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Guest Post – The Problems You May Have With Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed quickly becomes a problem. © Dankogreen – Flickr
If you are a keen gardener in the UK, you will likely be familiar with some of the invasive species that are damaging the habitats of our native ones. This is something that receives a fair bit of attention in the press, as well as on programmes such as Countryfile. One such rogue plant is the Japanese Knotweed, which is now said to occupy a site in every 10km of England and Wales, and is also present in Scotland [1].
This invasive species is causing problems to homeowners and businesses throughout the United Kingdom, especially in regards to structures such as concrete, tarmac, brick walls and foundations. The issue with Japanese Knotweed is the rate that it has spread, and the destruction to well cultivated gardens and even buildings.
Here are some of the specific problems caused by Japanese Knotweed [1]:
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Damage to paving and tarmac areas
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Damage to retaining wall structures
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Damage to building foundations
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Damage to flood defence structures
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Damage to archaeological sites
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Reduction in land values
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Aesthetic issues
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Reduction in biodiversity through out-shading native vegetation
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Many insects / wildlife that are dependent on our native plants are lost or in danger
Some of these will be more relevant to you as a gardener, such as damage to paving, aesthetic issues and reduction in biodiversity. In rare cases, some would-be homebuyers have been refused a mortgage for properties when this plant is present, so it is something to watch out for in the future too.
It can be highly irritating to have a mature garden with native species affected by this invader, so you will want to find a solution of how to eradicate Japanese Knotweed effectively.
What to do if you suspect you have a problem with Japanese Knotweed
Due to the spread of Japanese Knotweed, it is now classed as “controlled waste” under the Environment Protection Act 1990. This means that it requires disposal at licensed landfill sites. In short, it should never be included in normal household waste as you could be committing an offence by causing or allowing the plant to spread in the wild (listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).
If you want to verify that you have a problem, you can use online resources to compare the stems and leaves of your plant with a photo of the real thing. Of course, you may want to hire a team of experts to do this for you, as it is probably better to be safe than sorry.
When it comes to actually getting rid of the plant, there are a number of ways it can be tackled. Experts may use chemicals, excavation, biological, composting or incineration tactics depending on the scale of the problem and the location. Professionals will be able to get get of the Japanese Knotweed in a safe and effective manner, and should offer you an insurance backed guarantee as well.
Sources: [1] http://www.jksl.com/why-is-japanese-knotweek-a-problem.htm
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