How Does Japanese Knotweed Harm Other Species?

Japanese knotweed, otherwise known as Fallopia japonica, is one of the most menacing weeds in Britain today. It’s no wonder that home and land owners have come to dread it – the invasive plant has the ability grow almost anywhere at an alarmingly fast rate and it’s extremely difficult to completely eradicate without the help of an expert.

In its native home, Japanese knotweed growth is kept under control by a variety of insects, thus minimising its devastating effects. However, here in the UK the resistance force offered by Mother Nature is simply not enough. Over time, Japanese knotweed can become extremely damaging to the eco-system of the surrounding area, not to mention nearby property, which is why you should seek intervention quickly if you suspect its growth.

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What harm does it cause to other species?

An invasion of Japanese knotweed can have detrimental effects on native vegetation in the surrounding area. According to a study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation, Japanese knotweed poses a huge threat to biodiversity and natural ecosystems. The weed forms dense thickets, shading the nearby plants and fauna, as well as releasing a chemical substance that inhibits their growth. This can also have detrimental effects on the diversity and abundance of insects and wildlife in the area that rely on such vegetation

When Japanese knotweed grows along water courses, there is also the possibility of it affecting the food chain of aquatic life. This is because aquatic species are not capable of processing the leaf litter of Japanese knotweed as they are with many native species of vegetation. As well as threatening the native species, Japanese knotweed can cause some serious environmental issues. Japanese knotweed growth can exacerbate flooding by limiting the capacity and free flow of water. During winter, knotweed usually lies dormant, leaving riverbanks exposed and thus increasing erosion.

Other damage caused

As mentioned previously, in addition to threatening wildlife Japanese knotweed can also pose a serious threat to walls, pavements, tarmac, drainage and the structural foundations of buildings. The weed has a wide-ranging root structure that can extend up to 3m below surface growth. The actual plant can reach 4m high. The aggressive nature of the plant means that its roots are able to exploit even the smallest weak spots in hard surfaces and worsen existing cracks in its relentless quest for light and water.

On several occasions, homeowners have been refused mortgages and/or planning permission because of the extensive presence of Japanese knotweed in the immediate vicinity of their property. This is because surveyors are aware of the hefty amounts of time and money required to reverse the effects of the damage and completely eradicate the plant’s growth.

How do you stop the harm caused by the weed?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that digging out the Japanese knotweed themselves can bring an end to its growth. This technique is not recommended, because even the smallest piece of the plant left behind in the ground can lead to its rapid growth all over again, often worse than before. With our professional service, we’ll handle containing and properly disposing of the plant waste to the required legal specifications. Professional services will employ expert methods of eradication to make sure the plant never returns.

This is certainly the case here at JKSL, where we’re committed to helping you fight Japanese knotweed growth, and will advise appropriately on the most suitable approaches to free you from the invasive weed. We are skilled in the identification, control and eradication of the Japanese knotweed and other invasive species, with 15 years of experience and a 100% success guarantee to prove it. We also offer warranty options of up to 10 years to make sure you’re never plagued with Japanese knotweed again.

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