Vegetation Management
Japanese Knotweed Control Methods Overview
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing invasive plant native to East Asia, notorious for its ability to spread rapidly and cause extensive ecological and structural damage.
Vegetation management is the planned control of trees and plants alongside railways, roads and other infrastructure, so that they don’t put trains, vehicles, people or equipment at risk. On the railway, lineside vegetation is managed to keep it clear of trains and overhead lines, stop trees falling onto the track, keep signals, signs and level crossings visible, and reduce leaf fall in autumn.
We deliver vegetation management and arboriculture for the rail, road, construction and utilities sectors. Our teams combine safety-critical staff with experienced arborists, and include fully qualified chainsaw operatives, climbers, plant operatives and rope access technicians, so we can provide a complete service from survey to clearance.
Network Rail’s standard NR/L2/OTK/5201 (Lineside vegetation management) sets out a risk-based approach, in which inspections and risk assessments decide what work is needed and where. Vegetation is routinely cleared next to the track, and further back where trains run faster, in cuttings and on embankments, and near level crossings and overhead line equipment. Our Ecology Services team, part of the same Managed Environments division, can carry out surveys for protected species before work starts.
Vegetation management is crucial for many clients, including local governments, rail, light rail, civils/construction, and domestic and commercial clients. Whether it is a small or large-scale project, we have the skills and resources to ensure that vegetation management is carried out safely, efficiently, and effectively. Our extensive experience in arboriculture and vegetation management, combined with our knowledge of the latest technologies and techniques, enables us to tailor our services to meet each client’s needs.
We understand that our clients need to maintain daily operations while carrying out vegetation management, which is why we are committed to minimising the impact of our services. We work closely with our clients to ensure we can deliver solutions that improve site safety and functionality while minimising disruption to day-to-day operations.
So, whether you require our services on a contract or project basis, you can be confident that RSS Infrastructure will provide you with high-quality and cost-effective Vegetation Management solutions that meet your unique requirements. Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn more about how we can help you.
For reliable project delivery, call 0330 113 0004. Led by Head of Managed Environments Ryan Spence, our experienced team is ready to help.
Crown lifting removes the lowest branches of a tree to raise the base of its crown. It gives safe clearance for people and vehicles and keeps sightlines clear, for example to a clearance of 5.2 metres over roads. Crown thinning removes selected branches throughout the crown to reduce its density and weight.
Crown reduction reduces the overall height and spread of a tree’s canopy. It reduces the weight on large branches and keeps the tree clear of buildings, structures, sightlines and overhead lines. Our arborists usually reduce crowns by 10%, 20% or 30% to limit stress on the tree.
Invasive species control and management refer to strategies used to prevent, manage, and eradicate non-native species introduced to new ecosystems that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species control is essential for maintaining ecosystems’ health and safety and preventing infrastructure damage. This approach can involve physical removal, chemical treatment, and biological control. Effective management requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation to changing conditions.
Read more: effective methods to control invasive species on worksites and how to stop the spread of non-native invasive species across UK railways.
Rope access enables our arborists to work safely in difficult-to-reach areas without scaffolding or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs). This cost-effective approach eliminates the need for specialised equipment and provides clients with a more inexpensive option, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Each team member holds a minimum of ICI, PTS, IRATA, LANTRA, or NPTC certifications to ensure that any solution given is consistent with the rules and regulations that govern the UK’s infrastructure.
Large tree removal refers to cutting down and removing trees too large or dangerous to be safely managed or preserved in a given location. In the context of road, rail, and utility infrastructure, large tree removal may be necessary to clear a path for new construction or to remove trees that pose a risk to public safety by potentially falling onto the infrastructure or interfering with power lines. Large tree removal is a complex process requiring specialised equipment, techniques, and expertise to be carried out safely and efficiently, as it involves using chainsaws, rigging systems, and heavy machinery.
Vegetation removal can include cutting, clearing, or trimming plants/trees in a given area. This is often necessary for road, rail, and utility infrastructure construction or to reduce public safety risks (e.g. interfering with power lines, obstructing visibility, creating fire hazards). It may be done manually or with specialised equipment depending on the size and density of vegetation. This activity can have environmental/ecological impacts which must be considered and managed.
We apply herbicides by knapsack spraying, spot spraying and eco-plugging (placing herbicide capsules in cut stumps to stop regrowth), and help clients choose the right method for each site. On the railway, herbicides are used in a targeted way, for example to control invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed and to stop regrowth from tree stumps where it would pose a risk. See also our guide to invasive species control.
Pollarding is an excellent strategy to keep trees manageable for their surroundings. This procedure is used to prune trees in limited spaces on trees like Ash, Lime, Elm, Elder, Eucalyptus, London Plane, and Oak that can withstand the shock. After a tree has been pollarded, we must maintain it regularly to avoid future problems. Pollarded trees can live considerably longer and develop slower than maiden (non-pollarded) trees.
Sapling supply and planting refers to sourcing and planting young trees, or saplings, in a specific location. The process involves selecting appropriate species, preparing the planting site, and ensuring proper planting techniques to promote tree health and growth. On infrastructure projects, sapling supply and planting may be necessary for reforestation, erosion control, or landscaping.
Site clearance works refer to clearing a site of any existing vegetation, debris, or other obstacles in preparation for new construction or development. In the infrastructure sector, site clearance works may be necessary to prepare the area for new infrastructure, such as roads, railways, or power lines.
Station, depot, and car park vegetation clearance and control refers to managing vegetation growth in and around these areas. On infrastructure projects, vegetation control in these areas may be necessary to ensure safety, prevent damage to infrastructure, and maintain a clean and attractive appearance.
Structural vegetation clearance refers to managing vegetation growth that may pose a risk to infrastructure, such as power lines or buildings. The process involves removing or pruning vegetation to minimise the risk of damage to the infrastructure while preserving the health of the vegetation as much as possible.
Tree dismantling removes a tree in sections where there isn’t room to fell it in one piece. A climber, or an operator in a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), cuts the tree down piece by piece, lowering sections on ropes (rigging) so that nothing falls onto property or infrastructure below. It is used for dead, diseased, dangerous or problematic trees in confined spaces.
Tree felling cuts a tree down at its base, usually where there is enough space for it to fall safely in one piece. It is used for dead, diseased, dangerous or problematic trees. Our crews use industry-approved felling methods and, where needed, crash mats to protect the ground and anything beneath.
Tree maintenance refers to caring for trees to maintain their health, safety, and appearance. Maintenance can involve pruning, fertilising, watering, and other techniques to promote healthy growth and prevent damage to infrastructure in the infrastructure sector.
Tree management plans refer to a comprehensive document that outlines strategies and protocols for the care and management of trees in a specific area. On infrastructure projects, tree management plans may be necessary to ensure that trees are cared for consistently and effectively and that their growth and maintenance will not interfere with the function of the infrastructure.
Tree surveys assess trees’ health, condition, and location in a specific area. In the infrastructure sector, tree surveys may be necessary to identify potential risks or hazards trees pose to the infrastructure and to plan for their care and management.
Vegetation control and management refer to managing the growth and health of vegetation in a specific area. Depending on the vegetation type and the management plan’s goals, strategies may include physical removal, chemical treatment, or biological control. On infrastructure projects, vegetation control and management may be necessary to ensure safety, prevent damage to infrastructure, and maintain a clean and attractive appearance.
Lineside vegetation management is the control of trees and plants alongside the railway. On Network Rail infrastructure it follows standard NR/L2/OTK/5201, which uses inspections and risk assessments to decide where vegetation needs cutting back, trees need felling, or habitats should be protected.
Unmanaged trees and plants can grow into the path of trains or overhead power lines, fall onto the track, block the view of signals, signs and level crossings, and drop leaves that make rails slippery in autumn. Managing them keeps trains running safely and on time, while protecting lineside habitats where possible.
Crown lifting removes the lowest branches to raise the base of the crown, giving clearance underneath. Crown reduction reduces the overall height and spread of the crown. Both keep trees clear of infrastructure without felling them.
At RSS Infrastructure, we strongly emphasise safety, which is supported by a robust safety culture embedded in every aspect of our work. This culture includes professional team training, advanced equipment, and precise processes. We’re also deeply committed to sustainability, using battery-powered equipment whenever possible to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
Our arborist team comprises highly trained professionals with certifications from reputable organisations like NPTC and LANTRA. All team members hold valid PTS certification, and our managers are experienced, practising arborists with deep industry knowledge. We’re also proud members of the Arboricultural Association, reflecting our high standards of expertise and professionalism. Additionally, we’re affiliated with FISA, the Forestry Industry Safety Accord, reinforcing our dedication to top-tier safety and risk management practices.
No, we take pride in employing a directly hired workforce. This approach gives us greater control over quality and safety, delivering superior client results. We also own and maintain all our equipment, ensuring safety and reliability on every project.
Absolutely. Our team includes Rope Access-trained arborists fully qualified to tackle complex tasks in demanding environments. With certifications from respected organisations like IRATA, they can work safely and efficiently at heights or in difficult-to-access areas, such as cliff faces, while achieving excellent outcomes.
We have an established track record of securing and maintaining numerous significant contracts. Some of our notable projects include the Network Rail Vegetation Management Framework for North and South Wales, the TfW Core Valley Lines Vegetation Management Framework, and the TfW Core Valley Lines Vegetation Clearance Framework. These contracts underscore our capability to deliver high-quality services and meet diverse client needs.
Innovation is central to RSS Infrastructure’s work. We constantly explore new technologies and methods to enhance our services. One example is our Aerial Saw Operations, which are currently under review for approval by Network Rail. This innovative solution uses a helicopter-mounted saw, allowing us to safely and efficiently remove branches and trees in challenging areas without requiring access roads or heavy ground machinery.
Yes, sustainability is a core value at RSS Infrastructure. We’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint and frequently use battery-powered equipment to minimise emissions and noise pollution, especially during late-night work to be mindful of nearby residents. This approach enables us to deliver high-quality arboriculture services while prioritising environmentally responsible practices.
You can contact our team of experts through several channels:
Phone: 0330 113 0004
Email: info@rssinfrastructure.com
By Post: RSS Infrastructure Ltd, Tech Block, Gee Business Centre, Birmingham B7 5JR
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing invasive plant native to East Asia, notorious for its ability to spread rapidly and cause extensive ecological and structural damage.
“The teams carried out the work scope seamlessly, on time and to programme.” The Arboriculture Division of RSSI led an 8-week long project for clients Transport for Wales/Amey Infrastructure Wales (TFW/AIW).
One way to ensure that you have skilled and qualified professionals working on your next large infrastructure project is to choose NPTC and LANTRA-approved arborists.