Dealing with Japanese Knotweed

For over 175 years Japanese knotweed has blighted Blighty. Since its introduction as an ornamental plant in the early to mid nineteenth century, Japanese weeds has invaded canals and river banks, transport routes such as motorways and railways and huge areas of wasteland. In its native environment in Japan, Korea and eastern China it is kept under control by native insects and diseases. However in the rest of the world Japanese weeds goes unchallenged by nature and it's rapid growth in the summer months not only stops many native species from growing but can also wreck roads, pavements and buildings.

Japanese knotweed removal is harder said than done as even the smallest fragment of root can take hold the following season and before you know it, you'll be back to square one. Weeds are very classified as an invasive species and as such is subject to Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) which states that “if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part II of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.” Japanese Knotweed is included in Part II of Schedule 9 and anyone convicted of 'causing to grow' may face a £5,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in prison. This may sound harsh, but bearing in mind that many infestations are a direct result of house holders fly tipping the knotweed along with its infested soil on green and brownfield sites.

If you suspect you have these weeds in your garden or on your premises, it's essential that you make a proper identification (there's plenty of examples online), and contact a specialist gardening company to take care of the treatment and removal of the knotweed. Disposal is of major importance as when done incorrectly, you may find yourself guilty of an offence. Japanese knotweed removal is definitely best left to the experts and the are many local and national companies specialising in Japanese knotweed eradication, so finding one in your area should not be a problem. Bear in mind that you're looking for specialist in Japanese knotweed solutions and not just any old gardener. If it's on your property, it's your responsibility.

The guidelines for the safe treatment and removal of the knotweed are varied and complex depending on the site it's found on. Solutions are divided into three categories; long term (up to 3 years), medium term  (18 months plus) and short term (up to 18 months). As mentioned, Japanese knotweed eradication is best dealt with by a specialist company and with such an invasive species, it's better to be safe than sorry.