Japanese knotweed removal methods

What are your treatment options when it comes to removing Japanese Knotweed safely and legally? 

Japanese knotweed is a challenge, and one that must be undertaken wisely.  There are no easy or quick fixes to ridding yourself of this invasive plant, and with a root hiding up to 3 metres below ground, what does one do to get rid of it? 

Can you remove Japanese knotweed yourself?

Although tempting, we don't recommend eradicating Japanese knotweed yourself.  Why? Well, you may find you do more harm than good!  

Like a deadly virus, the plant can spread quickly and with little effort.  Even if just a small amount of the infected soil gets on your clothes - or in your dog's fur, or neighbour's shoes - you may find you have unknowingly spread the knotweed even further afield. Best policy is to cordon off the affected area to stop it from spreading.

What are your DIY removal options? 

If you are still tempted to take on the task yourself, here are some of your options and why they may or may not be effective:

Weed Killer 

Even buckets of average strength weed killer won't get rid of the plant.  Over-the-counter solutions are too weak, and remember the majority of Japanese knotweed lives underground, so that rhizome (root) won't be affected by the solution - unless you plan on digging up the entire root (which can cover a vast area beyond your property boundary), you will only touch the stems with weed killer.

Burning

You can burn Japanese knotweed, or at least attempt to!   Though more effective than weed killer, the method is still unlikely to prevent the plant from growing back - really!   Yes, we did tell you this was a challenging task!   Plus, if you plan to burn Japanese knotweed, you need to secure an environmental permit! 

Cutting or Strimming

Though it may be easy to 'strim' Japanese knotweed along with the rest of the garden, it would also be an extremely misguided approach!  In fact, this method would cause small fragments to become airborne and spread the plant even further afield, and picking up the pieces would be an impossible task - we definitely don't advise Cutting or Strimming.  Also, remember that it is illegal to put Japanese knotweed in your garden waste bin, or compost heap! 

Do you have to remove Japanese knotweed?

In a word, yes!  Though it can be costly both of your time, and financially as well as testing your will, if dealt with quickly you can avoid penalties.  Here's what you need to know about the legal side of things: 

• It is not illegal to have the plant in your garden but it is illegal to allow it to spread.
• Japanese knotweed can grow through property causing structural instabilities, from pipes to concrete, there is little that can stop this plant in its tracks.
• You are obliged to disclose the presence of knotweed on your property why you sell.
• If you allow this plant to spread onto a neighbouring land, you will likely face legal action. At worst, you could expect to receive a community protection notice, or even prosecution. 
• You could face up to 2 years in prison, or up to £5,000 in fines if you allow infected soil waste to spread into the wild! 

What are professional treatments for Japanese Knotweed removal ?

Usually, a professional treatment plan is dependent on the size of the plant, the location of the plant on your land, and local ecological factors. 

However, there are two effective methods that we utilise: 

Herbicides

Herbicides involve knapsack spraying or injecting the plant. This method is performed in instalments over several months.  This is a slower treatment solution than the next option, but less costly.

Dig and dump