The Japanese Knotweed is one of the most invasive plants in the world. You can find it in your
garden, and perhaps more often, in public areas. Knotweed is known to grow through the
foundations of buildings and take over entire landscapes. This can impact the value of the
infected property severely, as most mortgage lenders will simply refuse if they know there’s
Japanese Knotweed is present on the surrounding property.

How close is the Knotweed to me?

Japanese Knotweed is widespread across the entire UK. In fact, it made the Environment
Agency commission a new app solely meant to track the Japanese Knotweed. The data they
collected pinpointed more than 6,000 locations. This kind of data could be helpful, especially for
people looking to buy property in certain areas, as they will know exactly where to avoid.

There are multiple approaches you could use to get rid of Japanese Knotweed. However, keep
in mind that this is an invasive plant, and it could take multiple attacks to control it. This could
mean:
-Killing it with herbicides
-Digging it out with its rhizomes
-Smothering it with tarps
-Cutting it to the ground

Using professional knotweed removal services – this Environet management plan can help.

Can I remove Japanese Knotweed by myself?

It’s possible to treat Japanese Knotweed yourself, but it can be quite challenging depending on
its growth extent, and very time-consuming. On average, the Japanese Knotweed grows up to
10 cm a day, and you need to be very quick and thorough with its removal. If you do decide to
remove it yourself, consider the tips outlined below.

How to permanently eliminate Japanese Knotweed

The first thing to note is that no Japanese Knotweed infestation is the same. To permanently get
rid of it, you should:

Identify it as soon as possible to help prevent further growth and damage

Cut the canes as close to the ground as possible. Get rid of the cut cane pieces from your
garden or lawn.

Apply a weed killer, preferably one based on Glyphosate. Spray it onto the plants immediately
after you cut them down. Ensure that you only spray onto the Japanese Knotweed as the weed
killer will destroy any vegetation it comes into contact with.

Wait for 7 or more days before you pull the weeds. This will allow the herbicide enough time to
get to the roots of the Japanese Knotweed. After 7 days, pull out the dead Knotweed, ensuring
that you pull out all the roots.

Mow the plants every week. To get rid of all the remaining or regrowing weeds, cut down the
plant as short as possible weekly to weaken and kill the plant.

Reapply the weed killer. Unfortunately, applying the glyphosate weed killer once may not
completely kill the Japanese Knotweed plant. Professionals recommend applying the weed killer
twice a year, preferably during the times the Knotweed thrives the most.

Consult a professional. Some cases of Japanese Knotweed are extremely challenging to
eradicate. As such, if your DIY attempts fail, reach out to the professionals at Environet to have
them remove them for you.

How to Burn Japanese Knotweed

When you remove the plant, you want to dispose of the waste efficiently and quickly to avoid
further spreading. There are several ways to get rid of the Japanese Knotweed, including:

Bury the plant and place a root barrier

Have a professional remove the plant for you

Get specialists to professionally treat the waste and take it to a licensed landfill

While all the methods listed above are popular, they all come with the risk of the Japanese
Knotweed growing back, especially if any seeds escape during a DIY removal.

All invasive plant waste is categorised as controlled waste, as they risk spreading the plant. The
most effective method of disposing of invasive plant waste is incineration, as it ensures no
surviving roots or seeds remain following the burning. Don’t forget that the legal implication of
not controlling the disposal of Japanese Knotweed could be severe.

If you’re unable to control the spread of the Japanese Knotweed in the wild, you could receive
fines of up to £5,000 along with a custodial sentence. This also includes allowing the Japanese
Knotweed to spread into neighbouring properties. As such, being in complete control of the full
removal process will be beneficial to avoid the risk of unintended spreading.