Latest news with #invasiveplant
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Japanese knotweed is spreading more aggressively than ever thanks to recent bouts of warm weather, expert warns
Aggressive Japanese knotweed is thriving and spreading faster than usual this summer, experts have warned. The plant, which can grow up to 10cm (4 inches) per day, is reaching its peak season. Knotweed specialists said prolonged warm weather has created ideal growing conditions, with late August and early September being prime time for flowering. The invasive plant is notorious for its huge roots which can stretch 3 metres (10ft) deep and towering bamboo–like stems which can tear through brickwork and concrete. Left unchecked, it can quickly take over gardens and cause long–term damage. Across the UK, there are now over 100,000 infestations recorded annually. Invasive plant control experts from Japanese Knotweed Specialists have urged homeowners to identify the problem early and protect their gardens at this key time of year. So, how can you tell if you need to take immediate action? The experts said key indicators to look out for in summer months are white to cream–coloured flowers which grow 6 to 15cm long, with a feathery look. Heart–shaped leaves could also be a warning sign, they said. These are broad with a pointed tip, growing alternately along the stem. You should also look out for hollow, bamboo–like stems that are green, red or purple, they warned, which form dense thickets. According to the specialists, Japanese knotweed affects an estimated one in 20 homes and can cut property value by up to 15 per cent. As well as growing deep into the ground, roots can grow 7m (23ft) sideways, making it a hazard for neighbours as well. Catching it during flowering season, when it is more visible and active, is vital, they said. Even though stems start to die back in autumn, the underground system stays ready to regrow. Acting in summer gives you the best chance to stop it returning and, if you suspect an infestation, they recommend calling in the specialists. 'During the summer, Japanese knotweed reaches its fastest, most aggressive stage of growth, expanding rapidly and becoming harder to control,' a spokesman for Japanese Knotweed Specialists said. 'Spotting and dealing with it at this time of year is vital to prevent serious structural damage and stop it spreading further. 'Professional expertise makes all the difference, from accurately identifying the plant to applying the right treatments to stop regrowth. 'With the right approach, it's entirely possible to bring it under control, protect your property and avoid costly consequences.' They warned homeowners they shouldn't assume one treatment will solve the issue, as knotweed usually needs multiple treatments over several years. Cutting, mowing or even burning the plant won't eradicate the problem, as even tiny fragments can grow. Putting knotweed in household or garden waste can even cause new infestations, they explained. And even though it may seem to disappear in autumn and winter, the roots can remain active. The UK recently endured its fourth heatwave of the summer, prolonging the period of warm, dry weather. Emily Grant, director of Environet, previously explained that knotweed's fearsome capacity for growth is being helped by climate change. 'When we first started looking at knotweed 30 years ago, it wouldn't appear until May,' she said. 'But now climate change and warmer temperatures are seeing it come through whenever the light or temperature reaches the right level – sometimes as early as February.' JAPANESE KNOTWEED HAS BAMBOO-LIKE STEMS AND SMALL WHITE FLOWERS Japanese Knotweed is a species of plant that has bamboo-like stems and small white flowers. Native to Japan, it is considered an invasive species. The plant, scientific name Fallopia japonica, was brought to Britain by the Victorians as an ornamental garden plant and to line railway tracks to stabilise the soil. It has no natural enemies in the UK, whereas in Asia it is controlled by fungus and insects. In the US it is scheduled as an invasive weed in 12 states, and can be found in a further 29. It is incredibly durable and fast-growing, and can seriously damage buildings and construction sites if left unchecked. The weed strangles other plants and can kill entire gardens.
CBC
08-08-2025
- General
- CBC
Experts say invasive plant in Lake Simcoe can injure swimmers, harm the environment
Experts are warning about the harmful impacts of an invasive aquatic plant in Lake Simcoe, nearly 100 kilometres north of Toronto. Water soldier is not new to the province, but it was spotted for the first time in Lake Simcoe last year. The perennial aquatic plant is prohibited under Ontario's Invasive Species Act. The plant has long, thin, serrated leaves that grow in a circular pattern, according to the Invasive Species Centre, a non-profit. The plant forms dense mats that crowd out other vegetation and may alter water chemistry, impacting native aquatic species. Water soldier can be submerged up to five metres under water but floats to the surface in the summer. "It will cut you up if you handle the plant or try to swim around the plant. So what we're trying to do is mitigate its spread," said Brook Schryer, an advisor for the Invading Species Awareness Program with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Foundation. Water soldier is used as an ornamental plant in water gardens, the likely source of its introduction to the province, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. "This plant is a severe risk to recreational activities and it's a threat to wildlife such as fishes, waterfowl and migratory birds," Schryer said, noting the potential impact to the economy as well. Members of the water soldier working group quickly mobilized to survey the area when it was first spotted. The group includes government officials, Indigenous organizations, conservation authorities, and other environmental groups. To date, surveys have shown the infestation to be limited to Cook's Bay, but the worry is that it will spread to other areas of Lake Simcoe. Right now the work being done is focused on evaluating the extent of this invasion, according to the province, and next steps will be managing plans for control and treatment. WATCH | Inside Canada's quiet war against invasive carp: DFO's Alex Price explains his team's mission 15 days ago Judy Dwyer's property backs onto the lake, and the plant is already impacting her. She said she will wear gloves and pull the plants that are nearby her dock, but they come back quickly. "I haven't swam this year. And I have grandchildren and I'd love for the kids to swim in the water, but I don't want them to now," Dwyer said. Schryer says there has been a lot of support from various government agencies, but he hopes to see more funding from the federal government to help tackle the issue. CBC Toronto has reached out to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for comment. "I've been working on aquatic invasive species for 10 years and you know, given the economy and user base of Lake Simcoe, this is probably of top priority," Schryer said. How residents can help In the few other areas of the province with water soldier, it's been extremely challenging to handle, says Colin Cassin, executive director of the Invasive Species Centre. "Just getting the boat in and out, a canoe, kayak, just swimming off the dock or off the sandy beach, it can really impede how we use our lakes," he said, adding that residents can also do their part to help. "It looks like the top of a pineapple or a household spider plant," Cassin said. "If you see something like that floating in the water, especially in Lake Simcoe, the best thing you can do is report it." EDDmapS website.
The Sun
25-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
New map reveals Japanese Knotweed hotspots in UK wiping thousands off house prices – is your town on the list?
JAPANESE Knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant, and it wreaks havoc on homes across the country. With over 100,000 infestations every year, the pesky plant can damage buildings and knock thousands off properties. An interactive online map has been revealed and lifts the lid on where this fast-spreading menace is causing the most destruction. Leading the charge in England is Bristol, officially crowned the knotweed capital with a jaw-dropping 33.91 infestations per square mile. Hot on its heels are Merseyside (11.87), Greater London (7.74), and Lancashire (7.25), making it clear this isn't just a rural issue – it's a national one. Wales isn't spared either. Newport tops the 2025 list with a staggering 1,747 known cases, closely followed by Cardiff (1,208) and Bridgend (1,209). And while cities are bearing the brunt, rural areas like Gwynedd, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil aren't far behind. The Environet map isn't just for nosy neighbours – it's a vital tool for homeowners, buyers and surveyors. Just pop in a postcode and see your area's risk level at a glance: yellow for low, orange for moderate and red for high. And if you spot a fresh outbreak? You can upload a photo using the 'Add Sighting' feature and help grow the UK's biggest knotweed database. Japanese knotweed isn't just ugly – it can damage buildings, knock thousands off property values and even derail mortgage applications. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home Knowing what you're dealing with is essential, especially if you're buying, selling or developing. And for those wanting a deeper dive, Environet's KnotSure service combines expert insight with the power of the heatmap. The country saw a growth spurt in June after heavy rainfall after a long dry spell. Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Mr Fisher continued: 'We've been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return. 'This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth. "Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring," reported The Argus. What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall. "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. How to spot a Japanese Knotweed HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The three North Wales villages that are hotspots for invader that can damage homes
The "top ten" places in Wales blighted by Japanese knotweed have been named - and three are in North Wales. With the Japanese knotweed growing season now well underway, invasive plant can damage properties, patios and paving and devalue land. Now invasive plant specialist Environet has revealed Wales's knotweed hotspots for 2025 using the latest data from its online tracker, Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap. There are a total of 31,338 verified knotweed sightings in Wales, or 3.9 incidences in every square mile, compared to 1.1 incidences per square mile in England. They show the worst places in this region are Betws-y-Coed and Dolwyddelan in Conwy, and Tanygrisiau in Gwynedd. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday READ MORE: Glory days back at sandy Anglesey beach invaded by unwelcome visitors READ MORE: North Wales landmark is one of the main 'characters' in dark, psychological thriller Now populated with over 100,000 known incidences of the UK's most invasive plant, the map is updated with new verified sightings throughout the year, say Environet. This provides the most comprehensive online record of Japanese knotweed in the country, it claims. Members of the public can enter their postcode to discover the number of sightings nearby, with hotspots highlighted in yellow, orange or in the worst cases red, helping them understand the level of risk posed to their home or one they wish to buy. They can also help populate the heatmap by reporting knotweed infestations using the 'Add Sighting' feature and attaching a photograph of the plant so it can be verified by experts. Wales's Top 10 Japanese knotweed hotspots for 2025 are: Incidences 1 Newport city - 1,239 2 Cardiff city - 949 3 Swansea city - 936 4 Llanelli, Camarthenshire - 693 5 Betws-y-Coed, Conwy - 421 6 Neath, Neath Port Talbot - 396 7 Dolwyddelan, Conwy - 298 8 Llanafan, Ceredigion - 289 9 Rogerstone, Newport - 268 10 Tanygrisiau, Gwynedd - 254 Japanese knotweed first arrived in UK in the Victorian times in a box of plant specimens delivered to Kew Gardens and was quickly adopted by gardeners and horticulturalists, who were unaware of its invasive nature. Knotweed begins to emerge in early spring, quickly growing into lush green shrubs with pink-flecked stems, heart-shaped leaves and bamboo-like canes. But it can pose serious problems for homeowners. Its underground rhizomes that can grow up to three metres deep and spread up to seven metres horizontally, emerging through cracks in concrete, tarmac driveways, pathways, drains and cavity walls. While serious damage to property is rare, since mortgage lenders require knotweed to be dealt with when a property is sold, it can cause legal disputes between neighbours and reduce a property's value by approximately five per cent, say Environet. A 2023 DEFRA report put the cost of tackling knotweed to the UK economy at nearly £250 million a year. Environet Director Emily Grant said: 'By mapping verified sightings, we're helping people understand the level of risk in their local area and encouraging early identification and treatment. 'Vigilance is the best way to protect your property from Japanese knotweed, making sure you tackle it as early as possible before it becomes well established. At this time of year, knotweed is in full growth mode and easy to spot with its bright green heart-shaped leaves which grow in a zigzag pattern up the stems. "Mature plants flower around August, when they produce clusters of tiny white blooms."
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
600kgs of 'hardcore weeding' done to save rare Aussie bird from invasive plant
An invasive plant is being torn out by hand in a desperate bid to remove the serial spreader from blocking vital nests of the country's rarest native seabird. Rangers have been on their hands and knees in Boondelbah Nature Reserve pulling out prickly pear plants along the Port Stephens coast in NSW, with the "pesky" grower impacting nesting sites of the seabird Gould's petrel, of which there are only 1,000 breeding pairs left in the wild. The nature reserve is only one of two breeding sites, and with such limited numbers of the birds left, rangers from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) made a trip to the island for some "hardcore weeding", with the plant bagged and removed for compost elsewhere. "If left unmanaged, prickly pear plants grow over nestbox entrances, either blocking birds from entering, or trapping them inside," a NPWS spokesperson explained to Yahoo News. Four members of staff hauled 600 kilograms of the plant out of the nature reserve, and authorities will continue to monitor the plant for spread, as it is well-adapted to harsh environments. Prickly pear has been declared a weed of national significance by authorities. The nature reserve has been identified as critical for the survival of the Gould's petrel, with 95 per cent of the species breeding there, so rangers have installed artificial nesting boxes on the island to support breeding of the birds. "The Gould's petrel is Australia's rarest endemic seabird," the spokesperson said. "Every bit of accessible breeding habitat is key to ensuring their survival." ☠️ Mass poisoning fears after 'horrendous' discovery at shopping centre 🍏 Footage captures 'nightmare' problem outside Aussie Apple store 😟 Shocking find inside bird highlights worrying beach trend The impact of prickly pear is infamous, with it first introduced to Australia on the First Fleet and quickly popularised in gardens. However, it spread so quickly and extensively that the Pricky-Pear Destruction Act in 1886 was introduced, with an advisory board, legislation and preventative measures implemented to try to stop its spread. Having such a prolific weed in the seabird's habitat has been problematic, and authorities have vowed to do all they can to prevent the weed from impacting their attempts to boost the seabird's population. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
