stacks and roofs particularly vulnerable. Once established, the roots can expand into cracks. This can lead to structural issues such as weakening mortar joints and creating leaks. Removing buddleia from chimney stacks and roofs is challenging due to access capabilities and the risk of further damage. Our specialist technicians often employ equipment like scissor or truck-mounted boom lifts to safely access the plant at height. Herbicide is often applied first to kill the plant, followed by manual extraction to remove the roots without causing additional harm to the structure. In some cases, more complex work may be needed to repair any damage left behind by the invasive plant.
Buddleia beside chimney stack and on roof accessed by PBA via a boom lift
Buddleia Removal Cost
Several factors, such as the size of the infestation, the location, and the accessibility, impact the cost of buddleia removal. Accessing difficult-to-reach areas, such as chimney stacks, roofs, or walls, incurs a higher removal cost because the job will require both specialist equipment and expertise. Using lifts or scaffolding, whilst often necessary, isn’t always required for walls or at ground level. However, if you leave buddleia untreated, it can cause structural damage, leading to much higher repair costs in the long run.
To get an accurate quotation, arrange a professional survey. An assessor will then evaluate your property and determine the extent of the buddleia infestation.
Truck mounted boom lift
Scissor lift being used by PBA for buddleia removal
Get Professional Help with Buddleia Removal
Dealing with a buddleia infestation in hard-to-reach or structurally sensitive areas such as walls, chimneys, or roofs, demands expert attention. PBA Solutions offers the expertise and specialised equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove buddleia. This ensures that further damage to your property is prevented.
Our team of highly skilled invasive weed technicians hold IPAF qualifications for the use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and PASMA qualifications for access towers. With extensive experience in managing invasive plants at height, they are proficient in operating Scissor, Spider, and Boom lifts to handle even the most challenging infestations.
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your situation, followed by a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. For more information or to request a quote, get in touch with us today. Call us on 0203 174 2187 or 01202 816134 to talk to one of our experts.
All pictures & video © PBA Solutions