Japanese knotweed in April is one of the most widespread and challenging perennial weeds to control as it exponentially starts to grow on your property. The plant easily thrives in any climatic conditions and can be spread by human and natural means.
You need to know Japanese knotweed characteristics during winter in order to take the necessary steps to eradicate it. However, it is necessary to remember that it may not be easy to identify this weed during April because this is the time that the plant begins to grow.
The most important thing to note when it comes to Japanese knotweed identification is that it exhibits different characteristics each season. In this article, we shall help you identify the weed during April.
Identifying Japanese knotweed in April
Japanese knotweed identification in April can be challenging but not impossible. It may be easier for experienced weed specialists than it is for ordinary individuals. Several plants look similar to Japanese knotweed, thus making its identification somehow hectic.
The horsetail’s young and spore-bearing shoots, for example, proliferate in April and can cause unnecessary panic.
The Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing weed during spring. However, at the beginning of April, the Japanese knotweed emerges and grows up to 2cm a day because of the stiff competition with other plants in the ecosystem.
- The weed’s first shoots appear as bright pink and are about 2cm in diameter. They rapidly grow to become asparagus-like with regular nodes.
The dark red leaves begin to grow towards mid-April; they measure about 3 cm long. They begin to unfurl from the centre to the outer leaf forming pronounced pale green strips on the leaves at the end of spring.
You will notice that the leaves alternate as they appear from the stem forming a zig-zag pattern. This is the most distinctive characteristic of the Japanese knotweed during April. The plant’s stems are reddish-brown, similar to those of bamboo.
What can be mistaken for Japanese knotweed in April?
What is the difference between Japanese knotweed and Bindweed? It is common for people to confuse the two weeds as there is only a slight difference in their characteristics.
Both weeds have large and shovel or heart-shaped leaves that grow fast hence getting uncontrollable in no time. The significant difference between these two is that the Bindweed is a climbing plant that needs other plants’ support to grow in the direction of the sun.
In areas with no plants nearby, the Bindweed climbs on the walls of structures.
The Japanese knotweed grows up straight without getting support from any plant or structure. Both weeds emerge in spring and may look similar during this period. If you are keen, you will notice that the Japanese knotweed shoots are red or purple.
Flowers can also help you differentiate the Japanese knotweed from the Bindweed. The Bindweed flowers are whitish and pinkish in colour white those of the Japanese knotweed has clusters of small creamy-white flowers.
The knotweed flowers appear towards the end of summer while those of Bindweed appear in late spring.
- Both of these plants are incredibly invasive, but the Japanese knotweed causes more destruction.
What is the problem with Japanese knotweed?
The main reason why the Japanese knotweed is the most hated weed is that it can cause significant damage to buildings. The plant’s rhizomes systems grow through heavy concrete and any place with cracks.
The weed causes the widening of the house cracks as it grows further. The plant’s roots can grow up to 3 meters deep into the soil, making it harder to extract it from the cracks of the structures.
For this reason, it is advisable to talk to a specialist as soon as you find Japanese knotweed on your property.
Knotweed removal in April
In Japan, where the plant originated, the weed is controlled mainly by weevils and rust fungus. Unfortunately, the plant thrives freely in the UK, thus causing significant damage to infrastructure and the ecosystem. Can you get rid of Japanese knotweed in April?
Japanese knotweed removal treatments are not advised during this period; there is high chance that they will be ineffective. The best time to begin treatments in late May when the plant has significantly developed.
During this time, the plant has more leaves to absorb the herbicide ingredients, thus effectively eradicating it.
There are a good number of certified weed removal companies across the UK. It would be best if you interviewed several specialists before you can award a removal contract. It is vital to know what the removal process entails so that you are aware of what to expect at any given time.
Hire an expert with an insurance-backed guarantee; this is the only way to ensure you get proper services for your hard-earned money.
Conclusion
Japanese knotweed is one of the severe problems that homeowners face in the UK. Unfortunately, there is no fast solution to this problem.
However, early identification of this weed and implementation of proper treatment by a knotweed removal specialist will ensure that your land or property maintains its value.
Want to know more about Japanese knotweed in April?
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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