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how would you tackle japanese knotweed?

17 years ago

There's a lot behind a local church which is totally overrun with Japanese knotweed. It's ugly, it's unusable, and I always have a hankering to ask if I could try to work on it... clear the weeds and plant some flowers and such. But knotweed.... what would YOU do? How would you tackle this big ugly eyesore of a lot and make it into something nice? I'd really appreciate your feedback before I go volunteering or anything.

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Comments (4)

JAYK
17 years ago
This is a particularly difficult weed to control, but fortunately there is a good deal of information available about what works. This site is the best I am aware of for specific control methods.

Here is a link that might be useful: TNC
alphonse
17 years ago
I have eliminated a two acre infestation of it so feel I can give some valid advice.
First,never despair.It could take 3-5 years.
If you are "organic" you need to resign yourself to using glyphosate,RoundUp being a U.S. brand.
Read the link Jayk provided. I'm a slow typist so will stop,but could continue if you wish.My methodology is a bit unique.
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newskye
Original Author
17 years ago
alphonse... I would love to hear more about your unique method. I can't say I'm totally organic, but I use chemicals with the greatest reluctance and would prefer other means if possible. With knotweed... I just don't know. I've read Jayk's link (thanks Jayk) and it's made me wonder if I could possibly win against this monster of a weed. It's taking over Swansea, where I live, and now I've stopped wondering why "somebody doesn't do something about that"! If I thought I could actually make any headway I'd be willing to give it a try. The lot I have in mind is definitely less than 2 acres but still a fair size. I'd be so proud if I could make that ugly lot pretty and usable.
alphonse
17 years ago
So now you know how it spreads,seed & rhizome,especially the latter.
My methods,never let it flower.Always cut close to ground level,just below a node,and spray/pour glyphosate mix into the cavity.Do that with every cane.
Once done,you can mulch,heavily,though that will be in the way when the devil re-sprouts.....not if,but when.
If you dig up roots,you MUST find every tiny offcut,lest a new plant form.You have to sequester the roots away from water,sunlight and any organic matter,they remain viable far too long.I used polythene barrels.
Digging roots is nightmarish,but breaking the underground connexions speeds depletion of plant reserves.You can spray root ends in the ground if you can't remove at once,though the herbicide is claimed for foliar use.I am NOT saying that flooding root infested soil with herbicide will help!
If you are a composter,the leaves(no seeds) and stalks,NO ROOTS,make good feedstuff.
Hope this helps,and good luck.

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