Stop Knotweed Now: Key Tips for Flowering Season!

Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10 cm (4 inches) daily during the summer.

• Acting in summer is crucial to stop Japanese knotweed from growing back
• The dense clumps of foliage make it easier to identify Japanese Knotweed now.
• The average stalks can reach between 2 and 3 metres, potentially growing as tall as 10 feet.

According to expert Japanese Knotweed Specialists, if you notice knotweed in your area, now is the time to take action. 

As summer progresses, a potential threat to our green spaces emerges. Japanese Knotweed, known for its fast and aggressive growth, is in its peak flowering season from late summer through August and early September.

Japanese Knotweed Specialists, a leading expert in invasive plant control, is here to help homeowners identify the potential problem and protect their gardens with crucial tips for this critical period.

Why is the flowering season critical?

Japanese Knotweed is most visible and active during the flowering season. If not controlled, it can quickly take over gardens and cause long-term damage due to its aggressive nature and strong desire to reproduce.

Three critical indicators of Japanese Knotweed to look out for in the summer months are:

1. White to cream-coloured flowers

The flowers grow in clusters, known as panicles, which can be 6 to 15 cm long and feathery in appearance.

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2. Heart-shaped leaves

The leaves are broad and heart-shaped, with a pointed tip. They range from 7 to 14 cm long and often grow in an alternate pattern along the stem.

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3. Hollow, bamboo-like stems

The plant’s hollow stems, similar to bamboo’s, can be green, red, or purple. It has a zigzag growth pattern and can reach 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet). It can form dense thickets that are difficult to control and penetrate.

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The underground system of Japanese knotweed can extend up to 7 metres (23 feet) horizontally and 3 metres (10 feet) deep. This makes it very hard to eliminate and explains why it spreads quickly.

Even though the stems start to die in autumn, the underground system remains ready to grow each year. Acting in summer is crucial to stop the knotweed from growing back in the future. However, if you identify a problem, deal with it promptly but professionally.

Absolute DONT’s: Homeowners are warned not to be tempted to:

• Assume one treatment is enough – Japanese knotweed typically requires multiple treatments over several years to be fully controlled.
• Dispose of Japanese Knotweed in household or garden waste – Plant spreading can happen quickly, and moving soil or plant material around can cause new infestations.
• Cut, mow, or burn it – Japanese Knotweed can grow back from small stem or root fragments, so even tiny surviving pieces can regrow.
• Rely on myths or unproven methods – Home remedies may not work well or be harmful. Homeowners should use techniques proven by science and seek professional advice.
• Ignore it in Autumn/Winter – The plant may die back during this time, but the issue doesn’t disappear. Autumn and Winter are the best times to plan and prepare for treatment before the plant starts regrowing in the Spring.

But fear not. When dealt with professionally, Japanese Knotweed can be stopped.

A spokesperson for Japanese Knotweed Specialists comments: 

“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.”

Credit https://www.japaneseknotweedspecialists.com