Japanese knotweed eradication requirements

                                                                                         

Japanese knotweed eradication will usually be required where Japanese knotweed is in the way of development or it the plant poses a threat to existing structures or poses an environmental risk or even an ecological risk.

Lack of Japanese knotweed control by allowing the plant to spread outside a landholding may be considered an offence. So it is appropriate to control it where it grows close to a land boundary or where there is a chance that it could be spread. There is a wealth of information on Japanese knotweed control and Japanese knotweed eradication. Good practice standards have been set by the Environment Agency’s code of practice. There is a wide and growing range of treatment options for Japanese knotweed removal techniques used to kill the knotweed. Given the relatively recent and lucrative market that has grown around Japanese knotweed eradication, new techniques should be considered critically. The Environment Agency’s code of practice provides a guide to the current accepted techniques with Japanese knotweed eradication. The following Japanese knotweed control guidance provides an understanding of the main principles of control, the basic elements of the tools available and a review of the various techniques of eradication.

Inappropriate management of Japanese knotweed control and poorly planned management can result in a criminal offence.
The invasive knotweed can easily be reintroduced through fly-tipping or through corridors of spread such as watercourses and railways, and transport of vehicles, e.g. contaminated material on tyres. Preventative measures should be taken where possible to reduce these risks.
The weed can be easily spread and so control should be undertaken carefully and be undertaken under controlled conditions.

The plant is highly resilient and so any herbicide strategy is likely to require repeat Japanese knotweed removal treatment over several years.
Following herbicide treatment for Japanese knotweed control, the Environment Agency’s code of practice recommends that treated soils should be kept on site, but can be used for landscaping and other works. Digging up the weed for its disposal to a licensed Japanese knotweed landfill site should be a last resort option because of financial and environmental costs involved in this method of Japanese knotweed removal. Novel methods are often recommended for expedient Japanese knotweed control and Japanese knotweed management. It is important to check that these are backed by appropriate research and approved and supported by the relevant agencies. Where Japanese knotweed is found, appropriate action must be taken to prevent accidental spread.

About the author:
The author works for an environmental agency specialised in Japanese Knotweed solutions and Japanese Knotweed Eradication in the UK. Japanese Knotweed Specialists.


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