What Is Japanese Knotweed And Why Is It A Problem?

Japanese knotweed is a giant weed that grows at a rate of up to 10cm per day in any type of soil

. In Scotland and Britain today, Japanese knotweed has become one of the most invasive and destructive plants known within our gardens and countryside.

Japanese knotweed originated in Asia where it thrived on waste ground and on its natural habitat on the side of volcanoes. It was introduced to Britain by the Victorians as an ornamental plant in the 19th century however; it was also used as a feed crop for cattle. With no natural enemies to check its spread, the plant in Scotland and the UK has flourished to extreme proportions.

Why is Japanese knotweed a problem?

Japanese knotweed has no natural enemies in Scotland and the UK. In its native Asia the plant is controlled by fungus and insects. Due to the lack of natural control and the speed of growth, Japanese knotweed competes and generally forces out other native plant species that cannot compete with the tall summer growth or the thick mulch of decaying canes and leaves in the winter

Japanese knotweed can grow up to 10cm per day and because of this rapacious growth it has been known to cause damage to building structures and substructures. Typical damage includes:

"Damage to tarmac and paving areas

"Damage to building foundations

"Damage to retaining wall structures

"Reduction in property values

The knotweed exploits weakness in building structures as a result of its rapid growth. With the ability to grow through walls, tarmac and concrete it is no wonder that property owners should be concerned if they find Japanese knotweed on their property.

How do I remove Japanese knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed treatment relies on both the treatment of the foliage growing out of the soil and the extensive root system that grows under the soil. Due to the plants aggressive nature and how quickly it grows, it can sometimes take years to kill off. Put simply, the sooner you discover that you have Japanese knotweed, the sooner you should invest in Japanese knotweed treatment.

Herbicide spray

The herbicide spray is often the most efficient and cost effective Japanese knotweed treatment option for the control of Japanese knotweed.

Excavation & removal

If there are no other alternatives then excavating Japanese knotweed infested soil to a landfill site is an effective Japanese knotweed treatment option.

Japanese knotweed barrier

A root barrier can be installed which will encapsulate the Japanese knotweed on site. This is particularly useful if a neighbour has Japanese knotweed that is close to encroaching on your land but they do not want to pay for Japanese knotweed treatment.

Japanese knotweed sifting

Soil sifting is when all the Japanese knotweed infested soil onsite is mechanically excavated and then sifted through to separate the parts of the weed from the soil.

by: Charlie Douglas

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