A Japanese knotweed specialist has explained why it is so dangerous, and what to do if you spot it in your garden
Japanese knotweed can be spotted through small white flowers such as these(Image: GETTY)
Gardeners have been urged to take immediate action if they spot ‘small white or cream flowers’ this month. Invasive plant expert Pauraic Larkin cautions that the notorious Japanese knotweed will shortly become more difficult to identify in gardens nationwide.
This occurs because winter conditions reduce the “above ground spread”, even though it continues developing beneath the surface. Japanese knotweed affects millions of properties throughout both Ireland and the UK annually.
Speaking exclusively to Reach PLC, Pauraic outlined why it poses such a significant threat to gardens and beyond.
He explained: “It is incredibly aggressive and its root system can break through brick, tarmac and poor concrete structures. It has a huge financial impact and spreads like mad. It can destroy building tarmac and concrete, but it can also destabilise foundations, draining systems and river banks.”
November presents an ideal opportunity to address the plant, as blooms appear during autumn making identification simpler. Describing how to recognise it, Pauraic, representing Japanese Knotweed Killers, advised: “The easiest way to check is to look out for the core characteristics.
“It has bamboo-like stems with purple or red speckles, which grow in a zig-zag pattern and can reach up to three metres in height. Small white or cream coloured flowers appear in late summer and throughout autumn. In winter the above ground foliage dies back leaving brown brittle hollow stems protruding from the crown.”
It is illegal to allow Japanese knotweed to disperse(Image: GETTY)
However, it’s not simply a matter of cutting it down, Pauraic explained. “If you were to remove it and place it on un-infected soil, it will sprout new roots and continue to grow in that area as well,” he added.
“You should report it to a professional. While legally you can have knotweed and leave it, it is illegal to not act to prevent it from spreading to your neighbour’s garden or public areas.”
What is illegal about Japanese knotweed?
According to the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 legislation, “any person who plants, disperses, allows or causes to disperse, spreads or otherwise causes to grow Japanese knotweed” shall be guilty of an offence.
If you’re found guilty of an offence, a Class A offence could lead to a fine of up to €5,000 or up to six months in prison.
For more serious charges, fines of up to €500,000 can be imposed along with imprisonment for up to three years.
How to remove Japanese knotweed
A licence is needed to remove and dispose of Japanese Knotweed and contractors hired to undertake this work should be aware of this requirement.
It’s advisable to first seek expert guidance on proper management, particularly regarding disposal.
Recommendations may then include herbicide treatment, physical removal (which can be dangerous if any fragments reach untreated soil) or a combination of both approaches.
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