Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive plant, and it’s now spreading across the UK. It can be found in gardens, parks and even along riverbanks. So, why is Japanese knotweed a problem within the UK and so hard to remove?
In this article, we’ll look at how to identify it and the problems that it causes which can cause the most concern.
The problem with Japanese knotweed is that once you have it in your garden or on your property, you never really get rid of it – but there are ways to control its growth and prevent further spread.
This guide will give you the information needed to identify if Japanese knotweed has taken over your property; how to spot infestations early; what damage they can cause; how to remove them from your land safely; and finally, how to make sure they don’t come back again.
The very destructive properties of Japanese Knotweed have recently brought the weed to the attention of the general public. The weed spread across the UK has resulted in reports of it causing property damage and costing households hundreds of pounds to repair.
Japanese knotweed is currently a hot topic in the news, but how many of us are genuinely unaware of the issues this plant can cause?
What is Japanese knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed is an attractive vine with bamboo-like stems and little white blossoms that was brought to England from Japan during the Victorian era.
The velocity at which the weed spreads is its most difficult attribute; each plant can grow up to an inch per day, meaning it has the ability to mature quickly across a broad surface area. Despite the fact that it does not generate seeds, this is the case.
The ability of Japanese Knotweed to produce a new plant from a root the size of a fingernail accounts for its remarkable growth. Because the plant has no natural predators in the UK, it is extremely difficult to control, and it now occupies one site per ten kilometres in England and Wales.
Japanese Knotweed is controlled by a range of pests and fungi in its native habitat, which serves to restrict its growth.
Why is Japanese knotweed such a problem?
Not only is Japanese Knotweed difficult to handle, but it’s also a tough plant that may quickly demolish structures.
Japanese knotweed has the ability to:
- tarmac and concrete are damaged
- an increase in erosion
- structures of retaining walls are damaged
- Visibility is restricted.
- building foundations are damaged
- wreak havoc on flood defences
- drains become clogged
- archaeological sites are damaged
The presence of Japanese Knotweed on your property can result in a significant drop in land value. It’s crucial to remember that if the weed is discovered on land that’s for sale, it can impair not just the buyer’s ability to obtain building insurance, but it can also cause mortgage lenders to reject any application for a mortgage on that property.
Legal issues arising from Japanese knotweed
You are not required to declare the existence of Japanese Knotweed on your property at this time, but it is a criminal offence to allow it to grow onto neighbouring property. If the plant is discovered on your land, it is your obligation to control or destroy it.
If it spreads to a neighbouring garden or public land, you might face a fine of up to ÂŁ5000 and/or six months in prison, as well as costs and damages to the land.
Herbicides are the most frequent treatment for Japanese Knotweed, but if your property is near water, you’ll need to get approval from the Environment Agency first.
Because Japanese Knotweed is classified as a regulated waste, it must be handled by a professional to guarantee that all of the plants, roots, and soil are properly disposed of. Property owners should have the plants and soil transported to an approved landfill by a certified Waste Carrier.
In conclusion
If you think you have discovered Japanese Knotweed on your land you must call in a specialist to assess the situation – simply cutting the stems can accelerate growth and cause it to spread.
It is important to understand that removing Japanese Knotweed can be a costly process, with some cases requiring entire gardens to be excavated in order to dispose of the contaminated soil.
However, it is imperative that Japanese Knotweed infestations are dealt with swiftly and carefully, in order to further damage, costs and potential criminal and civil liability.
Want to know more about Japanese knotweed being a problem?
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
