If you are the kind of homeowner who takes a keen interest in your garden and outdoor space, then it’s pretty likely that you will be aware of Japanese knotweed. If not, then allow us to enlighten you! Japanese knotweed is what is known as a large clump forming plant, that if left untamed can grow up to 3m tall. It produces thick and wide-reaching roots that can start to spread very quickly, with only a piece the size of your thumbnail needed to create a wave.
The relentless spreading nature of Japanese knotweed has seen it become a big problem for gardens all over the country, and whilst there is no legal community obligation to solve the issue on your land, the best course of action is always to nip it in the bud, pun intended!
With that in mind, here are some of the best tips for how to deal with problems relating to the presence of Japanese knotweed.
- Here’s the problem. You might find yourself accused of breaking the law if the Japanese knotweed on your property spreads into the wild. This includes in many cases allowing it to also spread onto the land of a neighbour. Knotweed can spread underground to the extent of 7 metres.
- Annoyingly, you might also be breaking the law by simply digging up or cutting down the knotweed, as it becomes classed as waste, and needs to be taken to a licensed landfill site where there are the facilities to properly deal with it. If you simply throw it away, you are breaking the rules.
- So, what can actually be done to ease the problem and risk of Japanese knotweed?
- When viewing a potential new property, make sure to check the soil that is already there, and also any new soil that is going to be brought in so that you are guaranteed not to have any remnants of Japanese knotweed in and around your property/garden.
- When having work done, make sure to have all tools, machinery, and equipment checked to ensure that it is clean and free of the fragments of rhizome that help to spread the knotweed.
- When you have been out in the natural countryside, make sure to clean soil and plant debris from all of your outdoor footwear and vehicle tyre treads to ensure that there can be no risk of cross-contamination in your own, knotweed free garden.
The vital things are to one, dispose of any existing knotweed properly, removing all traces to avoid regrowth and two, not allowing any new growth to find a new home where it can take a hold.
If in doubt call the experts for some sound advice or a survey.
Source:
https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/invasive-weed-control/japanese-knotweed/