Fallopia Japonica, known more commonly as Japanese Knotweed, is an invasive weed that can potentially grow up to 20cm per day and cause devastating problems to the environment. It also ruins property by forcefully destroying walls due to its resourceful strength.
The threat of this weed has had a devastating impact on property value and the ability to secure a mortgage for properties where it is present. Naturally, it’s been a pain for every homeowner in the UK since it was brought into the country in 1850.
Not Seeding
It is rare for Japanese knotweed to produce seeds, but it can happen on occasion. If you are wondering how knotweed spreads so rapidly in so little time without seeds, it spreads through the nodes of green stem with water and soil being the perfect combination for its growth.
The dispersal of rhizome fragments, stems and crowns allow for this weed to thrive under the UK’s unpredictable climate. Despite being one of the UK’s biggest threats, the weed is not as invasive in its native Japan due to propagating differently.
Removing the weed from its natural habitat was a colossal mistake as it learned to survive and spread through its roots, stems and crowns. The infestive plants throughout the UK are supported by their underground system which spreads and sends shoots towards the surface. It does not take much for a full plant to grow from a single rhizome as small as 10mm.
That highlights the importance of disposing of Japanese knotweed correctly via a knotweed removal company so it does not contaminate any fresh ground it is left at.
Where It Originates
Knotweed does not simply appear, it can be spotted before it becomes stronger above ground. If knotweed appears on your property, it most likely will be occupying surrounding areas. Talk with your neighbour to see if it is reaching from their property or garden. If it can not be identified nearby, the possibility of contaminated soil being dumped on your land by foot or car is very high.
Certain animals can spread Japanese knotweed through droppings, such as sheep, cattle and goats. It is unlikely that rhizome fragments will be the new cause of growth from droppings, but they can contain stems or canes.
Knotweed can survive an animal’s digestive system and form new growth when expelled onto fresh land – especially if the animal buries its waste.
Contact Professionals in Treatment and Eradication
If you have spotted Japanese knotweed on your land and need immediate knotweed treatment and removal, contact the team at Solutions for Japanese Knotweed today.
