To remove Japanese knotweed, you must apply ideal methods that have been known to be effective in dealing with infestation.
This is not a walk-in-the-park exercise, hence the need to be very vigilant and spot-on as to what needs to be done to remove the Japanese knotweed infestation successfully.
Experts across the board may argue their case in favour of certain methods being more effective than others, but it has been established that only a multi-faceted approach to dealing with this highly invasive weed brings out the best eradication results.
Therefore, Japanese knotweed treatment does not rely on just one technique but rather on a multiplicity of approaches to achieve the best results possible.
To this end, this segment will focus on the tried, tested and approved methods that work perfectly for permanent Japanese knotweed removal as elaborated below:
- Digging out the root system of the Japanese knotweed
The root system of this invasive weed plant is very tenacious and, will often grow quite deep into the soil (approximately 3 metres deep) and further wide in any direction (approximately 7 metres wide).
This, in essence, means that without stopping the growth of this root system, the infestation of the weed plant will become virtually impossible to stop because the roots form the base of the weed plant.
For this reason, digging out the roots of this weed plant makes it one of the most effective permanent Japanese knotweed removal mechanisms.
Where the weed plant is in its early stages of development, this means the roots are still weak hence, you can easily get rid of them by using home-based tools such as a shovel, hand cultivator, digging hoe, Fiskars Composite, the yard butler amongst others.
During the digging, you must be cautious enough to ensure that no pieces of the root are left in the ground.
In instances where the plant is fully developed such that its root system is deeply ingrained into the soil, you can choose to use excavators to do the heavy job for you. Excavators are expensive machines; hence you may need to set aside extra costs for hiring them.
The use of excavators also comes with its fair share of spoils, for instance, there is the possibility of having the area being subjected to excavation turned into wasteland unless proper restoration is done.
Additionally, you may need to create an accessway for the excavators to use to reach the property.
Nonetheless, whichever method is chosen to dig out the roots of the weed plant, one thing is for sure, permanent Japanese knotweed removal will be achieved.
- Herbicide treatment
Basically, herbicides are chemical products that are industrially manufactured for the purpose of treating various weeds.
Most of these chemicals, including, the ones for treating Japanese knotweed have a non-restrictive use therefore even private property owners can readily purchase them from approved sellers within their locality.
To this end, the recommendable herbicides when it comes to treating Japanese knotweed are those that contain glyphosate an example being Roundup.
Herbicides are deemed to be effective in eradicating Japanese knotweed within a short time if applied properly. Accordingly, each herbicide has special guidelines for the application that must be followed for effective results.
Therefore, it is prudent that prior to using any herbicide you familiarize yourself with the rules of application.
Additionally, herbicides work better when the cases of the Japanese knotweed have been cut down such that the herbicides are sprayed directly into the remaining plant remnant that is ingrained in the soil.
However, there are cases where the herbicide is introduced to the plant through injection as a DIY method. Once you have applied the herbicide, you must give it a time frame of at least 7 days then start pulling out the decayed waste from the ground.
As a precautionary measure when using herbicides, it is always safe to ensure that you have put on protective gear; hand gloves and masks. Safety must be paramount, notwithstanding the type of herbicide chosen for the purpose of eliminating the invasive weed plant.
- Relocation
This form of Japanese knotweed treatment approach involves the transportation of the weed plant from its area of infestation and taking it to a place whereby there is a stockpile and allowing treatment to be done in such a designated area using selected herbicides as may be befitting.
Relocation of the weed plant is feasible in instances whereby a person or company intends to have the land cleared for purposes of development or setting up a business that would otherwise be affected by the presence of the weed plant in the vicinity.
This is common in areas where mortgage houses are bound to be set up; the presence of the weed plant will greatly hamper the value of the houses or even the possible loan advancement to the developer thus the need to have the plant relocated and Japanese knotweed treatment can be administered in the zones where they have been dumped.
The removal cost of the weed plant must be met by the person intending to have the relocation done. There are various removal companies that can do this job such as Phlorum.
- Barriers
Japanese knotweed just like any other plant depends on water and sunlight for its continuous growth. Depriving the plant of such important elements, in essence, reduces its growth and in the long run, leads to the eradication of the weed plant.
Barrier membranes are puncture-resistant and impenetrable materials that can be readily purchased from sellers dealing in such products
Conclusion
Japanese knotweed treatment does not lean towards one method in isolation from the others. Experts have been clear that each method must be applied appropriately for it to give the best results.
This means that whatever approach you decide on using, you must be patient as there is no guarantee of a quick fix to the Japanese knotweed infestation.
If you think you can combine two or three methods to achieve the best results, then you must make haste to do so as this weed plant knows no boundaries once it starts growing on your property.
Want to know more about Japanese knotweed treatment plans?
Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.
Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.
The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips
Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.
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