Understanding: How Japanese Knotweed Spreads
A Japanese knotweed infestation is a force to be reckoned with and is a problem for both homeowners and commercial property managers across the UK. As PCA accredited experts we can help you with the facts and answer the question ‘how does Japanese Knotweed spread?’.
Originally introduced to Britain in the 1840s as an ornamental plant, the Japanese knotweed plant (Fallopia japonica) has gone from being a Victorian novelty to a full blown problem. Its speed and hardiness has earned it the reputation of being one of the most invasive species in the country. Japanese knotweed was initially introduced as an ornamental garden plant during the Victorian period.
What do we Mean by Japanese Knotweed Spread? And How Fast Does it Spread?
- Underground network: Japanese knotweed has an extensive rhizome system that can go up to 3m deep and 7m wide.
- Regeneration: A 0.7g piece of rhizome can grow into a new plant.
- Growth rate: During peak season, Japanese knotweed growth can reach 10cm per day, taking over gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: It will grow in any soil type and conditions.
Whether you’re a homeowner worried about your garden, concerned your Japanese Knotweed is creeping onto your neighbour’s land (or vice versa – allowing Japanese Knotweed to spread can lead to legal issues) or a developer worried about a construction site, you need to know how it spreads. Left uncontrolled and allowing Japanese knotweed to spread can cause structural damage, devalue property and cause legal problems, including but not limited to “The Wildlife and Countryside Act”.
Methods of Japanese Knotweed Spread
Japanese Knotweed Spreads Through Rhizome Fragments
Japanese knotweed’s main method of propagation is through the dispersal of its Japanese knotweed rhizome fragments. These underground stems are incredibly tough and can regenerate. In fact, a fragment as small as 0.7 grams can produce a whole new plant. This is why Japanese knotweed is such a hard to control pest.
Japanese knotweed primarily spreads through its rhizome system rather than seeds, and the role of japanese knotweed seeds is limited in the UK because only the female variant was imported.
The fact that these rhizome fragments can spread so easily is a big problem for commercial property owners and developers. Here’s why:
Soil movement: When contaminated soil is moved even small rhizome pieces can establish new infestations.
Construction activities: Excavation and earthmoving can spread rhizome fragments across a site.
Equipment transfer: Machinery used in infested areas can carry rhizome fragments to uninfested areas.
Given these risks it’s essential to have robust management in place when dealing with Japanese knotweed on commercial sites. Our team at Knotweed Services have years of experience in developing bespoke strategies to prevent rhizome fragments spreading during construction and landscaping activities.
Animals Spread Japanese Knotweed
While not the most common method of spread, animals can spread Japanese knotweed. The seeds, although rarely viable in the UK, can be eaten by wildlife and then deposited in new locations through their droppings.
This natural spread presents a problem for homeowners, landowners and property managers. Even if you’ve controlled knotweed on your site, wildlife doesn’t respect boundaries. A bird or small mammal could easily carry seeds from a neighbouring infestation onto your land.
Additionally, removing Japanese knotweed is challenging due to its complex underground network. Disturbing the root system can lead to new ‘japanese knotweed shoot’ growth, making professional removal essential to prevent further spread.
This means:
Community wide action is key to knotweed management.
You need to monitor your site regularly, even if you’ve already cleared the plant.
Knotweed waste needs to be disposed of properly to not create a new food source for animals.
For businesses and organisations with large areas of land to manage, this means being vigilant with knotweed control. Surveys, staff training and a management plan are all essential to stay ahead of new infestations.
While animal spread isn’t the main issue, it’s another reason why Japanese knotweed is so hard to get rid of. Get professional help to develop a plan to protect your site from all forms of knotweed spread.
Human-Assisted Japanese Knotweed Spread
One of the most common ways knotweed plants spread is through human activity. Just walking across an infested area can spread it. Tiny rhizome fragments can get stuck on the soles of your shoes and be transported to a new area where they can take root and grow.
Disturbing the root system can facilitate the growth of new Japanese knotweed shoots, contributing to the plant’s rapid spread. Activities like landscaping, construction or any ground disturbance can make the problem worse. When soil with knotweed rhizomes is moved or disturbed, these hardy fragments can be released and colonise new areas, what was a small problem becomes a bigger and more difficult infestation.
For businesses this means:
Proper Planning: Before you start any landscaping or construction work, do a site survey to identify and deal with any existing knotweed infestations.
Proper Training: Make sure all staff and contractors are aware of and management of knotweed so they don’t spread it unintentionally.
Responsible Disposal: Follow strict disposal guidelines to ensure knotweed waste is managed properly and doesn’t spread further.
Factors Affecting Japanese Knotweed Spread
Japanese knotweed is infamous for its speed of growth, especially during the growing season. It can grow 10cm a day, one of the fastest growing plants in the UK. This means if left unchecked it can take over an area quickly.
For home owners, businesses and commercial landowners this is a big problem. A small Japanese knotweed infestation can quickly become a big one, making it harder to control and get rid of. So you need to act fast and effectively when you first see knotweed.
Consider:
Early Detection: Regular checks can help catch knotweed early, when it’s easier to manage.
Quick Action: Act fast when you see knotweed to prevent it getting a foothold.
Professional Help: Given the plant’s toughness, getting professional eradication services in can be a big help in managing and controlling it.
To stop Japanese knotweed from spreading, various methods can be employed, including excavation, herbicidal spray, and professional treatment.
By knowing how fast and far Japanese knotweed can spread, businesses can prepare and put in place effective measures to mitigate the risk. Proactive management and prompt action is key to keeping your property knotweed free.
Prevention and Control of Japanese Knotweed
Controlling Japanese knotweed requires thorough and professional removal. This invasive plant can only be stopped with treatment or excavation.
Japanese knotweed is classified as ‘controlled waste’ under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, and must be disposed of by licensed professionals.
It’s best to get a Japanese knotweed removal expert in to sort it out. Professional treatment is key as DIY methods are often ineffective and can make the problem worse, spreading the plant further.
Businesses should consider:
Expertise Matters: Professionals have the knowledge, tools and experience to get rid of knotweed for good, so it doesn’t come back.
Safety and Compliance: Getting experts in means removal methods comply with the law and environmental regulations, so you’re protected from potential liabilities.
Preventative Measures: Experts can also offer advice and support to put in place measures to prevent future infestations, so your property is protected in the long term.
Get it sorted and you can relax knowing it’s being handled legally and properly, stopping the spread now and prevent future infestations.
What to do Next....
Let’s quickly recap what we’ve learnt in this article:
A Japanese knotweed infestation is a nasty, part of invasive plants group that spreads fast and furious through its underground rhizome system. It can establish itself quickly and easily and is a real problem for homeowners businesses and commercial properties. Halting the spread of Japanese Knotweed should be your first priority.
Spread: Japanese knotweed spreads not only through knotweed rhizome fragments but also through animals and human activity. So even small disturbances can cause the spread of Japanese Knotweed.
Prevention and Control: To manage and eradicate Japanese knotweed you need to do proper removal and disposal. This means special treatment and excavation methods that prevent further spread and comply with environmental regulations.
At Knotweed Services we know Japanese knotweed. Our PCA certified team delivers bespoke solutions to the highest industry standards. Let us protect your property with professional knotweed removal services and give you peace of mind for years to come.
For more information or to book a survey:
Phone: 08006894146
Email: info@knotweedservices.co.uk
We promise to put you first.
