CAN I REMOVE KNOTWEED MYSELF?
It is not uncommon for people to take on a Japanese knotweed problem without the assistance of a professional company, but is DIY Japanese knotweed treatment a good idea? In general, we would say no, as most people do not understand how complicated and time-consuming it can be to solve a Japanese knotweed problem.
That is not to say DIY Japanese knotweed treatment is impossible, of course. So, for anyone considering DIY Japanese knotweed treatment, we have put together a list of “do’s and do not’s” to help you better understand the process of treating knotweed and the amount of work involved.
If you want more information on how to treat Japanese knotweed click the button below to contact us online.
DIY KNOTWEED TREATMENT: THE DOS AND DON’TS
Do
- Start Treatment ASAP
- Understand herbicide treatment
- Completely eradicate the roots
Do not
- Flail Japanese knotweed
- Spread contaminated soil
- Allow knotweed to spread to other properties
- Use “natural” weed killers such as coffee, lime juice or vinegar
- Perform DIY work if you need a guarantee
DO: START TREATMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
If you find Japanese knotweed on your property you should begin treatment as soon as possible. The larger the infestation, the more damage it can cause to building foundations and the more difficult it is to eradicate from your land.
DO: UNDERSTAND HERBICIDE TREATMENT
A professional Japanese knotweed herbicide treatment programme can last up to 5 years. Continually evaluate the area after the initial chemical treatment process has been completed to ensure it is not growing back.
DO: GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
Ensure you get to the root of the problem. The roots can go down to 2m. If you miss a piece, it will grow back into a new plant and potentially spread the infestation even further
DO NOT: FLAIL JAPANESE KNOTWEED
Don’t flail Japanese knotweed. Any cutting of knotweed that is not controlled could result in it spreading. It is also worth noting that cutting back will not stop it growing.
DO NOT: SPREAD CONTAMINATED SOIL
As a general rule of thumb, you should not spread any soil that has had Japanese knotweed growing in it. The root system can grow up to 7m from the infected site and even a tiny fragment of knotweed root can start a full regrowth.
DO NOT: ALLOW JAPANESE KNOTWEED TO SPREAD TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES
Talk to your neighbours about the knotweed problem and any treatment you have planned. A barrier may be needed because you can be held responsible if it encroaches onto their property.
DO NOT: USE COFFEE, LIME, VINEGAR OR OTHER “NATURAL” TREATMENTS
Put simply – There is not enough evidence to suggest they work. There are plenty of blogs and forums out there where people recommend “natural” treatments using “everyday items”, and we can understand the desire to use these products due to them being readily available. That said, any “alternative” treatment out there is alternative because no adequate scientific trial has found it to be worthwhile. This is why professional contractors use tried, tested and approved herbicide chemicals.
DO NOT: PERFORM DIY WORK IF YOU NEED A GUARANTEE
If you plan to buy or sell an affected property, do not undertake a treatment plan you cannot guarantee. More often than not, mortgage lenders will demand assurances from professional companies that the problem is under control.
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH JAPANESE KNOTWEED?
If the Japanese Knotweed eradication tips above seem a little bit daunting, then we are here to help.
If you suspect that you have Japanese knotweed on your land or property, you can contact Wise Knotweed Solutions by calling us today or using our contact form below.
