Wondering does Japanese Knotweed grow in winter? And what you can do about it?

Japanese Knotweed is a perennial plant that can grow in cold climates. So, the answer to your question is yes – it does grow in winter!

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Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous perennial plant, which means that it grows during the spring and summer months and then dies back down during the fall and winter.

However, the roots of this plant can remain alive all year long underground. This makes it difficult to get rid of Japanese knotweed completely; even if you are able to kill all above-ground growth, the roots may still sprout new growth in future seasons. 

How can you identify Japanese knotweed in the wintertime?

In winter, Japanese knotweed leaves turn brown and die back to the ground. The plant’s above-ground stem (or cane) also dies back, but its roots and rhizomes remain alive and can resprout new growth in spring. So if you see dead leaves or stems on the ground in winter, don’t assume that the plant is gone for good—it may just be waiting for spring.

Whilst the stems will wilt and die, the plant is very much alive
Whilst the stems will wilt and die, the plant is very much alive

Best ways to control Japanese knotweed in winter

Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant that can grow in cold climates, and while it dies back down during the fall and winter, the roots of this plant can remain alive all year long underground.

This makes it difficult to get rid of Japanese knotweed completely; even if you are able to kill all above-ground growth, the roots may still sprout new growth in future seasons.

As winter takes hold it would seem that Japanese knotweed is dying, but this is not the case
As winter takes hold it would seem that Japanese knotweed is dying, but this is not the case

The best way to control Japanese knotweed in winter is to dig up the entire root system and remove it from your property. This can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, but it’s the only surefire way to get rid of all traces of the plant. It’s also important to dispose of any root material in accordance with local regulations, or else you may risk spreading it to other areas.

In addition to digging up the roots, there are a few chemical treatments available to help control Japanese knotweed in winter. These include herbicides (which can only be applied by a licensed applicator) and non-chemical methods like mowing, burning and covering.

Once these treatments are done, it’s important to monitor the area for any new growth and repeat as necessary.

In conclusion

Does Japanese Knotweed Grow in Winter?

If you think you may have Japanese knotweed on your property, it is best to seek professional help in order to control its spread. You may be tempted to dig it up during winter but due to its evasive nature it will cover too great an area and even the tiniest piece can make a resurgence. It’s therefore better to call a professional to tackle it once and for all.

Search for a Professional Contractor in your Location – Click HERE

Want to know more about 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.

Knotweed Removal, UK

Andy Woolley is an accomplished expert in the field of invasive weed management, with a specific emphasis on Japanese knotweed. He has extensive experience researching and managing invasive species and has authored numerous articles on the subject. His deep knowledge of invasive weed control has made him a respected authority in the industry.

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Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing, invasive plant that can cause significant damage toproperty. Each plant can produce up to 30,000 seeds, which can be transported by wind, water, animals, and humans. knotweed can quickly spread and overrun an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting ecosystem functions. In order to control this plant, it is important to identify it early in the season.