THE SLEEPING MENACE: JAPANESE KNOTWEED IN WINTER

Winter has arrived and now that the temperatures have plummeted from our humble summer highs, Japanese Knotweed has perished for this year with temperatures dropping into minuses.

It’s now too late to apply herbicide but surely the menace dying back in the winter is a good thing?  Well, unfortunately, no. As the bamboo-like canes turn dark and dead it loses many of it’s characteristic features making it significantly harder to identify which can trick homeowners into believing the plant has died. However, like many other plants, the rhizome system underneath the ground is lying dormant throughout the cold winter months.

We recommend all home buyers to be very vigilant when viewing properties during the winter months, as property owners may have taken advantage of the plant’s dormancy in order to deliberately cover it. Usually the canes have been removed, however the crown is still visible in the ground.

During the winter months, Knotweed Services conduct off-season biomass reductions & offer services to remove dead canes which creates better access in the spring for us to treat with herbicide.

Despite the lifeless appearance in winter, there is still a chance to spread the plant if it is handled incorrectly and irresponsibly. The rhizome structure is capable of surviving freezing temperatures and its energy reserves will keep it alive through the winter months. Distribution of the rhizomes may not be apparent until little red knotweed shoots start appearing in springtime. So, think ahead! If you have Japanese Knotweed on your site or property, prevent access until it can be controlled.

We will be back in no time applying herbicide to the menace!

Japanese Knotweed will NOT control us.

Call our experienced team today on 0121 720 0695 or FREEPHONE 0800 689 4146 to discuss any of your Japanese Knotweed concerns.