With the spread of the "killer bamboo" or Japanese Knotweed in many parts of the UK and North America, steps are being undertaken on a war-footing to eradicate and control the spread before this weed causes irreversible damage to property and danger to life and limb, chokes out other species of plants and contaminates and clogs water-ways, drainage and sewerage systems in our urban centers.
Dispersion, knowingly or unknowingly, of this plant, which was once considered a pretty, ornamental species, is now liable for prosecution under criminal and civil law.
Knotweed infestation has enormous implications for the construction and building industry and also for property owner, realty companies and civic authorities.
Estimates suggest that close to a million pounds would need to be spent to control this plant.
The approach that most eradication companies take is often multi-pronged.
It could be a combination of excavation, chemical treatment, special organic methods like sea-water/vinegar spraying or physical removal of the plants.
The most important part of the treatment is not the mere removal of the weeds but also of its suitable and responsible disposal to avoid the spread of the infestation.
This weed is highly invasive, grows readily and can withstand extreme cold, lie dormant for more than ten years and spreads rapidly through the tiniest sliver of rhizome or stem shavings or cuttings.
The first step in this War of Weeds is to get a comprehensive survey done.
Expert soil and horticultural advisors should be consulted to assess the extent, depth and nature of infestation.
Neighboring properties should also be assessed to avoid further re-contamination.
Get an idea of the time, costs and effort involved.
Many companies offer sophisticated CAD-based drawings of the location and extent of infestation, with advice on the best elimination methods.
Make sure that the company uses only licensed sprayers who have specific expertise in Knotweed eradication.
Spraying should be done in a phased manner, going area by area, systematically, in dry, still weather to avoid pollution and wastage.
If the area is too large, as in large farmlands or wildlife conservation parks, make sure that you pick priority areas first, such as those which are close to water-bodies (Knotweed loves moist soil), those which can be maintained long-term, in all sunny, visible areas (this weeds thrives in the sun) or where it poses a safety problem.
If using excavation, disposing of the infected soil, rhizome/stem cuttings should be followed through according to proper Environment Agency policies.
Other control methods like root-barrier, cell-burial, mesh-covering, plastic tarpaulins and carpet-covers, etc should be strictly monitored.
Recently, biological weapons like Japanese beetle predators of young plants, fungi and competitive plants are under study in the battle against this obnoxious weed.
Dispersion, knowingly or unknowingly, of this plant, which was once considered a pretty, ornamental species, is now liable for prosecution under criminal and civil law.
Knotweed infestation has enormous implications for the construction and building industry and also for property owner, realty companies and civic authorities.
Estimates suggest that close to a million pounds would need to be spent to control this plant.
The approach that most eradication companies take is often multi-pronged.
It could be a combination of excavation, chemical treatment, special organic methods like sea-water/vinegar spraying or physical removal of the plants.
The most important part of the treatment is not the mere removal of the weeds but also of its suitable and responsible disposal to avoid the spread of the infestation.
This weed is highly invasive, grows readily and can withstand extreme cold, lie dormant for more than ten years and spreads rapidly through the tiniest sliver of rhizome or stem shavings or cuttings.
The first step in this War of Weeds is to get a comprehensive survey done.
Expert soil and horticultural advisors should be consulted to assess the extent, depth and nature of infestation.
Neighboring properties should also be assessed to avoid further re-contamination.
Get an idea of the time, costs and effort involved.
Many companies offer sophisticated CAD-based drawings of the location and extent of infestation, with advice on the best elimination methods.
Make sure that the company uses only licensed sprayers who have specific expertise in Knotweed eradication.
Spraying should be done in a phased manner, going area by area, systematically, in dry, still weather to avoid pollution and wastage.
If the area is too large, as in large farmlands or wildlife conservation parks, make sure that you pick priority areas first, such as those which are close to water-bodies (Knotweed loves moist soil), those which can be maintained long-term, in all sunny, visible areas (this weeds thrives in the sun) or where it poses a safety problem.
If using excavation, disposing of the infected soil, rhizome/stem cuttings should be followed through according to proper Environment Agency policies.
Other control methods like root-barrier, cell-burial, mesh-covering, plastic tarpaulins and carpet-covers, etc should be strictly monitored.
Recently, biological weapons like Japanese beetle predators of young plants, fungi and competitive plants are under study in the battle against this obnoxious weed.
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