Identifying key signs of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is an often misunderstood and relatively inconspicuous weed if you don’t know what you’re looking at.

In reality, though, it is a highly invasive, rapidly-growing plant that can affect not only your garden but also your house and neighbouring yards and properties.

This article describes some key signs of Japanese knotweed to help you identify it, and also provides information on how you should go about getting it dealt with.

What does Japanese Knotweed (pictured above) look like?

• It has bamboo-like stems and large, heart-shaped green leaves.
• Immature, newly rolled leaves are normally dark red in colour.
• The plant grows in a recognisable zigzag pattern.
• In late summer to early Autumn, it can grow in length by up to 10cm per day.
• Clusters of creamy white flowers are likely to be seen upon the plant in late summer.
• Roots (rhizomes) are orange in colour, making them easy to identify if they have been cut into or disturbed.

What should I do if I find Japanese knotweed on my property?

• Always seek professional help if you find what you believe to be Japanese Knotweed.
• Inform neighbours, who may need to take action on their properties. Attempting to cover it up may result in a fine.
• Act as soon as you find out about it, as it is generally easier to remove the less established it is.
• Do not attempt to use off-the-shelf weedkiller to destroy it yourself. Doing so may make it harder to eliminate professionally.
• Burying, burning and disposal of any part of this plant cannot be done without the permission of local councils and the Environment Agency.

Upon seeking professional assistance, an on-site inspection will be carried out and a proper plan to eradicate the infestation will be composed.

It is best to ensure that the person carrying out the work hold has a certificate of competence of herbicide use, or is acting under supervision of someone who does.

Further reading

Japanese Knotweed claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Source article – Express

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