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Like any kind of plant, Japanese knotweed has early signs of growth that allow you to identify the weed before it grows out of control. Japanese knotweed has been known to grow through walls, concrete and even tarmac, damaging the infrastructure of many homes across the UK. For this reason, it’s vital to identify Japanese knotweed in its early stages.

Here’s how you can stop Japanese knotweed in its tracks by looking out for key signs of growth.

Heart-shaped leaves

One of Japanese knotweed’s most prominent features is the heart-shaped (or shovel-shaped) leaves that dominate the plant. They are a vibrant green and can grow up to 20cm long, so aren’t hard to spot. The leaves will be staggered on the stem rather than clustered, giving them more opportunity to soak up sunlight, but will be curled up and dark in colour when the shoots first emerge.

Red shoots appearing

Once Japanese knotweed starts growing, you should be able to identify new red/purple shoots that are often compared to asparagus. These shoots can grow up to 10ft tall and will quickly develop into dense areas of bamboo-like stems during the spring. If you believe you have Japanese knotweed growing on your property and you attempt to cut these shoots down, you should notice a hollow interior. If the interior is solid, it’s likely the plant isn’t Japanese knotweed.

Buds form in early spring

Japanese knotweed growth occurs mainly between April and October, so you will see the appearance of flower buds from early spring onwards. Japanese knotweed buds are round in shape and tend to bloom between late summer and early autumn. The resulting flowers develop in small clusters and are cream/white in colour, creating thick foliage around the leaves and stems.

Quick growth

As one of the fastest-growing weeds in the UK, it’s been reported that Japanese knotweed has grown up to 10cm a day in the height of summer. If you’ve noticed a plant quickly spreading across your garden and even infiltrating other properties, then chances are you’re dealing with Japanese knotweed. The rapid root growth also increases its external appearance, with the plant reaching heights of up to 3 metres in 6 weeks.

Identifying Japanese knotweed with CYB

If you believe you’ve found Japanese knotweed on your property, you can contact CYB Environmental. We offer a free and quick identification that can help you confirm the presence of this weed, even in its early stages, before discussing removal. Currently, our Japanese knotweed solutions include:

– Chemical control
– Excavation of the roots
– On-site burial

We’ll inform you of the best removal method for your situation, helping to control the plant and remove Japanese knotweed from your property. Our services extend to customers across the UK, especially to those in Japanese knotweed hotspots. If you require Japanese knotweed removal don’t hesitate to get in touch with CYB Environmental, as failing to deal with this plant could lead to criminal charges.

Read more about the implications of leaving Japanese knotweed to grow in our blog and find out why it’s best to deal with Japanese knotweed as soon as possible.

What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed, also known as Fallopia Japonica is a weed that has the potential to grow up to 20cm per day, causing devastating environmental problems. Not only this, but it can also ruin houses by destroying the exterior walls that surround the property. This can have devastating impacts on the value of the property and make it hard for buyers to get a mortgage. Japanese Knotweed was first brought into the UK in 1850- before it was known how damaging the plant can be and how rapidly it grows.

How does Japanese Knotweed spread?

It is rare that Japanese Knotweed produces seeds, but it does happen on occasion. You might be left wondering how the weed spreads so rapidly! Instead, Japanese Knotweed spreads through the nodes of green stem – water and soil is the perfect environment for the weed to grow! The dispersal of the rhizome fragments, stems and crowns make it easy for this plant to thrive under the UK’s climate. Despite being a huge problem in the UK, the weed isn’t as invasive in Japan as it propagates in a different manner. Taking the weed out of its natural habitat in 1850 was a big mistake as instead of spreading seeds like in Japan, it has learned to survive and spread through roots, stems and crowns.

Each of these infestive plants in the UK is supported by an underground system filled with stems, crowns and rhizomes which spread and send shoots to the surface. It doesn’t take much for a whole plant to grow like the weed can form a fully grown plant from a single rhizome as small as 10mm. This is why it is so important to dispose of Japanese Knotweed correctly, as it can so easily contaminate the ground by dumping it.

Where does Japanese Knotweed come from?

This weed does not simply just appear from nowhere. If you have spotted Japanese Knotweed on your premises, you can expect to find it in the surrounding areas. Try asking your neighbours if they have it in their garden, or have a look around your property to see if you can spot where the Japanese Knotweed is coming from. If you can not identify Japanese Knotweed nearby, there is a possibility that contaminated soil was dumped on your land, which could have been transferred via foot or on a car.

Can animals spread Japanese Knotweed?

Certain animals are able to spread Japanese Knotweed through their droppings. These animals include sheep, cattle and goats. It is unlikely that rhizome fragments will be the cause of new growth via droppings, however, their droppings could contain stems or canes. These can indeed survive the pass through the animals digestive system and form new growth when positioned back into the soil.

Where in the UK is contaminated?

It is to the point now where there are only a few places that the Japanese Knotweed hasn’t spread. A government-approved scheme has now been put into place to track the spread of the weed. The most contaminated areas are London, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Plymouth, Southampton, Brighton, Blackpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Peterborough, Northampton, Southampton, Brighton and Newcastle.

How fast does Japanese Knotweed spread?

During the summer, Japanese Knotweed has been known to spread as much as 20cm per day. Although we know that it rapidly spreads above the ground, there has been no research conducted on what happens below the ground, yet we know that Japanese Knotweed can and does spread through its roots.

Thank you for reading our blog ‘How does Japanese Knotweed spread’. If you have spotted Japanese Knotweed and need to get it removed, we offer removal services with a 5-year warranty, take a look at our website today.

Japanese knotweed is much easier to identify during the summer months with its large heart-shaped leaves and white bunched flowers. The real question is though, what does Japanese knotweed in the winter look like? Can you remove Japanese Knotweed throughout the winter?

One thing is for certain, Japanese knotweed does not die during the wintertime, so don’t be deceived by its dead-looking leaves and stalks! Japanese knotweed prefers to shy away in the wintertime, getting away from the cold, dampness, frost and snow. The weed is not as visible as it is tucked away beneath the ground, where its rhizome system holds on to all the energy it needs to survive through harsh weather conditions. The visible part of the plant starts to deteriorate over the autumn months, where the leaves start to fall, leaving bare canes behind.

What does a Japanese Knotweed winter look like?

As previously mentioned, what can be seen above ground is sparse, especially if the infestation is small and the weeds can be easily flattened. In summer, Japanese knotweed can grow up to 20cm per day! On the other hand, Japanese knotweed during winter usually will not progress growing unless the conditions are at a higher temperature than usual. Large spaces that contain Japanese Knotweed may however be more easily spotted. Hordes of Japanese knotweed canes can stand even throughout the wind and rain.

An effective way to spot Japanese Knotweed during winter is by looking up close. You will notice stems shaped in a zigzag pattern, growing towards the sky. These canes will have an appearance similar to bamboo in a darker shade- hollow and light. Depending on what time you catch the weed, you may also notice the remains of white flower clusters. It is important to try not to break the plant or stand on the plant when identifying them as you may unknowingly spread it to different locations.

-If you’re unsure how to identify Japanese Knotweed, get the professionals in at CYB–

I’ve identified a Japanese Knotweed winter- what do I do?

Whatever the case, do not cut or chop Japanese Knotweed down. Japanese Knotweed is extremely difficult to dispose of and you can get fined for disposing of it incorrectly. Breaking canes of the knotweed risk breaking off a part of the crown attached to the underground rhizome network. This can trigger new growth, yes, but it can also lead to new areas of knotweed appearing in your property if the fragments are not properly handled.

A knotweed rhizome fragment that weighs as little as 0.7g can produce a new plant, which is why it’s so important to call up specialists like CYB as soon as possible. Specialists can remove the Japanese knotweed using methods that ensure they won’t return. In fact, CYB has a 5-year warranty to make sure that you feel confident in using their service.

Japanese knotweed winter in urban areas

Japanese knotweed in urban areas can appear little or not at all during winter, however, these are the areas that are most at harm from the weed. They can stand as a serious environmental problem, destroying local ecosystems and causing erosion near riverbanks. Winter floods can enhance a Japanese knotweed infestation as fragments of the knotweed can get transported via the water to new locations.

Thank You for reading our blog ‘What does a Japanese Knotweed winter look like’. If you have identified Japanese Knotweed in or around your property, make sure you call up the specialists CYB today.

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.