JAPANESE KNOTWEED
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
Japanese Knotweed was originally imported from Asia during Victorian times as an ornamental plant. Initial uses also included it being planted intentionally along railway embankments as it was thought its vast root structure would strengthen the embankment.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
As shown above JKW grows extremely vigorously. It can grow through cracks in masonry, concrete and tarmac. Just 0.7g of a rhizome can propagate a new stand meaning it can be spread completely unintentionally by contaminated machinery or even boots. JKW can grow as much as 20cm in a day with its roots going 3m deep and 7m wide
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’VE GOT IT?
There are a number of ways to identify the plant:
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Red, hollow, bamboo like stems
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Heart shaped leaf
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Dies off in September - November
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Grows in dense clumps
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Cream coloured clusters of flowers appear in July
HOW WE TREAT IT
Every job is assessed individually and a management plan is drawn up.
We have a number of treatment methods including:
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Foliar application
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Stem Injection
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On-site bund
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Dig and remove