Can you kill Japanese knotweed with lime? We answer this question a lot at TCM as homeowners try to remove Japanese knotweed with various home remedies. So, will limestone kill this invasive weed once and for all?
Limestone & Japanese knotweed
Limestone, marble and chalk are found in the Earth’s crust and are alkaline. Alkali, for those of us who missed a few science lessons, can neutralise acidic substances – in this case, Japanese knotweed. By nature, large amounts of lime can be harmful to people, animals and plants. So, has Japanese knotweed met its match?
Is Limestone strong enough to kill Japanese knotweed?
Unfortunately, the answer is no! Limestone is not strong enough to completely kill Japanese knotweed. However, the alkaline substance can burn the stems, vines and leaves. And while limestone does do some damage, TCM recommend you don’t apply limestone at all to the affected area, as strong alkaline can cause incredible harm to the surrounding environment – including our pets!
So, how do you kill Japanese knotweed?
We know trying to remove Japanese knotweed can feel like a losing battle. We’ve seen many homeowners tackle this monster plant with as many different substances and tools as a hardware store can sell!
However, trying to kill Japanese knotweed without much experience can make your infestation worse. This is because Japanese knotweed spreads easily when fragments chip away. So, removal methods that involve cutting, strimming, mowing, hacking, burning, treating and excavating the weed can actually help it spread further.
What is the best way to remove Japanese knotweed?
You can’t kill Japanese knotweed with lime, so how exactly should you remove it? Well, the two most effective removal methods include excavation and herbicide treatment plans, though these are jobs usually left to the professionals.
Sadly, the phrase 'you get what you pay' for rings true when it comes to eradicating Japanese knotweed. Not only does hiring invasive weed removal experts mean you can be confident you'll be Japanese-knotweed free, but it also means you can avoid possible prosecution for the incorrect disposal of the invasive species.
To talk about the process and cost of removing Japanese knotweed in your garden, get in touch with the TCM team today.
