Japanese knotweed, a fast-growing perennial native to parts of Asia, can also be found widely in parts of North America and Europe. In the latter locations, however, it can frequently be considered an invasive pest, not only hardy and vigorous, but difficult to kill. There are several things to keep in mind when you consider Japanese knotweed removal.
This plant is a comparatively recent immigrant to the Western Hemisphere, arriving within the last 200 years. However, it soon made itself an unwelcome guest. Lacking the insects and predators that kept it in check in its natural habitat, it proved to be an invader that could choke out other plants and take over large areas, and was nearly impossible to kill.
The invasive weed spreads mainly via extraordinarily long rhizomes which can be buried as deeply as 10 feet (3 meters) underground. A single rhizome may be as long as 65 feet (20 meters), and the plant can re-root or re-sprout from any portion. Broken stems are equally capable of taking root. The stems can grow more than a centimeter in a single day and become woody and tough with age.
The weed is classed as an invasive species due to its aggressive spreading and its effects on native flora. Its rooting habits are also incredibly hard on pavement or tarmac, and it can even creep into buildings if it is not controlled. Limiting the spread of the species or removing existing growths of it should not be delayed.
The weed is not impossible to remove through natural means, but it is a painstaking and time-consuming task. If the patch is isolated, the stems can be cut or pulled repeatedly until the plant's root stores of nutrients have been used up. All stems removed this way should be gathered away from direct contact with the ground and thoroughly dried, to prevent spreading. Digging up the rhizomes is not only very difficult due to the depth of the root system, but excavation can cause the rhizomes to be broken into small pieces, each of which is capable of producing a new plant. Soil which has been contaminated by a knotweed infestation should be treated with absolute care to prevent further invasive activity.
Chemical weedkillers can be dangerous to livestock or pets, but remain a viable and faster option to destroy this invasive plant. Herbicides can be sprayed on the leaves or injected into the cut stems at higher concentration. Injection works best with chemicals that will be carried into the rhizomes to kill the weed at its source, and can be used in situations where there are surrounding plants the gardener wishes to preserve. In this plant's native environment, there are many insects and fungi that keep it in check, but there has not been sufficient research to allow releasing many of these natural predators into North American or European growth.
If you are looking at Japanese knotweed removal, you should remember to check local laws and ordinances to learn whether it is listed as an invasive species in your area. If it is, you should dispose of cut stems and contaminated dirt according to regional regulations. You may also find local groups that can offer tips or help with handling this pesky weed.
This plant is a comparatively recent immigrant to the Western Hemisphere, arriving within the last 200 years. However, it soon made itself an unwelcome guest. Lacking the insects and predators that kept it in check in its natural habitat, it proved to be an invader that could choke out other plants and take over large areas, and was nearly impossible to kill.
The invasive weed spreads mainly via extraordinarily long rhizomes which can be buried as deeply as 10 feet (3 meters) underground. A single rhizome may be as long as 65 feet (20 meters), and the plant can re-root or re-sprout from any portion. Broken stems are equally capable of taking root. The stems can grow more than a centimeter in a single day and become woody and tough with age.
The weed is classed as an invasive species due to its aggressive spreading and its effects on native flora. Its rooting habits are also incredibly hard on pavement or tarmac, and it can even creep into buildings if it is not controlled. Limiting the spread of the species or removing existing growths of it should not be delayed.
The weed is not impossible to remove through natural means, but it is a painstaking and time-consuming task. If the patch is isolated, the stems can be cut or pulled repeatedly until the plant's root stores of nutrients have been used up. All stems removed this way should be gathered away from direct contact with the ground and thoroughly dried, to prevent spreading. Digging up the rhizomes is not only very difficult due to the depth of the root system, but excavation can cause the rhizomes to be broken into small pieces, each of which is capable of producing a new plant. Soil which has been contaminated by a knotweed infestation should be treated with absolute care to prevent further invasive activity.
Chemical weedkillers can be dangerous to livestock or pets, but remain a viable and faster option to destroy this invasive plant. Herbicides can be sprayed on the leaves or injected into the cut stems at higher concentration. Injection works best with chemicals that will be carried into the rhizomes to kill the weed at its source, and can be used in situations where there are surrounding plants the gardener wishes to preserve. In this plant's native environment, there are many insects and fungi that keep it in check, but there has not been sufficient research to allow releasing many of these natural predators into North American or European growth.
If you are looking at Japanese knotweed removal, you should remember to check local laws and ordinances to learn whether it is listed as an invasive species in your area. If it is, you should dispose of cut stems and contaminated dirt according to regional regulations. You may also find local groups that can offer tips or help with handling this pesky weed.
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Removing the plant can be done through a variety of means that you need to know about. Japanese knotweed removal Many people have found that the best herbicide to get would be one that has glyphosate as the main ingredient. This plant has been listed as one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the UK and USA. Japanese knotweed removal. Unique version for reprint here: An Overview Of Japanese Knotweed Removal.
