How to Remove Japanese Knotweed

This plant is from Eastern Asia but originated from Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan.  Its natural habitat is on the side of volcanoes.  It was introduced in the UK by the Victorian’s to be used as an ornamental plant.  It has been thriving in its climate ever since it was introduced.

Identifying Japanese knotweed

The Japanese knotweed flowers bloom between August and September.  The shovel/heart-shaped leaves can be up to 20cm long.  Their creamy white flowers start to appear in panicles in late summer along with the bamboo-like hollow stem.  The zig-zag pattern of the stem’s growth pattern is distinct.  In the UK, it can grow to a height of 3m.  It does not produce sees because there are only females’ plants in the UK. 

In the UK, it reproduces and spreads via contaminated soil, knotweed, and rhizome (root) fragments. 

Why it should be removed

Japanese knotweed removal UK should be done because it is a contentious plant that can depreciate the value of your property.  It is an invasive plant that can quickly spread and for monopolizing gardens.  The damage from this plant can be so severe that it can damage flood defenses, walls, and property foundations.  It is a plant that grows in big patches that can push out other competing plant life quickly. 

How to remove it

In order to do Japanese knotweed removal, you will need to chemically treat the plant over a span of three years because it needs to be sprayed and re-sprayed. The best chance of removing it permanently is to have it done professionally.  It can be expensive, but it is the best way. 

You can also excavate it, which means that you remove all of the growth, all contaminated soil, and root system.  All of the root systems have to be removed because any left behind can cause a recurrence of the growth.  You can also use a root barrier to lock in or prevent the spread of the material.

Some have found that the combination method of physically removing it, then using herbicide treatment, and finally root barriers is the best solution if you are doing it yourself. 

Conclusion

According to the Environment Agency, Japanese knotweed is known as the UK’s most aggressive, destructive, and invasive plant.  Because of its powerful rhizome and root system that can extend deep into the ground, it is difficult to remove or treat without having professional help.  This does not mean that you cannot do it yourself but if you do not want to find your property devalued or damaged you should seek the help of a professional to remove it.  It seems that most who try to remove it themselves fail to do so. 

If you decide to use herbicides, make sure that you are only using those that have been approved by the Environment Agency.  It is a tedious process and one that you will have to make sure gets done each year.  Yes, it can be a pretty ornamental plant, but you just need to make sure that you control it, so it does not spread to the wild or cause property damage.