Could You Identify Japanese Knotweed in Your Garden?

Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive weed, and without proper removal, you could end up with a real problem. Hiring a Japanese knotweed specialist is the only way to properly ensure complete removal and to ensure you don’t have ongoing problems with this weed in the future. From domestic gardens to allotments, business parks to stately homes, an expert can ensure that you have control over the Japanese knotweed on your site and provide documentation to assist potential future sales. This whole process begins with identification.

Some people may not have a problem identifying Japanese knotweed, but others may not be so confident. Here at JKSL, we specialise in Japanese knotweed identification and removal, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you begin the identification process. The first thing to know is that Japanese knotweed is a non-native invasive weed that can grow pretty tall (averaging 3m). With its large ovate green leaves, zigzag bamboo like stems and dense crown material, Japanese knotweed is a weed you can easily spot.

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How to Identify Japanese knotweed?

Usually the plant will start growing in small isolated patches, however in the correct conditions and especially if disturbed its likely to spread very quickly and very easily. You will need to make sure that you are aware of where this weed is in your garden and keep an eye on any new growth. The best time at which you could most easily identify Japanese knotweed is mid-summer and during early autumn. During these times, it has distinctive colours that will help you distinguish it from other surrounding plants. During the spring, it has reddish-purple buds which lengthen into shoots, similar to asparagus in appearance.

By summer, the weed is matured, with its stems being hollow and exhibiting purple speckles that average around 3m high. The leaves, on the other hand, alternate around the stem forming the signature knotweed zigzag pattern. By late summer, its flowers are creamy-white and form a lengthy cluster-spike. The weed mainly spreads underground with its extensive rhizome (root) network, which are primarily dormant during winter but – important to note - are still alive.

How to Hire Expert Help?

You will need to make sure that you find a reputable company who can manage your Japanese knotweed remediation works. Here at JKSL we’re confident we can offer an industry-leading service, at a highly competitive rate.

Making sure that you take your time to find the right removal expert is important. You don't want to hire a standard gardening company when you are dealing with a highly invasive weed, that can regrow from small fragments. We’re equipped to provide Japanese knotweed removal for private homes, new housing projects and large commercial premises. Taking the time to research ensures that you hire the right company for your needs, whilst adhering to legislation and best practice.

Japanese knotweed removal is a specialist skill and it is certainly something you shouldn't just attempt on your own, however well intentioned, you will likely make the knotweed problem worse and potentially increase overall remediation costs.

For more information about our Japanese knotweed removal services and how to deal with minor or major infestations, head over to our website service pages for more information, or get in contact with our team by calling or emailing us today.

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