What is it?
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a non-native invasive species of plant.
Since it was introduced into the UK as an ornamental garden plant in the
mid-nineteenth century it has spread across the UK, particularly along
watercourses, transport routes and infested waste areas.
The plant can grow up three metres in one growing season, usually April to
September. The stems are similar to bamboo and form dense thickets that persist
when dead long in to winter. The plant has small white flowers that bloom in
late summer and produce small triangular seeds that are dark brown in colour.
The extensive underground rhizomes produce the new shoots the following spring,
this is the main reason why Japanese Knotweed spreads, and as such, any soil
that is contaminated with its rhizomes must be disposed of appropriately and is
an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to not to do so.
The Problems
Specific problems caused by Japanese knotweed are:
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Damage to paving and tarmac areas |
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Damage to flood defence structures |
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Damage to archaeological sites |
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Reduction of biodiversity through
out-shading native vegetation |
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Restriction of access to riverbanks for anglers, bank
inspection and amenity use |
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Reduction in land values |
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Increased risk of flooding through dead stems washed into river
and stream channels |
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Increased risk of soil erosion and bank instability following
removal of established stands in riparian areas |
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Accumulation of litter in well established stands |
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Aesthetically displeasing |
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Expensive to treat |
How do you get rid of it?
Once you find Japanese knotweed on a site, it is essential that you set up some
form of Japanese Knotweed management plan (KMP). Ashtrees eradication methods
use the most modern, proven effective herbicide currently available, applied by
trained NPTC qualified personnel to ensure compliance with Environment Agency
and DEFRA guidelines and BASIS recommendations.
Why use Ashtrees Ltd
Ashtrees have extensive knowledge of identifying and eliminating Japanese
Knotweed and can help at any stage of the growth stage by:
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Identification and site survey |
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Devising a KMP |
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Liasing with the relevant statutory bodies |
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Eradication procedure |
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Viability tests |
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