How To Get Rid Of Japanese Knotweed

Fast growing, aggressive and persistent, Japanese knotweed spells trouble for any property. Native to Japan, it was originally introduced to the UK in 1850 by botanists under the mistaken impression that it would make for a nice ornamental plant. However, its true invasive properties soon became apparent, and it’s been wreaking havoc on our landscape ever since.If you have a Japanese knotweed infestation at your property, don’t panic – it be removed. But how do you get rid of Japanese knotweed? The team at Oliver Brown Ltd is here to explain.

Why is Japanese Knotweed a problem?

Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and aggressively, meaning it can develop from a single shoot to a full-blown infestation in no time. It has incredibly strong roots called rhizomes that can penetrate deep underground and exploit any gaps in even the toughest building materials, like concrete, asphalt and bricks. This can lead to cracking, structural instability and, in the worst-case scenario, cause a building to become completely inhabitable. 

And it doesn’t just pose structural challenges either; a Japanese knotweed infestation has legal and financial consequences too, as it can significantly reduce your property value and leave you liable if it spreads to neighbouring houses.

How to identify Japanese knotweed

The appearance of Japanese knotweed can vary depending on the season – check out our previous

guide

on this topic for more information – but there are a few key signs you should watch out for throughout the year, such as:

• Spade-shaped leaves that grow alternately along the stem

• Zig-zag stems

• Hollow, bamboo-like stems

• Roots that are orange when cut or broken

• Fast growth – up to 20cm per day!

How to get rid of Japanese knotweed 

If a property has Japanese knotweed growing, it is the landowner’s responsibility under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to prevent this from spreading to the surrounding countryside. Failing to do so could see you facing legal action or a hefty fine, therefore, it’s important to act quickly.

Japanese knotweed treatment and removal should only be carried out by professionals, like the team at Oliver Brown Ltd, to ensure total removal; even the tiniest fragment left behind can regenerate and cause the infestation to return. So, how do you get rid of Japanese Knotweed? There are several different methods available:

Herbicide treatment:

• Specialist herbicides – these are typically glyphosate-based and stronger than anything you can find at your local garden centre – should be sprayed onto the leaves or injected into the stem during active growth. This is a highly effective method, but it may take multiple applications.

Excavation:

• Using heavy machinery, the root system and surrounding contaminated soil are dug up to the required depth to remove the infestation. This must then be disposed of by a licensed contractor. This method is incredibly effective and offers immediate results, however, it is also expensive and labour-intensive.

Root barriers:

• This is a method of containment rather than removal. These specialist membranes act as a physical barrier that prevents the Japanese Knotweed from growing and spreading.

How can Oliver Brown Ltd help?

Here at Oliver Brown Ltd, we specialise in invasive plant removal, so if you’re struggling to deal with a Japanese Knotweed infestation, we can help. From the initial site consultation through to disposal, we can support you throughout the whole process, working in line with all legal requirements to ensure your property is infestation-free. 

We work with domestic and commercial customers across the UK – get in touch with us today to learn more about our Japanese Knotweed removal services.