What is Japanese knotweed?
Of all the troublesome garden weeds, none are as feared as the rampant Japanese knotweed. Fast-growing and highly laborious to remove, Japanese knotweed can cause severe damage to buildings, foundations and hard-paved areas, as well as ecological damage. Japanese knotweed is so problematic that since 2013, home sellers must declare if Japanese knotweed is present on their property and an amendment to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 now includes Japanese knotweed. It’s no surprise then that Japanese knotweed has earned itself the nickname ‘Godzilla weed’.
How does Japanese knotweed grow?
Japanese knotweed was brought to the UK from Japan in the 19th century. Unaware of its destructive and invasive properties, landscapers were drawn to its masses of small white flowers, shield-shaped leaves and bamboo-like canes. It is now widespread and common across the UK. A perennial weed, its growth begins in early spring when it sends out fleshy red shoots from dark pink buds. By summer, purple-flecked canes reach over three metres, before white flowers appear from August. Meanwhile, beneath the ground, the invasive root system of Japanese knotweed is causing havoc – growing up to 40mm a day, even penetrating concrete. Roots can grow two metres down and as much as seven metres in any direction.
Why is Japanese knotweed such a problem?
Japanese knotweed is deeply penetrating and destructive, and incredibly difficult to eradicate. It needs sustained, professional treatment (possibly over several seasons) and meticulous disposal. Although it’s not illegal to have Japanese knotweed on your land, the difficulties of removing it can put off potential buyers, and it must be declared. Homeowners can be prosecuted if it’s allowed to spread onto neighbouring properties.
Controlling Japanese knotweed
While weed control membranes, such as Weedtex and Landtex from Growtivation’s Product That Works range, are highly efficient weed suppressors, they are no match for the vigour of Japanese knotweed, which requires high-strength chemical treatment. The UK government recommends choosing a contractor that belongs to the Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association, or Property Care Association.
Using a specialist contractor means that an insurance-backed guarantee can be issued if you’re planning on selling a property, or if a neighbour is concerned about the spread of Japanese knotweed from your property. A contractor can also get the necessary permissions from Natural England or the Environment Agency that may be required if the Japanese knotweed is in a protected area, or near water. Specialist disposal by a registered waste carrier is crucial – the rhizomes of Japanese knotweed can survive burning.
With 20 years’ experience in the landscape industry, Growtivation understands the needs of landscaping professionals and has concentrated on providing high-performance solutions with our Product That Works range.
Growtivation’s wide range of professional landscaping systems means we have the right solution for all common landscaping problems.
Find out more about the Growtivation Product That Works range by downloading our Product Guide and your free copy of our Landscaping That Works guide to weed control and geotextile fabrics. Our PledgeMark warranty certifies that our products are suitable for their intended use for your peace of mind and quality assurance.
To find out where you can buy Growtivation products, visit our online Where to Buy facility or contact the friendly team at Growtivation for advice on 0800 197 8885 or email sales@growtivation.com.
