10 Things You May Not Know About Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners and property developers alike. This invasive plant is notorious for its ability to cause extensive damage and is difficult to eradicate without professional help. As a leading provider of professional knotweed removal services in the South West, Devon and Somerset Knotweed is here to shed light on this formidable plant and offer effective solutions for its control. In this article, we’ll explore ten surprising facts about Japanese Knotweed and explain how our expert knotweed control services can help you manage and eliminate this pervasive problem.

1. Japanese Knotweed is Incredibly Resilient

One of the reasons Japanese Knotweed is so challenging to manage is its incredible resilience. The plant can grow through concrete, tarmac, and even the foundations of buildings. Its rhizomes (root system) can extend up to 3 metres deep and 7 metres horizontally, making it difficult to remove completely without professional intervention.

2. It Was Introduced as an Ornamental Plant

Japanese Knotweed was first introduced to the UK in the mid-19th century as an ornamental plant. Its rapid growth and attractive appearance made it popular among gardeners, but it quickly escaped cultivation and spread throughout the country.

3. Legal Implications and Property Value

The presence of Japanese Knotweed on your property can have significant legal and financial implications. It is legally required to disclose its presence when selling a property, and mortgage lenders often refuse to finance properties affected by the plant. Our professional knotweed removal services can help ensure compliance and protect your property’s value.

4. It Can Impact Biodiversity

Japanese Knotweed’s aggressive growth can outcompete native plant species, reducing biodiversity in the affected areas. This can have a cascading effect on local ecosystems, impacting wildlife that depends on native plants for food and habitat.

5. Chemical Treatments Are Often Necessary

While some DIY methods can provide temporary relief, effective knotweed control typically requires the use of herbicides. Our team at Devon and Somerset Knotweed uses safe and environmentally friendly chemicals to target and eliminate the plant, ensuring long-term results.

6. Physical Removal is Not Always Effective

Simply cutting down Japanese Knotweed is not an effective solution. The plant can regrow from small fragments of its rhizomes, so complete physical removal is often impractical without professional expertise. Our specialised knotweed removal services include thorough excavation and disposal methods to prevent regrowth.

7. It’s Not Just a UK Problem

Japanese Knotweed is a global issue, affecting many countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and several European nations. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments makes it a widespread concern for property owners and governments alike.

8. It Can Affect Riverbanks and Waterways

Japanese Knotweed is often found along riverbanks and waterways where it can exacerbate erosion problems. The dense growth can alter water flow and damage habitats, making it a significant environmental issue as well as a structural one.

9. It Can Grow Up to 10 cm Per Day!

Japanese Knotweed is known for its rapid growth rate, which can reach up to 10 cm per day during the peak growing season. This fast growth allows it to quickly dominate areas and makes timely intervention crucial to prevent widespread damage.

10. Regular Monitoring is Crucial

Even after initial treatment, regular monitoring is essential to ensure that Japanese Knotweed does not return. Our comprehensive knotweed control programme includes follow-up visits and inspections over a 5-year period to maintain a knotweed-free property.

How Devon and Somerset Knotweed Can Help

Japanese Knotweed is a serious issue that requires expert intervention. At Devon and Somerset Knotweed, we offer a range of professional knotweed removal services tailored to the specific needs of both domestic and commercial properties. Our services include:

• Identification Service: Accurate identification of Japanese Knotweed to assess the extent of the infestation.
• Supply of Reports for Mortgage Applications: Comprehensive reports that satisfy lender requirements, ensuring smooth property transactions.
• Effective Treatment Programmes: Bespoke treatment plans for both residential and commercial properties, using safe and effective methods.
• 5-Year Follow-Up Service: Regular inspections and follow-up treatments to prevent regrowth.
• 10-Year Insurance-Backed Guarantee: Long-term protection and added value for your property.

Don’t let Japanese Knotweed take over your property. Contact Devon and Somerset Knotweed today for professional knotweed removal services and effective knotweed control. Let us help you reclaim your space and protect your investment from the scourge of Japanese Knotweed.