In the early 1800s, Japanese Knotweed was introduced in to the UK as an ornamental plant and, on looking at it in full bloom in the latter part of summer, it is easy to understand why – large green leaves, offsetting tasselled white creamy flowers the plant is not unpleasant or unattractive to look at.
But, it is vigorous, hardy and an aggressive plant too; taking over gardens, waste land, river banks and more, the Japanese Knotweed in Scunthorpe is strangling the natural flora and fauna of the area. Controlling it and getting rid of it is not easy; as well as harsh, tough chemicals it takes determination, year-on-year BUT, we could also be trying to get rid of it, but the methods we use could actually be encouraging Japanese Knotweed to spread in Scunthorpe…
Identifying Japanese Knotweed
Be able to spot the plant is the first step in its eradication; knowing for sure that it is Knotweed, means that the right action can be taken from the start…
- It starts to grow in early spring, sending up shoots of bamboo like canes
- It can grow in the poorest soil, hence it is common on abandoned waste land, motorway banks etc. as well as rich, fertile gardens
- By May, it can reach a height of 1.5 metres; it will have double in size by June
- It does not spread by seeds but by an intricate, deep underground root system (rhizome)
- Leaves are large, green and heart-shaped; they will be zig-zagged up the stems
- It is a dense clumping plant
- Flowers are creamy white, hanging in a tasselled formation and appear on the plant from July onwards
- From September to November, the plant dies back, leaving brown stems
Getting rid of Japanese Knotweed
If you have identified Japanese Knotweed as growing on or near your Scunthorpe property – domestic or business – you do need to take action…
- As soon as you spot the plant treat it immediately with a strong weed killer (there are many recommended ones) and use them correctly
- Do NOT place any of the plant waste in kerbside garden waste collection – this will spread the plant even more
- Neither should you put it in the main bin
- You cannot compost this plant either; its rhizomes have been known to lay dormant for many years, before springing back in to life, spawning new plants
- Do not attempt to life it out of the ground by mowing it or agitating the earth with a ploughing motion – this does not kill it, but spreads it
Disposing of the plant
This is important as there are several aspects of law that govern the removal and destruction of Japanese Knotweed waste; failing to follow these guidelines could see you facing a hefty fine.
The best course of action is to contact us; we have all the right equipment, chemicals and knowledge to not only eradicate the plant, but to also dispose of the plant waste responsibly and legally.
The plant waste either has to be dried and burnt, or taken to a licensed landfill site that deals with Japanese Knotweed.
Call us to find out more and to get a price for the removal of Japanese Knotweed at your Scunthorpe home or business.