London: 0203 095 7671 Bath/Bristol: 0117 428 8992 Swansea: 0292 167 1826
info@cyb-environmental.com

Blog

Mar 12
1
japanese knotweed removal swansea

What Damage Can Japanese Knotweed Cause?

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

During the spring and summer months, Japanese knotweed has been reported to grow as quickly as 10cm a day. However, there is no research to support how fast it spreads underneath the ground.

Japanese Knotweed has an extensive underground rhizome system that can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep. The spread of Japanese knotweed can be increased by the breakage or disturbance of the ground and the spreading of the plant to new areas of the garden or site. Due to this extensive underground growth, it can be a difficult job removing Japanese Knotweed Remove: (and a costly one to be exact).

Japanese Knotweed infested soil cannot be disposed of in general waste, Japanese Knotweed material needs to be taken to a licensed landfill using certified haulage vehicles.

How Japanese Knotweed Causes Damage

Japanese Knotweed is a self-propagating plant, meaning that it spreads and grows from fragments of the plant itself. This makes the control of the plant very difficult, especially when homeowners and neighbours have been cutting it back without realising, accidentally spreading the Knotweed in the process.

Japanese Knotweed thrives in non-restricted areas and open areas such as fields, rivers and railways if the plant is not being disturbed. Allowing it to spread rapidly and outgrow other plant species. Japanese Knotweed affects ecosystems by crowding out native vegetation and limiting plant and animal species diversity. It also has the potential to affect water quality and has an impending flood risk. Aquatic organisms are less able to process knotweed leaf litter compared with the native vegetation it displaces and this has the potential to alter food chains.

Japanese knotweed has a vast underground rhizome system that can spread and grow rapidly, blocking drains, cracking tarmac and damaging foundations. The plant can grow through thin cracks in walls and slabs, causing the wall to collapse due the friction and movement of the plant.

For any queries on the above or if you would like a free identification of a potential Japanese Knotweed plant, please contact us at info@cyb-environmental.com

Mar 04
0

How Do You Eradicate Japanese Knotweed?

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

It is widely written and a common misconception that Japanese Knotweed can be eradicated from a site if placed under a herbicide treatment plan. Unfortunately, this is not the case! Although the Japanese Knotweed growth may seem to have stopped growing after herbicide treatment, it is in fact, in a state of forced dormancy. Movement of the soil could invigorate more growth meaning the herbicide programme would have to be re-started! Herbicide application is not regarded as an ‘eradication’ technique and we would suggest speaking to a specialist before any development is started, regardless of the number of years the Japanese Knotweed has been dormant or under treatment.

The Difficulties Of Removing Japanese Knotweed

Eradicating Japanese Knotweed is notoriously extremely difficult. The only way to totally eradicate the plant is to remove all infested soil from the area including the whole rhizome structure. You do not want to leave any behind! The process on site in principle is simple: follow and remove all underground rhizome growths until the root structure of the plant is no longer visible. Completing this task sounds easy but can be extremely difficult when you factor in the expansive coverage of ground that Japanese Knotweed can infest, along with the licencing which is required to legally dispose of the material.

The complete eradication and removal of Japanese Knotweed can be costly, but this is the only method to ensure no growth remains on site and building works or garden maintenance can be carried out without the major risks of future damage and spread. Without the removal of this problem species, homeowners are risking spreading the growth around their property, along with fines if disposed of illegally.

For any queries on the above or if you would like a free identification of a potential Japanese Knotweed plant, please contact us at info@cyb-environmental.com

Feb 28
0
gardening gloves japanese knotweed removal uk - london cardiff bristol

How To Kill Japanese Knotweed

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive, non-native plant and is considered one of the most problematic plant species in the UK and Ireland. Japanese knotweed is extremely hardy and can cope under stressful conditions, where other species would not. This being the case, Japanese Knotweed does not give up easily and killing it can be something that is best left to the professionals!

Methods Of Eradication

The only way to eradicate Japanese Knotweed is to completely remove the plant and its rhizomes from the ground and disposing of in a licenced landfill. Some believe that if they remove the above-ground growth, then the plant will die. This is not the case. The above-ground growth of Japanese Knotweed can be removed and incinerated at a licenced facility, however, this will not kill the plants underground growth and the plant will continue to grow. Japanese Knotweed has an extensive underground rhizome system that can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep, this can make it extremely hard to kill on site.

After establishing that the only way to ‘kill’ Japanese Knotweed is to completely remove all of the infested soil and take it off-site to a licensed landfill, what else can be done to control Japanese Knotweed? The most popular and cost-effective method of dealing with Japanese Knotweed is to control its growth through persistent but monitored herbicide application. Herbicide application is a good way to control the plant and place it into a forced dormancy underground – stopping it from growing and spreading. Applying herbicide to the leaves of the plant at specific times of the year and by a trained professional, allows the herbicide to travel to the root of the plant via photosynthesis.

Japanese Knotweed certified surveyors will be able to determine the amount of chemical to use depending on the maturity and extent of the growth. This will ensure that the growth does not get ‘flooded’ with chemical and receives the correct amount to have the greatest long-term effect. If the chemical is over-applied to the leaves of the Japanese Knotweed plant, an adverse effect can happen which affects our ability to control the growth. If over application occurs, the plant will have an adverse reaction, but not one you want to see! You will see the plant begin to form smaller, triangular-shaped leaves and in much greater numbers than before. These new leaves have a much smaller percentage of coverage compared to healthy leaves, therefore, we can get far less herbicide onto the leaves and gaining control is very difficult, sometimes impossible. This type of growth is called ‘Bonsai growth’ and herbicide control is difficult, sometimes impossible and would require full removal.

We would suggest that Japanese Knotweed treatment is completed by a certified professional for best results and would never advise anyone to attempt themselves. It is important to instruct a PCA Accredited company such as CYB Environmental to put an herbicide treatment programme in place and ensure that the growth is treated properly, professionally and with the potential of providing an Insurance Backed Guarantee for lending purposes in the future.

For any queries on the above or if you would like a free identification of a potential Japanese Knotweed plant, please contact us at info@cyb-environmental.com

Feb 21
0

How To Correctly Identify Japanese Knotweed

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive non-native plant pest and is considered one of the most problematic plant species in the UK and Ireland. This is mainly due to its highly invasive nature and its extremely rapid growth rate. The species was introduced to Britain in mid-19th century as an ornamental plant for large gardens, prized due to its imposing size and sprays of creamy white flowers.

Identifying Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed plants have a Creamy white colour, 0.5cm wide. It forms clustered panicles that can grow to 10cm and bloom in the very late summer around August/September time. The stem of the plant grows in zig-zag pattern, with green, purple and red speckles visible on the cane itself. The cane is hollow and grows to 2-3 metres in height. Can Grow up to 2cm a day. Japanese Knotweed leaves are a light green with red or purple flecks. Heart or shovel-shaped with a pointed tip and shoots out from nodes in a zig-zag pattern. New leaves are rolled up with dark red veins, mature leaves can grow up to 20cm. Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10cm per day during late spring / early summer, with the plant typically growing up to 2.1m (7ft) but can grow up to 3m (9.8ft).

Japanese Knotweed is a self-propagating plant, meaning that it spreads and grows from fragments of the plant itself. Japanese Knotweed has an extensive underground rhizome system and if you were to snap a piece of the rhizome you would see that inside of Japanese Knotweed rhizome is a bright orange colour and this is how we are able to determine whether plant is in fact Japanese Knotweed.

Dead canes of Japanese Knotweed can also be mistaken for doc plants and vice versa, with the dead cane looking woody. Mature canes of Japanese Knotweed are thick and strong like bamboo.

For any queries on the above or if you would like a free identification of a potential Japanese Knotweed plant, please contact us at info@cyb-environmental.com

Feb 18
0
how fast does japanese knotweed grow?

How Fast Does Japanese Knotweed Grow?

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive non-native plant pest and is considered one of the most problematic plant species in the UK and Ireland. This is mainly due to its highly invasive nature and its extremely rapid growth rate. The species was introduced to Britain in mid-19th century as an ornamental plant for large gardens, prized due to its imposing size and sprays of creamy white flowers.

Japanese Knotweed’s Rapid Growth Patterns

During the spring and summer months, Japanese knotweed has been reported to grow as quickly as 10cm a day. However, there is no research to support how fast it spreads underneath the ground. Japanese Knotweed has an extensive underground rhizome system that can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep. However, from experience, underground rhizome growths reach approximately 2m in depth and width. Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 0.3 – 0.4 metres per week, meaning that in just 10 weeks a cane of the plant can reach up to 3-4 metres.

The spread of Japanese knotweed can be increased by the breakage or disturbance of the ground. This is why it is important to underline the future plans of a site and to establish what method of treatment should be put in place prior to works. Laws are in place to prevent the spread of the highly invasive plant: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – “You must not facilitate the spread of Japanese Knotweed in the wild.” Failure to comply with the act could result in large fines.

Why Japanese Knotweed Is Hard To Eradicate

Japanese Knotweed is a self-propagating plant, meaning that it spreads and grows from fragments of the plant itself. A common mistake is to trim the plant once it is overgrown and put the fragments in common waste. Japanese Knotweed plants must be taken to a licensed landfill or licensed incineration centre, once removed from a site.

Please see the relevant law put in place to ensure the appropriate care is taken when disposing of the plant: Environmental Protection Act 1990 – “Waste containing Japanese Knotweed is classified as ‘controlled waste’. As such, you must observe the appropriate duty of care for its proper handling and disposal“.

It is important to note that when applying herbicide to the plant, it is the leaves that will hold the herbicide prior to photosynthesis that allows the herbicide to travel to the root structure of the plant and cause it to lie dormant underground. If disturbed, we may see new growths and the treatment programme will have to re-start.

If undisturbed and untreated Japanese Knotweed plants will continue to grow rapidly and thrive in damp and non-resistant areas. Causing external and internal damage to boundary walls of properties, gardens and outer buildings.

For any queries on the above or if you would like a free identification of a potential Japanese Knotweed plant, please contact us at info@cyb-environmental.com

Jul 06
0
can you eat japanese knotweed

Can You Eat Japanese Knotweed?

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

Japanese knotweed has a reputation as an aggressive, noxious weed, and it’s well-deserved deserved reputation comes from its growth patterns, extending up to 3 feet (1 m.) every month, sending roots up to 10 feet into the earth. However, this plant isn’t all bad because certain parts of it are edible.

Disclaimer

This article by CYB Environmental seeks to provide insight in the prospects of potentially eating Japanese Knotweed, as research, as well as trial and error, shows that parts of the plant are edible. However, this article is solely for theory and should be taken with an imaginary context. Before consuming Japanese Knotweed, be sure to contact your doctor or do your own research.

About Eating Japanese Knotweed

If you’ve ever wondered, “is Japanese knotweed edible,” then you’re not alone. There are actually a number of “weeds” that can be useful in this way. The stems of Japanese knotweed have a tart, citrusy flavor, much akin to rhubarb. Better yet, it is a rich source of minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese, as well as vitamins A and C.

Before you gather an armload of Japanese knotweed, however, it’s important to know that only certain parts are safe to eat, and only during certain parts of the year. It’s best to gather shoots when they’re tender in early spring, generally under about 10 inches (25 cm.) or less. If you wait too long, the stems will be hard and woody.

Methods Of Preparing Japanese Knotweed

So how can you eat Japanese knotweed? Basically, you can use Japanese knotweed any way you would use rhubarb and the shoots are interchangeable in recipes for rhubarb. If you have a favored recipe for rhubarb pie or sauce, try substituting Japanese knotweed.

You can also incorporate Japanese knotweed into jams, purees, wines, soups, and ice cream, to name just a few. You can also combine Japanese knotweed with other fruit such as apples or strawberries, which complements the tart flavor.

Further Disclaimer About Japanese Knotweed

The contents of this article are for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice.

For further information on Japanese Knotweed and the possibilities of removing it from your garden completely, be sure to contact our experts at CYB.

Jun 18
0
What to do if neighbour has Japanese knotweed

What to do if your neighbour has Japanese Knotweed

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

If your neighbour fails to treat a Japanese knotweed infestation in their garden and the Japanese knotweed starts growing in your garden, you may have a claim against your neighbour for any damage to your property caused.

 

Firstly, what is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and its hybrids are a non-native, invasive species of plant. They invade natural habitats and out-compete the native plants and animals that normally live there. It spreads very easily and is an extremely strong plant that can cause structural damage to buildings, As well as rendering properties as ‘unmortgagable’ by the majority of the UK major lenders.

 

How do I treat Japanese knotweed growing in my garden?

Japanese knotweed cannot simply be dug up and thrown away. The spread of Japanese knotweed is a serious threat to our countryside, and the native plants and animals that rely upon it. Tackling the plant should be taken very seriously with thorough planning and execution if we are to combat this invasive weed.

Chemical control is the application of specialised herbicides to Japanese Knotweed plants over a period of several growing seasons. This is often the most economical treatment option and will cause the least amount of disruption.

Japanese Knotweed can be cut, and the infested soils can be excavated and removed to an off-site, appropriately licensed, waste-management facility. The volume of excavated soil can vary from site to site and is an expensive and time-consuming type of removal.

Japanese Knotweed can be excavated and then buried on-site, but it must be covered with a specialist root barrier membrane to prevent any re-growth. A root barrier membrane can also be used to encapsulate Japanese Knotweed where space does not allow burial.

 

What should I do if my neighbour has Japanese Knotweed?

If you notice your neighbour may have a Japanese knotweed issue, the first step to take would be to make sure they know and understand the implications of this invasive plant. It could be that they haven’t identified the Japanese Knotweed and therefore were unaware of the trouble it could cause.

 

What are the legal implications of your neighbour having Japanese Knotweed?

It’s worth noting that an owner or occupier of land is not obliged to control, remove or treat Japanese knotweed on their land. They can be liable, however, should they allow the knotweed to spread onto neighbouring land. There is also a significant risk that even if the knotweed does not spread onto the neighbour’s land, the owner may still be liable to the diminution in value of the neighbour’s land for the knotweed simply being in the vicinity.

If you think you may have a Japanese Knotweed problem, then be sure to get in contact with one of our team now to get it sorted as quickly as possible! Summer is one of the worst times for Japanese Knotweed to take hold on your property, so the sooner you get it sorted, the better. Call us now on 020 3005 8755.

May 14
0
What To Do If You Find Japanese Knotweed

What To Do If You Find Japanese Knotweed

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

For the vast majority of people in the UK, their property is their largest asset. But, unfortunately, Japanese knotweed can have a serious impact on a property’s value and can deter potential buyers from purchasing a home. This is still the case even if the knotweed has been successfully treated, making homes particularly difficult to sell. But how can you identify Japanese knotweed – and get rid of it?

Removing Japanese Knotweed is a trickier job than simply digging up the plant. Any rhizomes, tiny fragments of stem or root can cause the plant to begin growing all over again. For the complete removal of Japanese Knotweed, contact our specialists at CYB Environmental.

What Is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese knotweed, also known as ‘Fallopia Japonica‘, is the most common form of knotweed found in the UK. It is highly invasive and grows vigorously from year-to-year, producing stems up to 3m tall (10ft) during summer months.

But it is the roots that cause the biggest problem, as the plant develops an extensive network of underground stems known as ‘rhizomes’, which can grow through hard surfaces such as concrete and tarmac. Worryingly, knotweed trials have shown that rhizomes as little as 0.7g (around 10mm or the length of your fingernail) can produce a whole new plant within 10 days. This can cause serious damage to the foundations – making selling highly challenging.

What To Do Now That You’ve Identified Japanese Knotweed

As a quick fix, you may be looking at how to get rid of Japanese knotweed yourself, without the use of specialists. We would not recommend this as the removal of Japanese Knotweed is rarely successful for beginners. The plant can grow back, with even the slightest bit of stem left behind. A specialist, like CYB Environmental, will use optimised chemicals and techniques, backed by years of experience in the removal of Japanese Knotweed.

Am I Liable If My Neighbour Has Japanese Knotweed?

The short answer is no. According to a recent Court of Appeal ruling, landowners are now able to claim damages if the identified Japanese knotweed plant has invaded their property from elsewhere, which won’t leave you out of pocket. In short, if it can be proved that the knotweed growing stemmed from an adjoining property, that homeowner could be held liable for the cost of its removal and any loss of value.

Mar 16
1
How Was Japanese Knotweed Introduced to the UK?

Why Was Japanese Knotweed Introduced to the UK?

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

An Introduction To Japanese Knotweed

The scientific name for Japanese Knotweed is Fallopia Japonica, with other family derivatives by the names of Giant Knotweed and Himalayan Knotweed. Being a native plant from Japan, China and Taiwan, Japanese Knotweed was introduced to Britain by the Victorians in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant. Known for its rigorous growth and rapid spreading, Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 2 metres in length, within a single season, with underground roots stretching for up to 7 metres. Japanese Knotweed is illegal to plant in the United Kingdom, but completely legal to have it growing within your own garden, or land. However, if the plant spreads to neighbouring houses or gardens, you may be liable for legal action being taken against you. Japanese Knotweed is treated as controlled waste and cannot be dumped in domestic green recycling bins, with only licensed landfill sites being able to take it.

 

Popularity In The Past

A German-born botanist by the name of Philipp von Siebold found Japanese Knotweed growing up the side of a volcano and decided to begin using it as an ornamental plant for residential gardens. The plant was celebrated for its beauty and potential use for feeding animals. In 1845, Japanese Knotweed began to be sold commercially by nurseries and studies showing how it was used during coal mining to stabilise loose soil.

 

Issues That Japanese Knotweed May Cause

With Japanese Knotweed being discovered growing up the sides of volcanoes, the destructive capabilities of the plant were completely unknown. With the erratic climate and constant deposits of ash covering the plant, it would be naturally kept in check, being able to solely survive due to its deep rooting capabilities. Here in the United Kingdom, we tend to not have volcanoes in our back gardens and with nothing to fight against, Japanese Knotweed can grow at an unchallenged rate and may have devastating consequences. It is possible for Japanese Knotweed to grow at up to 20cm per day and has the ability to break through a number of surfaces. These surfaces are some of the sturdiest and most common throughout society, such as concrete, tarmac and brick. It can overpower practically any other plants, swarming them and preventing access to light.

 

The Removal Of Japanese Knotweed

Removing Japanese Knotweed is a trickier job than simply digging up the plant. Any rhizomes, tiny fragments of stem or root can cause the plant to begin growing all over again. For the complete removal of Japanese Knotweed, contact our specialists at CYB Environmental on info@cyb-environmental.com

Oct 25
0
japanese knotweed in summer and winter

How to spot Japanese Knotweed in Each Season

By | CYB Japanese Knotweed Removal & Management Blog | No Comments

Looking for some pointers for how to spot Japanese Knotweed? The appearance of Japanese Knotweed will change with the seasons, so it is important you know what to look out for depending on the time of year. As experts in eliminating the invasive weed, we have put together a season by season checklist for you to go through when attempting to identify the plant. 

 

If you suspect that you may have Knotweed growing on your property, whatever time of year it is, we do not recommend attempting to treat it yourself. Once you have identified it using the checklist below, call in a professional japanese knotweed removal service to avoid any further complications with your property or mortgage later down the line. Read More