Japanese Knotweed can become a real nightmare for homeowners across the UK.
Here at GD, we want to make sure our customers are aware of the problems that Japanese Knotweed can cause and also that we can help to treat it.
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing weed that is known to spread rapidly and if it’s not dealt with properly, it can de-value buildings and houses due to the damage it can cause to structures.
It grows aggressively and quickly and as a result, a lot of homeowners struggle to remove it effectively.
To eradicate the plant, it’s large underground network of roots need to be killed and all above-ground portions of the plant need to be controlled repeatedly, as this helps to weaken and kill the entire patch.
Growing at a rapid rate of up to 4cm per day, if it grows in or around your personal property it can significantly decrease the value of the house or building and make it very difficult to sell.
How do I identify Japanese Knotweed?
Between March and April, Japanese Knotweed produces red coloured roots which grow up to 2-3 metres high, they resemble bamboo stems. There are large 10-15cm long ‘shield-shaped’ leaves which grow up the plant on all sides.
In Summer, between June and September, it is known to bloom white flower clusters, then in the Winter months the flowers and leaves fall off and the stem turns brown in colour.
How can GD help?
We would always recommend treating Japanese Knotweed as soon as it becomes visible; the longer you leave it to grow, the more difficult and costly the removal process becomes.
We firstly offer to provide an onsite survey to identify the scope of the Knotweed growth and recommend the best form of treatment.
For the most effective method for removal, is to isolate the Knotweed prior to commencing work, to ensure any disturbance of the plant, by workers, vehicles or members of the public, does not cause the problem to escalate.
Post isolation, we have several methods to remove and treat areas contaminated with Japanese Knotweed, including excavation, herbicide injection, glyphosate injection, foundation treatment and incineration.
Once we have ensured that the treatment and removal of all the Japanese Knotweed and contaminated soil waste has been successful, we will dispose of the harmful waste in a suitably licensed facility.