Japanese knotweed in the uk- HISTORY, geography, AND REMOVAL

As the name suggests, Japanese knotweed was never originally grown in the UK. So, let’s find out more about Japanese Knotweed in the UK.

Japanese Knotweed growth

Japanese Knotweed in The UK

Phillipp Franz Von Siebold bought Japanese knotweed to the UK back in the
Victorian era and lllsince then, it has spread across the entire nation. Due to
Britain’s extensive canal and rail network, the knotweed has spread
continuously, and is still doing so today.

Unfortunately, Britain’s indigenous climate and species are
unable to control the knotweed; whereas other countries have different methods
of natural control which can control the knotweed more naturally. Japanese
knotweed often dies back and lies dormant throughout our colder winters; the
knotweed then re-emerges in spring and begins to grow vigorously again. 

One theory is that areas with a strong industrial heritage are more susceptible to knotweed outbreaks. You can move large amounts of soil during mining and in industrial areas – if the rhizomes are present in the soil, they can take hold and the knotweed can spread. Likewise, the ballast dumped from ships in the 19th Century may have affected the port cities.

Knotweed is prevalent in many different ‘pockets’ across the country – badly affected areas include Bristol, Clapham, Conwy, Rotherham, Nottingham, the Isle of Wight, Norwich and Newcastle. The worst affected area is Bolton in Greater Manchester; one area located in this region has over 650 cases within a 4-kilometre radius.  

Japanese Knotweed UK
Commercial Japanese knotweed Removal UK

Japanese Knotweed in the UK Removal

A Property Care Association accredited company or surveyor should carry out Knotweed removal in the UK. This will help ensure that you remove the knotweed in line with best practice and by someone with suitable experience. Many UK mortgage lenders will ask for this accreditation. Companies mainly carry out removal by chemical treatment, but excavation or temporary bunds can also be carried out or installed by qualified individuals. Additional research is currently exploring options for natural control methods, as other countries are able to control knotweed with minimal intervention. 

 

We can complete Japanese knotweed site surveys, removals, and treatments anywhere in the UK, so if you suspect you may have it or know that you do, please do contact us today.

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