Japanese Knotweed Removal In London

Japanese Knotweed is a major problem in London. Brought to England as an ornamental plant and used as fodder, Japanese Knotweed is an invasive perennial species which has spread throughout the UK. Japanese Knotweed can be found along waterways, in open fields and in many Victorian gardens throughout London. The plant has invaded the habitats of many native plants and wiped them out. It has also caused serious damage to roads, buildings, infrastructure, building foundations and paved surfaces. It takes an experienced Japanese Knotweed contractor to arrest its growth and kill the plant.

Brought to the UK in the mid 19th Century, the Japanese Knotweed this hardy plant now grows wild in many parts of London. Its strong invasive root system has allowed it to thrive and displace many of the UK's native species. The roots of the plant can spread as much as 7 meters horizontally and 3 meters deep. This makes removing it through excavation nearly impossible. There is such a problem with the Japanese Knotweed London residents have taken to calling it Hancock's Curse. The World Conservation Union lists the plant as one of the 100 most invasive species in the world. Its rapidly growing thick, dense colonies can wipe out most other herbaceous species.


Because of the damage it does to buildings, foundations, retaining walls, architectural sites, roads and other paved areas the plant is tightly regulated and stiff fines are levied on people who plant but fail to control it. So much damage has been done by the Japanese Knotweed mortgage rates on homes in its proximity have been affected. Eradicating the plant has proven difficult for even the most experienced Japanese Knotweed contractors. However many contractors have had success dealing with it by applying herbicides during its flowering stage. Scientists in Canada have also had success killing it by spraying it with sea water. The biological agents psyllid Aphalara itadori and a leaf spot fungus related to Mycosphaerella have also shown the potential to kill Japanese Knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed is a hardy plant. It can thrive in a wide variety of soil conditions. It can even survive in temperatures as low as 35 °C (31 °F). Cutting down the plant has proved futile. New plants quickly sprout from the roots. Cuttings from the Japanese Knotweed plant is considered "controlled waste" in England and must be disposed of at licensed landfill sites. Removing it requires the skill of an experienced Japanese Knotweed contractor or someone with advanced knowledge of the use of herbicides. The concerns are very real and potentially so devastating from Japanese Knotweed London residents are seeing a rise in mortgage rates and the enactment of new laws because of this hardy plant.