Dec 14th, 2011
Tips For Efficient Japanese Knotweed Removal
The name of this plant strikes fear into many gardener’s hearts when they hear it. The most invasive plant in Britain, it resists the efforts of gardeners armed with strong weedkillers to eradicate it. Japanese Knotweed removal is possible, however. This article with give some tips for how to manage this in the most efficient way. Being able to recognise it is a key factor in being able to control and remove it, so use the description given to help identify it.
Japanese Knotweed can be recognised from its lush green heart-shaped leaves, arranged alternately either side of the stem, the tall stalks, that resemble bamboo and the white flowers it bears in September or October. It rapid growth habit also helps with the identification. As the most invasive plant in the UK, it is subject to the legal process for controlling it. The waste must be disposed of appropriately, as stated in law, It cannot be dumped, as this is an offence.
With no natural predators in the UK and ideal growth conditions, Japanese Knotweed has spread rapidly throughout the UK, to the dismay of many. It spreads by underground rhizomes.- stems that look like twigs from the outside and similar to carrots or sweet potato when broken, rather than by seeding.
The rhizomes spread underground, pushing up new plants as they go. However the plant also has amazing regenerative powers. The tiniest bit of live vegetation is enough to generate a new plant. Controlling and removing a plant with such a rapid unseen spread and prolific reproduction rate is a difficult task.
However, the herbicide manufacturers have done their best to produce products capable of destroying it. Glyphosphate, a non-residual herbicide is the recommended treatment. Others, such as 2,4-D Amine, Tricophyl or Picloram may also be used. An experiment took place in 2010 with a natural predator from Japan, so there may be a biological control as well, soon.
The rhizomes are the most difficult bit to destroy. However, if the plant is constantly cut back and the material left to dry on plastic sheeting, until dry, then burned, the rhizome will eventually be weakened and die off.
Eradicating the plant will take some time if it is widespread. Any waste produced will be classed as controlled waste, if it has not been treated and must be disposed of accordingly. If a herbicide has been used then it may be classed as hazardous waste. Local councils have advice about this and suitable disposal points.
These spread underground pushing up new plants as they go. The way it spreads is part of the problem. It rapid growth habit also helps with the identification. Japanese knotweed removal