What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed is effectively a giant weed (herbaceous perennial) which grows at an alarming rate of up to 10cm per day in any type of soil. In Scotland and Britain today, Japanese knotweed has become the most invasive and destructive plant known within our gardens and countryside.

What is Japanese knotweed - where it originated

As you may guess, Japanese knotweed originated in Asia where it thrives on waste ground and on its natural habitat on the side of volcanoes. It was first introduced to Britain by the Victorians as an ornamental plant in the 19th century however, it was also used as a feed crop for cattle. With no natural enemies to check its spread, the plant in Scotland and the UK has flourished to extreme proportions. It can be said that it is "easier to plant than to get rid of it in the garden".

The problems caused by Japanese knotweed

As Scotland and the UK do not have the pests and natural diseases that control Japanese knotweed, it can grow at an alarming rate preventing any native species from growing due to the tall summer growth and the thick mulch of decaying canes and leaves in the winter. It is when it comes into contact with our homes and properties that it generally becomes an issue. Check out our web page on why Japanese knotweed is a problem for more information.

More information on what is Japanese knotweed

For more information on Japanese Knotweed or to simply find out how to eradicate it from your property, check out the links in the following web pages.

	Identifying Japanese knotweed Unsure if you have Japanese knotweed in your property? Check out our handy guide to help you identify or confirm if you have a Japanese Knotweed problem Identifying Japanese knotweed
	Why Japanese knotweed is a problem Find out why Japanese knotweed has become such an issue and the potential problems it can cause within your property. Why japanese knotweed is a problem
	Japanese knotweed treatment Find out about our Japanese knotweed treatment options to eradicate your Japanese knotweed issue. Japanese knotweed treatment
	Japanese knotweed survey Unsure if you have a Japanese knotweed issue or you just simply want to determine the extent of your Japanese knotweed problem?  Visit our web page and find out about our knotweed survey. More about a Knotweed survey

What is Japanese knotweed - Contact us

If you are still struggling to figure out what Japanese knotweed is and why it might be affecting your property, contact us on 0800 65 22 376, find your local branch or fill in our online contact form and we will organise for you to speak to a Japanese knotweed specialist to give you the help and advice you need.