Main navigation

Why are invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed a problem?

Basically they’re known as invasive species because they are invading!  After being introduced into this country from other ecosystems they have been spreading and out…

Why are invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed a problem?

Basically they’re known as invasive species because they are invading!  After being introduced into this country from other ecosystems they have been spreading and out competing native plants ever since, devaluing and damaging property in the process.  That sounds like the plot of a sinister sci-fi film, a horticultural horror story, they’re just plants, how bad can it be?

In a nutshell, the problem is that both Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed are difficult to kill and can spread rapidly.  If removed from site, soils containing viable plant material must be treated as controlled waste and transported and disposed of accordingly.  You can also be prosecuted if you cause these species to spread from your property.

Japanese Knotweed spreads by growth or (human or natural) transport of live plant material and can regenerate a new plant from fingernail sized fragments of rhizome (root).  The plant grows very quickly (up to 40mm a day!) and can damage physical structures (it grows through and widens cracks and weaknesses in concrete).

Giant Hogweed presents a risk to human health with sap that makes skin photoreactive leading to severe and painful skin irritation.  Seriously, just stay away from it.  Giant Hogweed spreads from seeds, and a single mature plant can produce up to 50,000 of them which will commonly remain viable in the soil for 7 years but have been found to be viable after 15 years.

There are a range of solutions, feel free to phone us to discuss them on 0131 538 8456.

FREE EBOOK

2021

Giant Hogweed removal

Accurately identifying an invasive weed without any prior knowledge can be tricky for the lesser green fingered amongst us, especially when there is a health risk involved. This free eBook will help educate, identify, treat and address the dangers of Giant Hogweed.

FREE EBOOK

2021

Everything you wanted to know about Japanese Knotweed but were afraid to ask

Japanese Knotweed can be the stuff of nightmares for developers and homeowners alike. Not sure if you have a Knotweed problem? Looking for the answers? This free eBook will help educate, identify, treat and address the importance of eradicating Japanese Knotweed.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Knotweed certainly is a pain, on top of the issues with building damage, now in the UK mortgage lenders have started to stop lending for homes with knotweed near them, which is a nightmare for sellers, especially when the knotweed is in a neighbour’s garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *