There is a multiplicity of methods on how to find the best way to kill Japanese knotweed with each having different results based on its application. As soon as you spot this weed plant growing near your property, you should act fast and figure out the most effective way to eliminate it completely.
For instance, the use of weed killer for Japanese knotweed is one of the most effective methods to get rid of this invasive weed plant weed.
A multiplicity of other methods exist hence it is encouraged that only the tried, tested, and approved methods of permanently removing Japanese knotweed are put into use to get rid of the weed once and for all. Â
On this footing, the following segment will dwell on some of the best approaches to killing Japanese knotweed albeit not in their priority order; notably, experts across the board agree that for one to get the best results, it is advisable that each method is used alongside another.
The methods are as explained below:
Using herbicides/weed killers for Japanese knotweed
Herbicides are basically chemical elements that are industrially manufactured and meant to deal with various weeds in their various forms.
The tested tried and proven herbicides that have been deemed to work with effective results are the ones that contain Glyphosate in them an example being the “Roundup Tree Stump” herbicide for the Japanese knotweed.
Herbicides can be very harsh to the environment; hence because of the high chemical compounds in them, thus when using them, it is only right one ensures they are familiar with the procedure of applying them to the weed plants.
In passing, chemicals are effective if applied directly to the weed plant or the liquid is directly injected into the stems of the weed plants to allow for decomposition from inside out.
As a precautionary measure, always ensure that you read the instructions manual of each chemical before usage. Chemicals can be quite lethal to the surrounding environment and even the human body; hence taking extra caution should be paramount.
Often, for chemicals to offer the best results, experts advise that they can either be sprayed directly into the weed plants (after cutting down the canes) or, in some instances, by injecting the chemical into the stems of the weed plant.
Cutting and digging the root out.
Bearing in mind that the Japanese knotweed can grow to heights of 7 feet (2.1 m), it has quite long canes that should be cut down easily.
However, this removal DIY method requires one to be very precise by trimming the canes as close to the ground as possible and getting to the root to prevent the Japanese knotweed from re-growth hence eradicating them.Â
Further, it is important to ensure that the cut canes are taken far away from the garden to prevent them from growing again.
In some instances, where the root system of the Japanese knotweed is deeply ingrained in the soil such that after cutting it, a potential re-growth is likely to occur, you can consider using excavators to get rid of the weed plant completely from the soil.
Burning or Burying the Japanese knotweed
Burning Japanese knotweed requires the use of a micro-incinerator for the process to be successful. The aim of this exercise is to subject the Japanese knotweed to very hot temperatures to guarantee that no rhizome survives the process.
This is why it is always advisable that before subjecting the weed plant to incineration, you let it dry completely such that it is destitute of moisture completely.
Most importantly, considering that Japanese knotweed is a “controlled waste” this obligates one to follow certain measures when disposing of the waste product even after burning.
Notably, disposal is supposed to be at a landfill site that is authorized to receive such waste products and securely have them disposed of. If you choose to personally have the waste transported to the landfill site, then you must ensure the carrier containers or bags are sealable.
Otherwise, it is advisable that you seek professional services to do the job. Consequently, if the burning of the weed plant is done adeptly and, all the right steps are followed, then it makes the cut is a permanent Japanese knotweed removal method.
Burying, in contrast, does not necessarily require that the weed plant is burned before being disposed of, albeit, it is better if you consider burning the waste.
The most important thing to remember when burying Japanese knotweed is that the remains must never be mixed with domestic waste because this can aid in the potential re-growth of the weed plant.
Additionally, experts recommend that after cutting or digging out the Japanese knotweed, you give it time to decay then bury the waste using bags that are completely sealable.
Once the above-mentioned measures of burying the weed plant are followed to the latter, permanent Japanese knotweed removal will be attained.
Use of membrane barriers
One may wonder how to kill Japanese knotweed using membrane barriers but this method has proved to work if put to proper use. Preferably, barriers should be used either when the cutting of the invasive weed plant has taken place or when the plant is at its early level of growth.
Just like any other plant, the Japanese knotweed heavily requires enough sunlight and water for growth; therefore, denying it such luxury impedes its rapid growth.
The membrane barriers should be positioned on the soil surface leaving the weed plant underneath it deprived of sunlight. Heavy objects should be put on top of the membrane to avoid them from being blown away.
Membranes should also be placed on the periphery areas of the land to avoid rhizomes escaping sideways in search of precious sunlight for their growth.
In conclusion
The above-mentioned methods are not cast in stone because as the world evolves, there are always new, fresh and better ideas on how to solve any problematic matter within society.
There are various success stories on how to completely eradicate this weed plant that one can borrow inspiration from. However, it is always important to ensure that the method you chose is one that will give you the desired results.
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Want to know more about the best way to kill Japanese knotweed?
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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