Experts say 5 gardening habits attract Japanese knotweed
Now that summer is here, experts are warning that common garden activities are turning our green spaces into havens for 'space invaders' like Japanese knotweed, Horsetail and Bamboo.
Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd have shared some things you could be doing that will attract the invasive plants to your garden.
5 things you should stop doing to slow down Japanese knotweed growth
The experts have shared five things you might be doing that you think are harmless but could be attracting invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.
Plants that could damage the value of your home
Disturbing the ground
Digging, weeding or turning soil might seem harmless but it's the perfect way to spread underground roots of knotweed, horsetail and bamboo.
These weeds are rhizomatous (meaning they grow from underground root systems) and thrive when disturbed and now they have a fast track to take over.
Doing building work
Whether you're putting in the foundations for a new garden shed or laying a driveway, excavation work stirs up the ground, creating the perfect environment for weeds to spread.
Composting the plant waste
It might seem eco-friendly but composting plant waste like knotweed is a recipe for disaster, warn the experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd.
Warm, moist conditions in your compost pile could give these weeds the ideal spot to thrive, regrow and spread.
It's also illegal to use this method of disposal for noxious plants such as knotweed.
Laying patios
We know you love the idea of a new garden feature, but digging for patios and pathways can disturb the soil which encourages rhizomatous plants to spread further and at speed.
Creating ponds
Digging for a pond or water feature may seem like a peaceful idea but it means more ground disturbance which, as already mentioned, will encourage more vigorous growth.
What to do if you think there is an invasive plant growing in your garden
These weeds can be controlled with methods such as herbicide application to suppress the weeds while excavation removes all parts of the plant above and below ground.
If you suspect an invasive weed is in your garden, here's what you need to do.
Don't panic, but don't ignore the problem either.
Send a photo to an invasive weed specialist for identification and avoid cutting or digging the plant and never compost it - some plant species are governed by legislation when it comes to disposal.
Book a professional survey, particularly if the plant is near a boundary with a neighbour.
What is Japanese knotweed and what does it look like?
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explains: 'Japanese knotweed is a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial. It was introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant but has since become an invasive weed subject to legal control measures.'
It added: 'In spring, rounded pink buds form at ground level and from these reddish-purple shoots emerge. The soft shoots grow rapidly, becoming bamboo-like stems.
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'These are characterised by reddish-purple speckling, conspicuous nodes and hollow centres. Stems usually grow about 2m (6½ft) tall, reaching their full height in late summer, by which time they may be arching over at the top.
'Spade-shaped green leaves with flattish bases usually grow to about 14cm (5½in) in length and are arranged in a zig-zag pattern along the stems.
'Toward the tips of stems, clusters of small creamy-white flowers are produced in late summer and early autumn.'
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