How Harmful Can Japanese Knotweed is?

Japanese knotweeds are aggressive species that have the capacity of crowding other vegetation. They crowd out all the vegetation. It is difficult to control them because they are vigorous rhizomes. They resprout from fragments and fall into the water and create new infestations. Japanese knotweed in Japan is controlled naturally by fungus and insects. It is one of those plants that‘s highly popular in Britain. It grows up to the rate of 10cm per day. It mostly spreads by human activities or by other natural means.

Japanese Knotweed has spread widely throughout Britain and has caused lots of damage to number of commercial and domestic sites. It is said that today, these species have occupied a site in every 10km area in England. It is also present in some of parts of Europe and Scotland. They greatly damage foundations, brick walls and concrete. Though people say that knotweeds prefer sunny location but it is not always true because they have the resistance to stand even the extreme environmental conditions.

Below listed are a few problems that are caused by them:

• Pitch areas are damaged
• Damage to paving and
• Cause damage to wall structures
• Harm foundations of building
• Damages various archaeological sites
• Reduces value of land
• Causes various Aesthetic issues
• Is dangerous for many insects
  

Besides the above listed problems caused by these species, a recent problem that has come up is that mortgage’s are being rejected saying that permission can be granted only if Japanese Knotweed is destroyed. Moreover it limits river access and also affects spare time opportunities.

Knotweed is aggressive and grows extremely quickly. Just within a week a small plant can grow up to a foot. A root fragment of half inch can produce hundreds of plants. Ecological consultants say that if not noticed then these knotweeds can destroy wildlife, vegetation and even wildlife habitat.