Japanese Knotweed - Advice

DiscoCat54

Apparently it's edible and tastes like Rhubarb!

http://www.eattheweeds.com/japanese-knotweed-dreadable-edible/

Ivana_Tinkle

Richard_Webster wrote: »

If the Council doesn't do anything then wait till next Spring when it is growing and go out and put a strong dose of Round Up on it.

No - whatever you do, don't do this! You treat it in the autumn, either by spraying with a stronger than usual dose of glyphosate (either Roundup or an "own-brand" version, which is much cheaper) or by stem injection. There are detailed instructions on the packet for Roundup tree stump killer. If you spray the stems when they're small in the spring, they won't soak up enough weedkiller to actually kill the roots, so the stems will just keep coming back but will never actually get tall enough to treat properly. There's loads of info online, from places like the RHS, or Cornwall Council has lots of advice on their website as it's all over the place down here.

It's really not difficult to treat - the problem is that for some reason people just won't do it properly! They insist on doing things like trying to dig it up, which doesn't work and just spreads it around, or chucking random household chemicals on it, or trying to set fire to it... That's why it spreads. If everyone who had it actually treated it properly I'm of the firm belief that we'd have eliminated it in five years.

scottishgirl87

So, if we did eventually buy the property - if we informed the council (if they don't already know) would they then have to do something about it?

RAS

Cannot comment on a Scottish legal situation but can confirm that stem injection in the autumn is highly effective and we have cleared land and returned it to proper use.

Notmyrealname

scottishgirl87 wrote: »

So, if we did eventually buy the property - if we informed the council (if they don't already know) would they then have to do something about it?

Certainly in England and Wales the landowner is legally required to.

abaxas

Walk away.

Davesnave

abaxas wrote: »

Walk away.

That's a step up from 'run.'

The pills must be working.

trimner

Viewed a house myself which had that stuff, the estate agent informed me and they said it had been treated and was safe for 10 years.

The house is still up for sale and has been reduced from £139,950 - £129,950 - £119,950 and now to £115,000. The previous owner done a swap deal for a new home.

Wasn't fused on the property anyway and I also looked it up on the internet and it can cause the following:

The aggressive growth pattern is capable of exposing weaknesses in hard engineered structures such as concrete, tarmac, brick walls and foundations.

The Mail online:

Couple are forced to demolish their £300k four-bed home after it was invaded by Japanese knotweed


Hope this helps .