IInvasive plant can grow up to 10cm a day - how to identify it in your garden
It is a fast-growing invasive plant that can wreak havoc on your garden and damage your home's foundations
As summer transitions into autumn, we find ourselves in the peak flowering season for the invasive Japanese knotweed. This aggressive plant can rapidly overrun gardens, causing lasting damage.
Japanese knotweed is known for its aggressive growth and strong reproductive drive, allowing it to quickly establish itself in your garden.
Its underground system can stretch up to seven metres (23 feet) horizontally and three metres (10 feet) deep, making it extremely difficult to eradicate and explaining its rapid spread.
Despite the stems beginning to die off in autumn, the underground system remains primed for growth each year. This means that if you don't take action immediately, it will simply regrow the following year.
Japanese Knotweed Specialists, a leading authority on invasive plant control, are offering their expertise to help homeowners identify potential problems and safeguard their gardens with essential tips during this critical period.
Japanese knotweed can be recognised by its white to cream-coloured flowers, which grow in clusters and have a feathery texture, its heart-shaped leaves that can range from 7 to 14 cm long and often grow in an alternate pattern, and its hollow bamboo-like stems, reports the Mirror.
The stems can be green, red, or purple, and exhibit a zigzag growth pattern. These stems can reach heights of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) and can form dense thickets.
The experts also advise on what NOT to do if you discover Japanese knotweed in your garden.
Homeowners are cautioned against:
- Assuming one treatment is enough
- Disposing of Japanese knotweed in household or garden waste
- Cutting, mowing, or burning it
- Relying on myths or unproven methods
- Ignoring it in autumn/winter
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A spokesperson for Japanese Knotweed Specialists remarked: "During the summer, Japanese knotweed experiences vigorous growth, reaching its peak aggressiveness and expansiveness.
"Timely identification and management of the issue during this period are crucial to prevent significant structural damage and environmental harm caused by the rapid spread of the plant."
"Professional expertise is necessary for accurate identification and effective eradication, utilising specialised techniques and treatments to prevent further propagation and mitigate costly repercussions.
"Fortunately, with expert assistance, efficient management of the problem is possible, ensuring the protection of your property and providing peace of mind."
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