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Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant that has advanced across the UK, infiltrating housing foundations and gardens. This weed is known for its ability to spread with speed and can even grow up to 10cm a day. It can be difficult to control and even more difficult to eradicate from your property, which is where Japanese knotweed removal comes in.

Whilst the plant is notorious throughout the country, there are still some unknown characteristics of Japanese knotweed.

Is it poisonous?

Luckily, despite the threat it poses to property, Japanese knotweed is not a poisonous plant. Some people can confuse Japanese knotweed with giant hogweed, which can cause severe burns when exposed to UV rays. A few cases of mild skin irritation have been reported when coming into contact with Japanese knotweed, but the plant poses no real threat to humans.

In fact, Japanese knotweed is edible. The plant can become sweet or savoury, depending on how it’s prepared, and can be eaten both raw and cooked. Harvesting Japanese knotweed for consumption doesn’t pose any risks to the environment, as there is no chance of the plant being over-harvested.

Japanese knotweed also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and has been used for centuries as herbal medicine to cure many ailments. Whilst Japanese knotweed isn’t safe for your home, it is completely safe to touch and consume for both humans and animals.

What other threats does it pose?

Japanese knotweed has been known to grow through concrete and can weave itself into the structural foundations of your property. The plant can damage the foundation by targeting weak spots and growing through them. Some homeowners who have found Japanese knotweed on their property have been refused mortgages, making it difficult for them to sell their homes and move elsewhere.

Not only this, but Japanese knotweed can also threaten native vegetation. As the plant grows rapidly and up to 7ft in height, it blocks out and shades other species of fauna, making it difficult for them to thrive. Japanese knotweed also releases a chemical substance that impedes the growth of nearby plants.

How to get rid of Japanese knotweed

CYB Environmental specialises in the removal and eradication of Japanese knotweed from UK homes and gardens. When removing Japanese knotweed, our methods include:

– Chemical control
– Excavation of the plants and their roots
– On-site burial and/or encapsulation with membranes roots

Whilst it is possible to get rid of Japanese knotweed on your own, the plant can easily grow out of control and become tricky to excavate. Our methods of removal are completed with a team of highly trained individuals, with years of experience dealing with this plant. We ensure every trace of this plant is removed from your property, so there is no chance of Japanese knotweed returning.

We understand how worrying it can be to find this plant on your property, which is why we offer a cost-effective and efficient service to clients needing Japanese knotweed removal across the UK. You can get in touch with CYB Environmental for our Japanese knotweed removal service, or for more information on the plant.

If you are concerned about a plant and think it may be Japanese Knotweed, you can send us a photo and receive a free quick identification from one of our specialists.

Japanese knotweed spreads easily across the UK through the unintentional or deliberate movement of the plant. Thankfully, Japanese knotweed cannot spread through seed dispersion, which makes the removal of this plant easier to complete.

However, this doesn’t stop Japanese knotweed from growing at exceptional speeds and posing a threat to both properties and native vegetation. This development has lead to field trials, research and studies all being conducted to help further understand and control this plant.

Can it be eradicated?

In 2018, Swansea University conducted the world’s largest field trial on Japanese knotweed, by testing all 19 methods used to control and remove this plant. Over a period of three years, researchers found that it’s impossible to fully eradicate Japanese knotweed from the UK, with the current available methods.

However, critics of this study found that researchers had failed to properly test physical methods of removal, which have been proven to be 100% effective if done correctly. By overlooking this method, it’s difficult to state whether Swansea University was correct in their findings and how accurate their claims were.

Whilst Japanese knotweed may be impossible to eradicate from the UK, sustained control and management of the plant are almost more important. Investing in various methods of removal will improve the lives of those affected by Japanese knotweed, instead of focusing on eradicating it completely.

How to get rid of Japanese knotweed from your property

Finding Japanese knotweed on your property is worrisome but can be removed. Whilst the overall eradication of Japanese knotweed is still questionable, there is no reason why the plant can’t be eradicated from your property.

Once you have correctly identified the plant, you can then follow the steps to remove it. Japanese knotweed removal can be done with DIY if the plant growth is minimal and it hasn’t spread into the foundations of your home.

Cut down the canes and remove them from your garden or lawn, then apply a weed killer onto the remaining Japanese knotweed. Wait at least a week before removing the weeds and ensure all roots are pulled out in the process. If you are struggling with this, or have noticed Japanese knotweed returning to your property, get in touch with a specialist Japanese knotweed removal service.

How CYB Environmental can help

CYB Environmental is the only Japanese knotweed removal company and consultancy in the UK, offering an insurance backed guarantee with each treatment plan. We can help you identify Japanese knotweed on your property and remove it completely.

We use chemical control, root excavation, and burial & encapsulation to help eradicate Japanese knotweed from your home. Whether the plant has remained in your garden, or found its way into the foundations of your property, CYB Environmental will work to safely and successfully remove Japanese knotweed.

Find out more about Japanese knotweed and how you can identify it here. If you are in need of an efficient and cost-effective Japanese knotweed removal service, get in touch with CYB environmental for our full range of treatments.