Removing Japanese knotweed permanently can be a troublesome exercise which, if not carried out properly, can be an action in futility since this invasive ornamental plant has a ‘never die attitude’ that stimulates its quick growth where no permanent removal has been successful.
To this end, it is thus 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.
Significantly, experts have identified the use of herbicides (weed killers) and burning as the two most effective methods of removing Japanese knotweed permanently.
It is on this footing that the next segment of this article will take a step-by-step guide on the two methods to enable the reader to be well-learned on what to do.
The first two steps are of general application to either method; hence will be discussed generally as an eye-opener as to what to do before embarking on using a desirable method of your choosing.
Identification and mapping
It is important to note that an infestation of the Japanese knotweed varies from one area to another based on its spread and growth ratio.
This is why any suspected growth of Japanese knotweed in an area should be identified immediately, and such an area mapped out before taking any action.
Here, efforts should be put in place to get details about the level of growth of the weed and the size of the land or property affected by the Japanese knotweed.
Cutting and removal
Bearing in mind that the canes of the Japanese knotweed can grow to heights of 10 feet and further and the roots take a similar extension downwards to the soil, cutting such canes is necessary if removing Japanese knotweed completely is to be achieved.
The rule of thumb is that cutting must be done as close to the ground as possible.
Use of Weed-Killer Method
Weed killers are commercial chemical compounds often used to eradicate troublesome weeds in various varieties. They can be readily purchased from recommended sellers across the globe or online shops, depending on their convenience.
To remove Japanese knotweed, some of the recommended weed killers used include Glyphosate or Roundup Tree Stump. For you to get the best results from such weed killers, here is what must be done
- Strictly read and follow the instructions manual for using the specific weed killer purchased.
- Always ensure that at all times you wear protective gear, which includes hand gloves and face masks when using any weed killer.
- Do a risk assessment exercise around your area and note the people, things, or environmental problems resulting from using the weed killers. Such an assessment should help devise an action plan on how to avoid the effects of the sprays. For instance, in an area where there are many children, one can consult with the neighbours to have the children and pets kept out of the area meant for treatment.
- When applying the weed killer, ensure that spraying is done directly to the cut areas of the Japanese knotweed. This should be done instantly after the cutting process without unreasonable delay.
- Avoid spraying close to any surrounding vegetation as weed killers are corrosive and could potentially destroy any plants they encounter.
- 7 days grace period should be allowed between the time of spraying and pulling out the dead Japanese knotweed. The reason for allowing such a long time is to enable the weed killer to act on the weed roots so that removing Japanese knotweed becomes successful.
- Even after applying weed killers, you need to constantly mow any remaining Japanese knotweed as frequently as possible because this will weaken it and possibly lead to its eradication.
- Re-application of weed killers is encouraged because the first time of application may not yield a complete removal of the weed unless ascertained. If possible, weed killers should be applied quarterly or twice within the same year, depending on the manifestation level.
Use of Burning Method
Burning as a method of removing Japanese knotweed has been hailed as one of the most effective approaches to eradicating the weed if done following the right steps. After the very first step of cutting the canes of the Japanese knotweed has happened, for a person intending to burn the invasive weed, the following steps should be taken:
- Complete drying of the canes and any fragments are meant to derive the weed of moisture.
- Use an incinerator with high temperatures so that the weed is subjected to high heat to ensure no rhizome survives the process.
- Transportation and disposal – the burnt substance must be transported in enclosed containers to avoid any spillage along the way. Preferably, an authorized carrier should be contacted to do this. It is important to note that no other waste materials should be carried together with the burnt weed.
- The burnt substance of the remains of the Japanese knotweed must be disposed of in an authorized landfill site that has the capacity to do so. Such substances should not be dumped anywhere as this may pose the risk of having a re-growth.
Are There Any Other Methods Of Removing Japanese Knotweed Permanently?
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.
To this end, there are other methods, such as the complete excavation of the Japanese knotweed using machines (excavators) to dig up the invasive weed together with its roots.
However, this method is deemed quite expensive as one may need to hire the excavators and pay for the weed disposal services that ought to follow immediately after the waste Japanese knotweed has dried.
Want to know more about removing 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
- This exclusive twin pack and 9L Watering Set is everything you need for clearing weeds from paths, patios and rives including areas of tarmac, concrete and block paving.
- Kills tough weeds and their roots including: Ground Elder, Nettles, Docks, Couch Grass, Japanese Knotweed, Brambles, Bracken & Ivy.
- Each box contains 3 x 8g Simple ready measured soluble doses and treats up to 75sqm. Apply at any time when weeds are showing green leaf and are actively growing.
- Sold with our durable 9L or 2 gallon capacity galvanised steel watering can with removable brass rose. Colour cannot be guaranteed. Watering can will be randomly picked and despatched.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the spray has dried.
- Kills ivy japanese knotweed, saplings, brambles and nettles to the root
- Kills up to 16 tree stumps
- Contains a reusable pipette for specialist treatment of japanese knotweed
- Kills the roots so weeds don't come back
- Degraded in the soil by micro organisms
- Unique dual action fomulation, kills weeds to the root and prevents new weeds growing for up to 3 months
- Ideal for paths, drives and patios
- No measuring or mess - just add water
- Creates an invisible barrier that prevents new weeds for up to 3 months
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
- WEED KILLER CONCENTRATE: Rootblast's strong weed killer is both super-concentrated and tough on most broad leaf and grass weeds. It's specifically designed to bring you the best results by using systematic herbicide technology. It targets weeds from the inside and kills them at their underlying roots, preventing any future growth
- GLYPHOSATE WEED KILLER: For optimal weed control, Rootblast have created a concentrate weed killer that contains 360g/l of glyphosate. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant that is used by famers. It kills and destroys the weed without affecting the crop. By using glyphosate, Rootblast's weed killer is stronger and more effective than most other weed killers on the market
- GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDE: This powerful and effective weed killer is designed to target weeds such as dandelion, grasses, docks, nettles, willowherb, bindweed, woody brambles, tree stumps, ivy and more. After applying Rootblast's heavy duty weed killer, the first signs of weed control are visible when the weed leaves yellow - this can take anywhere from a few days to up to 2-4 weeks. From this 1 litre bottle of glyphosate herbicide concentrate, you can make up 50 litres of product when it's diluted
- DOCK, GRASS & DANDELION KILLER: Alongside this industrial strength weed killer, you'll receive a pair of protective gloves as well as the integral measuring device attached to the bottle. The gloves provide you with protection to ensure your experience is as easy and safe as possible. The integral measuring device is an inbuilt measuring cup, simply remove cap and carefully squeeze the container until the cup is full
- TOTAL PROTECT WEED GARDEN SPRAY: This easy to use product is available as a ready to use tough, concentrated weed killer that comes with a integral measuring device attached and protective gloves. Use by professional garden and farmers, this product can tackle your weed problem and kill the weed from the root - the ultimate weed killer!
- For use on unwanted vegetation and areas not intended to bear vegetation
- Contains 72 g/l glyphosate for effective control of annual and deep-rooted perennial garden weeds, including grasses*, docks, nettles, willowherb, dandelion and bindweed. Also suitable for woody brambles, tree stumps and Ivy.
- Coverage up to 66sqm per sachet
