Learn Why Japanese Knotweed is a Problem for Landlords

Japanese knotweed is a weed that grows and spreads rapidly. In summer, this plant emerges from stems deep underground to over 7ft. Also, it suppresses the growth of many other plants. And when it comes to eradication, it requires determination and hard labor as it is difficult to remove with chemicals or by hand.

Many homeowners don’t know how this plant looks like and in which season it proliferates. Moreover, if you live in the UK, the growing knotweed in your garden can put you at great risk. So in order to avoid this problematic plant, we have prepared a guide to help you with it. 

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese knotweed is a plant that grows rapidly and is strong clump-forming, with dense and tall annual stems. Stem growth of Japanese knotweed grows more than a meter even in a single month and is famous for pushing through concrete, tarmac, and drains. 

In the mid-nineteenth century, this plant was brought to Britain from Japan. This plant was brought as a garden ornamental, but when it started to grow rapidly, particularly riverbanks, roadsides, and derelict land, it caused severe damage to structural damage and displayed native flora.

Japanese Knotweed - 1

How Does This Plant Spread?

Japanese knotweed spread rapidly as compared to many other plants of its nature. Most people don’t know the ways that play a role in spreading it. Pieces of stem or rhizome of Japanese knotweed can be spread or carried by waterways or fly-tipping, especially after heavy flooding or rains. The clusters of this plant are often found on the roadside, riverbanks, and redevelopment sites. 

The appearance of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed has many appearances, depending on the year and time. Following is the guide on the appearance of Japanese knotweed:

  • Japanese knotweed in summer: Summer Japanese knotweed resembles bamboo though green in color with dark purple marks. Inside the bamboo are distinctive compartments that retain nutrients and water.
  • Japanese knotweed in spring: The early signs of Japanese knotweed’s growth can be seen in mid-march. This plant’s leaves grow rapidly and store nutrients in the stem.
  • Japanese Knotweed in autumn: In the autumn season, stems of this plant turn in dark brown. Leaves of this season’s plant are large and have pointed tips and heart shapes.
  • Japanese knotweed in winter: When the frost appears, this plant's leaves turn dark brown. And the cane of this plant loses its color and takes years to decompose.

Why Is This Plant a Problem?

If you have this plant on your property, it is not illegal, but as it spreads rapidly, it can damage others' property. In simple words, growing this plant on your property is illegal; also, it is against the law to let this plant spread in the wild. So it is important to take this plant into consideration to avoid any legal case. Thus, people need Japanese knotweed solicitors to avoid any inconvenience and to deal with any legal charge. 

Control

Controlling the growth of Japanese Knotweed requires you to hire an expert as it is not easy to get rid of this problematic weed. It usually takes seasons to eradicate this weed using weed killer. Experts and professionals know better to deal with this weed and can help you a lot to get rid of it. 

Learn Why Japanese Knotweed is a Problem for Landlords
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Tina Martino
 

My passion is gardening. Along with my husband and children, each year we grow a garden large enough to provide our family of five with over half of our needed produce. Besides vegetables and a small berry patch, I also focus my attention on beautifying our home with strategically placed flowers, herbs, and flowering plants. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it is a way of life.

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