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Japanese knotweed can be a nightmare for the homeowners as monetary implications often extend beyond just paying for its treatment or removal. This troublesome weed can lead to devaluations in property value, as well as the refusal of mortgage and planning applications due to the potential damage that the plant is capable of inflicting to walls and foundations of building.
Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd provide customised and site specific services to private and commercial clients for the treatment, control and eradication of Japanese knotweed. The cost of removal varies between sites and is dependent on the methodology undertaken and any specific site requirements.
We are considered as an affordable but quality knotweed removal company. Each scenario is different
and you will receive a bespoke quote. An idea on costs and what you could expect is below.
Our first step is to identify if you have Japanese knotweed. For a quick ID, you can send us some photos. Alternatively, we can carry out a full site survey to confirm the extent of the infestation.
Our first step is to identify if you have Japanese knotweed. For a quick ID, you can send us some photos. Alternatively, we can carry out a full site survey to confirm the extent of the infestation.
Our first step is to identify if you have Japanese knotweed. For a quick ID, you can send us some photos. Alternatively, we can carry out a full site survey to confirm the extent of the infestation.
When assessing the cost of treatment or removal, it is recommended to consult with an expert, who can determine the area and severity of the infestation as well as advising on the legislative obligations involved in the treatment or removal of the weed such as the selection of herbicide and regulations concerning disposal. It is important to understand that the cost of allowing Japanese knotweed to grow is far more troubling than the cost of its removal.
The area of infestation should be inspected by a professional who can complete a suitable management plan for the site which includes treatment options and associated costs. This document may be required by the mortgage lender.
The cost of treatment of the Japanese knotweed includes the services of the specialist as well as the costs for equipment and herbicides and are dependent on the methodology. Chemical treatment is highly effective and often one of the cheapest methods for control, however it could take up to five years for the Japanese knotweed to be completely eliminated.
If you choose to remove the Japanese knotweed by cutting or digging it out, you’ll need to bear in mind the cost of disposal. Since the plant is classified as controlled waste, it must be transported by a licensed carrier and disposed of at a licensed landfill site. This is to ensure that the plant is not unintentionally spread.
There are various factors that should be considered when calculating the cost of removal, including the size of the area, the method of treatment i.e. spraying or stem injection, whether the waste will be treated onsite or transported and disposed of off-site, and the time required to complete the treatment or removal.
The cost of treating or removing Japanese knotweed is minor when compared to the potential damage the plant could cause to buildings. For more information on the treatment of Japanese knotweed, get in touch with JKSL, the leading specialist in the identification, management and removal of the weed. With over 15 years of industry experience, JKSL have tried and tested methodologies backed with a 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee for private and commercial clients.
I believe I have a Japanese knotweed infestation.
How can I contact you?
Japanese knotweed can cause problems when applying for a mortgage as the aggressive growth pattern of Japanese knotweed is capable of exposing weaknesses in hard engineered structures such as concrete, tarmac, brick walls and foundations.
Specific problems caused by Japanese Knotweed are:
All of which are reasons why mortgage lenders are reluctant to lend on properties with Japanese Knotweed.
Our specialist surveyors will carry out a full site survey at your property in order to assess the implications the Japanese knotweed has on both yours and the surrounding properties.
Our surveyors will then produce a report which includes your treatment options, the different methods we use, COSHH (Health Risk Assessment), a cost breakdown, photographs and a marked drawing. We will put together a management plan which will satisfy the criteria stated by the mortgage lender in question.
When it comes to matters related to Japanese knotweed and mortgages, JKSL work closely with the Council of Mortgage lenders to provide a practical hassle free specialist package to make selling or buying a property with Japanese knotweed easier for all parties concerned, due to our reliable removal of knotweed from domestic homes.
JKSL offer 10-year Insurance-Backed Warranties.
These warranties cover any works completed by JKSL and all works are carried out in accordance with the INNSA Code of Practice & SEPA guidelines, allowing you to have full confidence in any of our Japanese knotweed mortgage services.
Our warranties are issued to the property, therefore should the property be sold, the warranty will remain in place and any future treatments will still be carried out. We can speak to you in more detail about our knotweed mortgage solutions and make sure you are fully informed on the impact of Japanese knotweed and mortgages in the UK.
I believe I have a Japanese knotweed infestation.
How can I contact you?
What is Japanese knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant which attacks our gardens at will and which can seriously damage buildings and construction sites if left unchecked. It’s been in the papers so much that we’d practically need a live blog to keep up, with our efforts in raising awareness here at JKSL a big part of that. To cut a long story short, Japanese knotweed was introduced to the UK in the late 1840s, when a Dutch doctor called Philipp von Siebold came here and began to sell it to botanical gardens and high society figures in the guise of an ornamental plant, largely because it is rather nice to look out upon. Which was all well and good until the turn of the century, when the public’s perceptions of Japanese knotweed changed, and many gardeners began to regard it as a nuisance. In fact, it quickly picked up a bad reputation, starting to ‘escape’ and grow in the wild. In the 1930s, its presence was so intense that it began to reduce house prices by £100 in the geographical locations where it had started running riot. That impact of reducing house prices is still prevalent today, although we may be talking many thousands of pounds at this point, but more on that later.
It came via the aforementioned Dutchman by the name of Philipp von Siebold who brought it back to Europe around 1829. The original plant was propagated in his native Holland and marketed around Europe by Von Siebold & Company of Leiden. It was sold (notably to botanical gardens and the upper classes) principally as a decorative plant, similar in look to bamboo. Thereafter, the Victorians cherished the plant because they liked the look of it at the time; failing to appreciate what a mistake that would be for the future.
The best time to spot Japanese knotweed is during mid-summer and early autumn. During spring, reddish/purple shoots appear from the ground, readily able to grow up to 2cms a day, forming into dense stands of bamboo-like stems that develop green heart or shield-shaped leaves. However, there are a number of other plants which bear an uncanny resemblance to Japanese knotweed (such as dogwood, lilac, ornamental bistorts, Himalayan balsam, broadleaved dock and bindweed to name but a few Japanese knotweed dopplegangers). Therefore if in any doubt, we’d urge you to contact us ASAP, and we’ll send round one of our team of experts to give it a positive ID, or not, as the case may be.
We’ve all heard big claims and boasts at various times in our lives, but when it comes to debunking the myths surrounding the subject of Japanese knotweed, some go a little far. The truth is, while Japanese knotweed is an aggressive plant, it cannot shatter through concrete on its own. But before we get complacent, Japanese knotweed can make its way through concrete; all it needs to find is a hairline fracture in any surface area – which can supply the weed a direct link to both light and water – and it can begin to push on through to the other side. Over time, the knotweed will build pressure in the object it’s pushing through which can of course compromise the overall rigidity of the structure, be it concrete or otherwise. So while Japanese knotweed can’t penetrate through a solid slab of concrete per se, it can habitually make its presence felt in and around poorly laid/formed patios/driveways/block paving as well as underground sewage pipes, drains, cavity wall spaces, vents, air bricks, fences and walls. This presence can result in a range of subsequent issues from subsidence to burst water pipes.
There are a number of reasons why we think we’re the best service in the business. For starters, we’ve been at this as long as anyone, (since 2002 to be precise) with our founder, Mike Clough, leading the charge in raising awareness about the dangers of Japanese knotweed. One of the main reasons there have been stories about the plant on the BBC’s Inside Out and in various national newspapers is because of our efforts.
That said, awareness alone isn’t enough to prove our qualification. So how about the fact that we operate a team of trained and experienced professionals, are available throughout the week and around the country, offer a 100% success guarantee, can deal with commercial and domestic properties, and also invented our own technology to deal with the issue more effectively?
Basically, we have the expertise to go with our passion. It adds up to an integrity and reliability in the way we work, providing you a real peace of mind when confronted with Japanese knotweed issues and the stress and worry they can cause.
JKSL are also the founder member of INNSA, the Invasive Non Native Specialists Association. INNSA is the industry body for companies involved in controlling and eradicating invasive non-native species and aims to improve standards within the industry.
Similar to a lot of Japanese sports cars, Japanese knotweed is certainly no slouch. Whilst its 0-60 time isn’t quite comparable with that of a Nissan GT-R, it’s not that far behind. Described by the Environment Agency as ‘indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant’, Japanese knotweed has the potential to grow 10cm a day on average (20cm at its most prolific). Within a couple of months, its stems can reach 3 – 4 metres. Underground, the rhizomes – the mass of roots – are also growing, and can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep.
The one word answer to this is ‘yes’. More so if your property already has existing weak spots. Basically as the extensive network of Japanese knotweed roots grow, it will cause the soil around it to shift. So if the knotweed is located within 7 metres of a habitable space – and is causing damage to boundary walls – there’s a significant likelihood subsidence could become a factor.
It all depends on your budget, location and timeframes, but once these key factors are taken into account then there are a number of options available to you. These range from chemical or biological extraction through to traditional excavation means and our very own, bespoke MeshTech solution. Additionally, you could choose either on-site incineration or composting methods. To discuss your exacting Japanese knotweed removal requirements you should contact us today, but also feel free to take a look at our Treatments page.
No, not in the slightest. In fact, in some trendy restaurants Japanese knotweed is considered a delicacy of sorts; it appears as the core ingredient in a variety of lemony rhubarb, soups and fruit crumbles. In terms of household pets, the jury is still out, but probably best they don’t ingest.
The ideal time of year to tackle the threat posed by Japanese knotweed is during the summer months, which is essentially the period when the plant is in flower and the foliage is absorbing the most nutrients into its all-important roots. From a chemical/herbicide-based Japanese knotweed removal viewpoint, Autumn is the best time to spray the treatment directly onto the foliage. Having said that, there’s a counter argument that suggests that to afford greater access to the root cause of the problem, the winter provides the perfect window of opportunity; when the Japanese knotweed lies dormant for all intents and purpose. So, it really depends, but we’re available to provide professional advice & support on the ideal plan of action for your location.
Yes. Because as well as it posing a serious threat to the structural integrity of a property, it also throws up potential mortgage/selling issues if and when the problem is uncovered by a surveyor at any juncture in their process. It could also be your responsibility to ensure that the superweed doesn’t encroach on a neighbouring property or piece of private/commercial land.
Due to the ferocity and intensity in which it spreads, you can’t just sit back and do nothing when confronted with the spectre of Japanese knotweed. If you turn a blind eye to it, the superweed will get stronger, more difficult to treat and be more costly when it comes to the removal process. As we’ve already highlighted, it can cause extensive damage to structural work, including walls, fences, drainage systems and paving which could adjoin a neighbouring property.
As for the legalities, it’s worth noting the recent developments, because as of November 2014, ASBOs (or Community Protection notices) can now be issued to land owners with Japanese knotweed. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 notice can be used to require someone to control or prevent the growth of Japanese knotweed or other plants that are capable of causing serious problems to communities. The test is that the conduct of the individual or body is having a detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality, and that the conduct is unreasonable. Under section 57 of the Act, that “unreasonable conduct” includes “a failure to act”.
This depends on a number of factors, including where the knotweed is sited, how dense the knotweed is and whether there are any environmental impacts on the land and surroundings. Here at JKSL, our team of Japanese knotweed experts will take all of this information into consideration before devising a treatment package, which is bespoke to your land and area. Depending on which treatment you plump for, you can expect – on average – to see a turn-around time of a matter of weeks regarding excavation and on-site incineration processes, while the chemical treatments could take 2-5 years to see full returns. A lengthy, but vital, process.
You can, but we’d never recommend it as it will always make matters worse. Even a tiny fragment of the cut rhizome (root) is capable of regeneration, which in turn can lead to a significant increase in stem density. Apparently the royal household were doing this for many years at Buckingham Palace and the knotweed still came back. Also, spreading any soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed – with contamination reaching up to 7m of the plant – could contain the highly regenerative rhizome; which will readily grow into new plants.
JKSL offer two main forms of insurance, giving you a choice of cover during and after the process. The available options are Insurance Backed Guarantees, and Performance Bonds. Beneath are brief summaries, with far more detailed information available from the team here at JKSL.
For a Domestic site: JKSL include a 10 year insurance backed guarantee (IBG) on every domestic project. This is underwritten by an insurance company and backed by the trade body INNSA. For a Commercial site: The same cover as above but for 10 years on commercial projects. Not automatically included with every project, but it is available.
JKSL Performance Bonds are the forerunner and a separate option to the IBGs. Here at JKSL, our Performance Bond runs alongside our in-house warranty (the in-house warranty includes anything from quarterly to annual inspections). This is underwritten by a leading international specialist insurance group.
Finally, we thought you’d never ask! The easiest way is to visit our Contact page for our email and phone details. We’re happy to speak to you in more detail about how we can help you with any aspect of Japanese knotweed identification, treatment and removal.
I believe I have a Japanese knotweed infestation.
How can I contact you?
Japanese knotweed is spreading rapidly and could endanger your home.
Japanese knotweed or Fallopia Japonica is a highly invasive weed that is capable of causing serious damage to buildings and their foundations if not removed in a timely and correct manner. There are many different ways of treating and removing Japanese knotweed and we provide the most effective solutions, both in terms of cost and complete, permanent removal.
It used to be the case that only commercial developers knew about Japanese knotweed, but now insurance companies and mortgage brokers have caught on, and are now insisting on Japanese knotweed free properties. Do not worry however, as this is only normally an issue for property owners if you are considering selling or buying a property and are applying for a mortgage.
What do I do if I am buying or selling a property with Japanese knotweed in or around it?
Japanese knotweed is now recognised as a threat to the security of a property by numerous mortgage lenders. Many RICS surveyors are now advised to report the presence of Japanese knotweed as a notifiable incident in their reports. Unfortunately, some major lenders have even taken the action to flatly refuse to lend on such properties. However, at JKSL we have been working closely with RICS surveyors and mortgage lenders to provide you with a full comprehensive site survey and bespoke report that is aimed at the mortgage lenders. In these reports we will supply an accurate scaled drawing of the site and the Japanese knotweed infestations, along with a full site report where we use our experience and knowledge of the plant to assess any risks and the overall impact of its presence. From this we can then comprise a realistic treatment methodology. We also offer a full range of standard and insurance backed warranties. We understand that selling or buying a property can be a stressful ordeal and appreciate that there are many tasks and complicated paper work to be completed in this process. We therefore aim to offer you with a stress free service that is completed entirely in house by a specialist team from start to finish.
Even after all papers are exchanged and keys have been handed over we will continue our work and regularly monitor the property through our unique warranty system in order to safe guard the property. If you are considering selling or buying a properly and have concerns about Japanese knotweed please feel free to contact our specialist survey team.
I believe I have a Japanese knotweed infestation.
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I’m beginning to think there is no such thing as impartial advice. In this day and age who can you believe about anything? On a typical day when I start to read the paper, I realise that I am being manipulated into making decisions that ultimately line somebody else’s pocket.
Everything is about money.
This thought process started years ago with me when I was first married and wanted nice places to take my new wife for weekends away. I bought a ‘hotel’ guide which I (naively) thought would be an unbiased review of hotels on which you could rely.
On looking through the guide I realised that there was a review of the hotel round the corner from where we lived. The pictures were unbelievable – it looked as though the guesthouse was in the middle of open countryside, having cropped out the quarry and the tip which sits just in front of the building.
The obvious thought process then follows – if this review is so inaccurate then it throws doubt on all the other hotels in the guide.
To be in this particular guide you have to pay a fee. Simple as that – there appeared to be no checks on authenticity of photographs or quality of service.
A new hotel opened recently in Buxton within ‘the crescent’ which is a wonderful architectural listed building. The hotel has a spa and a pool and by all accounts will be a popular place to visit. The hotel opened during lockdown…. yet managed to get a number 3 position in the top ten UK spas in a review in The Times newspaper.
How can that possibly be accurate? Nobody had been …?
When having been in business for a few years, I remember being contacted by an awards company who led me to believe that through hard work and quality of service, I had been nominated for recognition by the industry. When following this up (in my over excitement) I signed up for sponsoring the dinner and buying multiple tickets for the event.
This was just a money-making scam.
I was recently contacted by a company who offered to award me ‘Best Knotweed Contractor’ in the UK. When I quizzed him on what standards this was based, he stated out right that all I had to do was pay the fee and I would get a small silver cup and a mention in his magazine.
What gradually dawns upon you is that – NO – YOU DID NOT WIN A POPULARITY CONTEST – you were suckered into paying out money to win a fake award that means absolutely nothing.
So, apologies to all you ‘winners’ of various awards that you so proudly present on ‘Linked-in’ – ‘what an amazing night’ – ‘congratulations to the team’ etc. etc. …. it’s all bollox.
I’m convinced this goes on at every level of contact that we have with social media…and in fact any media.
Buy this ….and you will look like David Beckham, wear this…. and you will smell like Brad Pitt, drive this…. and you will save the planet.
There is soooooo much misinformation out there that it is impossible tell what’s really going on.
I was quietly having a coffee in my local cafe the other day when an elderly lady passed me a pamphlet titled ‘SAVE THE PLANET’. She wanted me to join a protest against fossil fuels and to sign a petition against the use of glyphosate.
I told her that I was actually a user of fossil fuels and that I ran a weed control company that used glyphosate.
She then told me that she actually never drove.
She had never learnt to drive.
She had never actually left Glossop in her life …but was convinced that cars were bad.
She then went on to tell me that Japanese knotweed wasn’t really a problem and that Himalayan balsam was good for bees.
She was aiming to do a sit in protest on the Tesco petrol station from 8am on Saturday with a group of her friends.
In The Times this morning I read that one of the leaders of the protesters camping out on the M25 campaigning for insulation for social housing …. ‘Iives at home with his mother …’ ????♂️
What the f**k are we supposed to do when the world has idiots like this claiming to own the moral high ground when actually knowing NOTHING about what they are protesting about.
Seriously it just makes me want to build the wall higher round my garden and retreat into solitude.
The truth is out there somewhere ….but until then ….
Just leave me alone.
Mike C
How To Kill Japanese Knotweed The Experts Guide October 26, 2021
This invasive plant has been known to impact entire gardens, properties, development sites, and cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to buildings and underground utilities when it hasn’t been eradicated early enough. Fully exterminating the weed has proved difficult due to the extensive rhizome network of roots associated with the plant, this is why you need expert advice on how to kill Japanese Knotweed.
Japanese knotweed is capable of growing rapidly in most environments and on average can grow some 4cm per day (and as much as 10-12cm per day in summer), resulting in a dense infestation in only a couple of weeks. More so, it only takes a small fragment of root or rhizome for the plant to grow and establish itself, either on a new or existing site. Knotweed fragments can be transported through soil importation, during construction, or even carried by footwear. Fortunately, with consistent and persistent efforts Japanese knotweed can be eliminated.
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Yes, it can be removed using herbicides but herbicide treatments do take time to work, and chemical treatments for Japanese knotweed control can take around 5 years. This is one of many methods used to Kill Japanese Knotweed. Chemical treatment is considered the most cost-effective method and is favoured by domestic premises where the time factor for treatment may not be quite as important, say when compared with a development site where swift removal may be of vital importance so as not to hold up a building project.
But it’s advisable to spray the Japanese knotweed through various stages of the plant’s development during the growing season. The infestation size, the presence of watercourses, and the general public all have to be considered during herbicide selection.
So, what chemical products can be used for Japanese knotweed treatments?
Herbicides, including Glyphosate based products, are highly effective at eradicating this notorious plant. Glyphosate based herbicides are applied on the foliage of the weed using a sprayer after being mixed in a tank. The Glyphosate herbicide can also be injected into the stem. This method is most suitable for ecologically sensitive areas where spraying is not suitable.
How often should you spray Japanese knotweed?
The best time to spray the leaves of Japanese Knotweed with herbicide is late summer or early autumn, when the plant is in full growth. During this period, the plant will be flowering and by spraying the foliage helps draw more nutrients, and the chemical spray to the rhizome, during the period where the plant would usually build its food reserves. Over time this will weaken and eventually kill off the plant, although repeat spraying could be required over multiple years to be fully effective.
By spraying Japanese knotweed at the right time will boost effectiveness as the herbicides travel down to reach the parts of the plant that are deep underground. While it will not kill off the plant after the first few sprayings, repeating the treatment over a number of years will have the desired effect.
How long does it take to remove Japanese knotweed?
Full treatment of Japanese Knotweed varies in time span depending on the extent of the infestation and the method that is chosen to remove it. The quickest though most expensive method is through excavation, which involves digging it up out of the ground, and is usually very effective when carried out by a professional Japanese knotweed removal company.
The most commonly chosen and cost-effective method of Knotweed removal is chemical treatments, but this type of knotweed treatment can take several years, sometimes as many as 5 years, to completely eliminate the plant. This method therefore requires spraying of the Knotweed each year at the point when the plant is at its full growth for that growing season. This should be handled by a recognised Knotweed company, using the right strength of herbicide, rather than tackled via your own DIY Knotweed removal method
Rhizomes digging is a highly effective but more costly method of Knotweed removal since it requires large amounts of soil removal over a wide area. It is usually the preferred option for those requiring a quick solution, such as developers, rather than for domestic gardens where it isn’t deemed necessary.
But how does it work?
Rhizomes (the extensive network of underground roots) are very proactive in the spreading of Japanese knotweed. Therefore, excavating the rhizome fully and either disposing them to a licensed landfill facility or an alternative mechanical remediation strategy is one of the best ways of removing the plant. It is essential to ensure that all the pieces have been removed and a clean site policy is implemented to prevent cross-contamination.
Chipping Japanese knotweed can be used as means of disposing of the stem cuttings to improve aesthetics and to facilitate access to the infestations. However, it is important to ensure that the cuttings have sufficiently dried out before being chipped to prevent regrowth. Ideally, these works should be undertaken within the winter period. Chipping on-site should be done in a controlled way to avoid cross contamination.
How can Japanese knotweed stems be disposed of?
Chipping on-site has replaced on-site incineration as a more environmentally friendly method of disposal. If the stems are to be chipped, it is vital that this is done in the winter months once the stems have died and dried to make sure they have no chance of spreading or regrowing.
The MeshTech method is an eco-friendly means of controlling the spread of Japanese knotweed. Designed by Dr Eric Connelly and JKSL, the method does not use any chemicals, and therefore leaves the lowest possible on-site footprint where it is used. It is also useful in preserving soil fertility and controlling soil erosion, especially along river banks.
MeshTech is effective as it forces the plant to sever its own stems on a wire mesh placed over it where it grows. This exposes the plant, leaving it open to damage by frost and rot. Eventually, the Knotweed plant will die off due to exhaustion of the nutrient stores in its root system.
What eco-friendly ways are there for Japanese knotweed treatment?
MeshTech can be a preferred methodology over herbicide use because it ensures that the surrounding environment remains as unaffected as it can be, conserving animal and plant life. It is an ideal deal technique for Japanese knotweed removal & eradication in ecologically sensitive areas such as riverside locations, railway embankments, and highways.
Although still being trialed, the biological method is one of the environmentally-friendly methods of how to kill Japanese knotweed. This method of control relies on the use of a tiny sap-sucking insect called the psyllid, which lays its eggs on Knotweed. The young nymphs eat the plants, preventing them from growing any taller, and this drains the life out of the weed.
JKSL closely follows the research work of CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International) and DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), who began the psyllid release programme way back in Spring 2010 at several sites across England and Wales. A natural predator, the psyllids insect, has been discovered as a method of naturally keeping the plant under control.
Can biological methods be used for getting Japanese Knotweed removal?
Biological control will not kill Japanese knotweed but can slow the spread of the plant and make it more vulnerable to chemical control. The risk of damage to native plant species has been found to be low, meaning it could open the door to more biological control against Japanese knotweed and other invasive weeds. The hope is that the insects could eventually establish themselves across the nation to slow the spread of Knotweed.
There are several methods of Japanese knotweed treatment that are successful. (Find out more about potential Japanese knotweed removal costs.) Eliminating the weed often requires a multi-pronged approach by applying different methodologies.
Whether you choose chemical or mechanical methods of getting rid of Japanese knotweed, the job should always be handled by professional Knotweed removal experts. Often, hiring a professional service such as JKSL for Japanese knotweed removal is the only way that you can be sure the weed and its roots have been completely eradicated.
If you are still unsure of the best method of Japanese knotweed removal for you, then get in touch with JKSL. We can help you with Japanese knotweed identification to determine if you have a problem, and then give you advice on the Japanese knotweed treatment options best suited to your particular situation.
I believe I have a Japanese knotweed infestation.
How can I contact you?
There have been numerous articles recently suggesting that certain plants should never be used in gardens and that they will invade and dominate any location in which they are planted.
Alan Titchmarsh even had a flurry of complaints from people suggesting that his use of Gunnera tinctoria would result in hundreds of thousands of invading Giant rhubarb plants covering the country.
If there is one thing I hate – its people criticising and complaining ABOUT SUBJECTS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT….and let’s be honest… Alan knows his plants. Alan Titchmarsh was actually one of the first tv gardeners to flag up the problems caused by Japanese knotweed – so for people with little experience to be criticising his choice of plants is a little bit out of order.
Using Buddlejia to attract butterflies will always happen – it’s called the ‘butterfly bush’ by many and will always be on the list of plants to attract insects. Yes – it can be problematic on railways and brownfield sites – but – we’re never going to stop people using it in their gardens.
Montbretia is colourful, hardy and a reliable garden staple – people will continue to use it because it’s a long flowering easy to grow plant. Many would call it ‘invasive’ – and yes it will spread easily but to try and eradicate it from the UK will never happen. It’s not going to undermine your building foundations or damage your hard surfaces and it’s unlikely to spread along river courses or railways unless very badly managed.
Goldenrod – another one that gardeners have used in the past – now recognised as invasive – my mother has it in her garden but it’s never really caused an issue as she regularly hacks into it and burns the resulting pile of debris.
There are plants which should never be planted. There are plants which can cause issues if left unchecked and unmonitored …BUT…in most cases plants will not aggressively spread so quickly that they cannot be managed.
You are NOT, for example, going to wake up one morning and find Gunnera has taken over your garden overnight.
Bamboo will NOT leap into your garden from next door whilst you’re in Marbella – you’re not going to arrive back from holiday with your stuffed donkey and go … ‘Bloody hell, Mabel …look at the f’ing Arundinarea blocking ‘t front door…’…
Not going to happen.
What will happen is a …gradual… spreading of certain species.
This is where you need to keep an eye out. Certain plants will dominate and spread quicker than others. Certain plants have invasive root systems and will send out rhizome growth in all directions and this can be problematic.
However, unless you are a complete gardening fool – then this is manageable and can be contained.
To suggest never planting a species that will spread – would limit your choice of species to a mere handful of plants. Growth and spread are a sign of health and vigor, plants that only survive to remain static are often prone to sickness and stress related conditions.
The world as it seems is dominated by people who have a knee jerk reaction to species of plants that are prone to spreading – part of this problem is caused by people who have jumped onto the Japanese knotweed ‘bandwagon’ who have zero plant knowledge other than knowing what Knotweed looks like.
People set themselves up as a ‘Japanese knotweed expert’ – yet they have absolutely no idea about any other plant. They know nothing about plant associations, nothing about native species, nothing about soil, nothing about the environment.
Hence when asked for a comment about Bamboo or Montbretia or Gunnera or Cotoneaster – they go with …
Kill it….
Sorry folks – plants and plant life is a little more complex than that…. ask an expert….
YES, I AGREE …. plants mentioned in this blog CAN BE A PROBLEM…but not always. What I’m suggesting here is a more balanced approach to invasive plants.
Let’s look at the situation (and obviously the legislation) then make a decision.
Let me leave you with a question?
If you have a brownfield contaminated site that will never be developed – the soil is heavy in toxic waste – and nothing is growing on the site other than Japanese knotweed. The site is self-contained and is not bordered by housing or industrial land and is not adjacent to watercourse or railway.
Would you still go in and chemically eradicate the Knotweed?
Please think about your answer before responding.
Mike C
