Japanese knotweed is one of the worst offenders. It has a solid root base and becomes a long, spreading plant that shades smaller plants. Growing in thick, dense colonies, you can find it in almost every town and bay in Newfoundland.
Where does Japanese knotweed grow in Canada?
In Canada, Japanese knotweed is established from Ontario to Newfoundland and is also found in British Columbia. In Ontario, it is mostly established in southern and central areas of the province where it mostly grows in gardens, along roadsides and near old buildings or former building sites.
Where is Japanese knotweed found?
Japanese knotweed is native to Japan, China, and parts of Korea and Taiwan. It was introduced from Japan to the United Kingdom as an ornamental plant in 1825, and from there to North America in the late nineteenth century. Distribution: Japanese knotweed is found in moist, open to partially shaded habitats.
What is the difference between knotweed and Japanese knotweed?
Knotweed shoots grow to around 2-4m, are hollow and can grow up to 2cm a day. Japanese knotweed leaves are green, spade shaped and have a pointed tip. Similar to Bamboo, Knotweed has visible nodes between stems. Knotweed leaves grow in an alternate zig-zag pattern.
What can be mistaken for knotweed?
Dogwood
Dogwood and lilac are often confused with knotweed due to their similar leaf shapes. However, these species have leaves that grow opposite each other along their woody stems.
Should I be worried if my Neighbour has Japanese knotweed?
If your neighbour has Japanese knotweed on their property, they are under no legal obligation to remove Japanese knotweed from their own property. However, if it starts to encroach upon your property they are causing a private nuisance and therefore are open to court action.
Can I sell my house if my Neighbour has Japanese knotweed?
You can sell a property with Japanese knotweed, however, you may need to take some extra measures to ensure that potential buyers feel comfortable purchasing the house and confident that they will be able to secure a mortgage from their bank.
What kills Japanese knotweed permanently?
glyphosate
Chemical controls of removing Japanese knotweed
A glyphosate-based weedkiller is the best option here, though bear in mind it can take several applications, over up to four seasons, to completely eradicate Japanese knotweed. It’s best applied to cut canes so the weedkiller can thoroughly penetrate the plant and roots.
Can you touch Japanese knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is not poisonous and is not harmful to touch, however, always use caution to avoid inadvertently allowing the infestation to spread.
What happens if I buy a house with Japanese knotweed?
If you are buying the property with a mortgage, some lenders will proceed if it can be shown that it is being controlled or it has been excavated. Other lenders may refuse to deal with properties which have an ongoing Japanese knotweed infestation.
Why should you not cut Japanese knotweed?
If you do find Japanese knotweed on your property it is most important that you prevent further spread of the plant. Do not strim, cut, flail or chip the plants as tiny fragments can regenerate new plants and make the problem even more difficult to manage.
What plant can be mistaken for Japanese knotweed?
Lilac. This garden favourite is often a plant mistaken for Japanese knotweed, with its spade shaped leaves and lush green foliage. Although it will send up lots of annoying little suckers if chopped back, that is the extent of its invasive capabilities.
Is Japanese knotweed good for anything?
Uses for Japanese Knotweed
Herbalists use Japanese knotweed to reduce plaque, gum pain, and gingivitis, claiming it has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, emodin is a natural compound in Japanese knotweed roots that serves as a natural laxative.
What do you do if you suspect Japanese knotweed?
Spraying or injecting the stems with chemicals can be an effective treatment to stop knotweeds spreading. You must only use approved herbicides. You’ll have to respray. It usually takes at least 3 years to treat Japanese knotweed.
What does the start of Japanese knotweed look like?
Between late February and April, new Japanese knotweed appears as asparagus-like shoots. These start off as reddish buds that transform into shoots and can grow at a rate of a couple of centimetres a day. They quickly outgrow surrounding plants. On warm April days, more mature plants can grow at a rate of 10cm a day.
Does a house survey check for Japanese knotweed?
As part of your site survey, your surveyor should check the area surrounding your property for any signs or evidence of Japanese knotweed. Your surveyor will complete this via visual appraisal, to check for any signs of the plant.
Can Japanese knotweed go through concrete?
The simple, and definitive, answer to the question of “can Japanese knotweed grow through concrete?” is no, it cannot. No matter how virulent this weed is, it does not have the force to break through brick or concrete.
Does Japanese knotweed affect house insurance?
Having Japanese knotweed shouldn’t affect your home insurance premium. Most standard house insurance policies will not cover the removal of Japanese knotweed, or repairs to anything damaged by it. As such, your discovery of the plant, whether or not it has originated on your land, should not affect your premiums.
How hard is it to get rid of Japanese knotweed?
Contact a professional. Japanese Knotweed is extremely difficult to permanently eradicate, so if your DIY attempts fail, contact a professional and have them remove it for you.
Who is responsible for clearing Japanese knotweed?
There is no legal obligation to remove or treat knotweed as long as you’re not encouraging or allowing the growth on to adjacent land. As of schedule 9 of the ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’, you must not plant or cause to grow Japanese Knotweed in the wild.
How much does knotweed devalue a house?
Japanese Knotweed can devalue a property between 5 and 100%. There have been cases where homes have been completely devalued as a result of severe infestations, however, these are rare occurrences currently.