Code of Practice For Japanese Knotweed Removal

The Environment Agency has produced a code ofroadsides and railways will all help in the fight for
practice for the Japanese knotweed control and itsJapanese knotweed eradication. The invasive
effective eradication in the United Kingdom. This codeknotweed can block natural routes for wildlife by
of practice offers advice and gives various optionsspreading through rivers and railways which is why
for Japanese knotweed control that comply with thesomething needs to be done urgently to prevent any
law here in the UK. Japanese knotweed control is ofdamage.
concern to many people such as architects, planners,Japanese knotweed control is also fundamental for
designers, contractors, consultants and landscapethe protection of footpaths everywhere around the
gardeners alike.United Kingdom. Where the plant has been allowed to
This invasive weed is a non-native species of plant.grow freely there are places where, in winter, the tall
Since the invasive weed was introduced into thedead canes of the knotweed harbour rubbish and
United Kingdom in the mid-nineteenth century fromlitter and subsequently provide shelter for rats and
Asia, Japanese knotweed control has become moreother pests which can cause damage and spread
and more necessary, as the nasty knotweed hasdiseases as well.
spread, particularly along watercourses, transportJapanese knotweed removal is also necessary in
routes and infested waste areas.domestic gardens, particularly where outbuildings may
Because the knotweed is a non-native species inbe erected as the invasive plant can grow through
many countries is has no natural predators ormany hard surfaces.
diseases like it would have in Japan where it is from.Japanese knotweed eradication is now being
Consequently the invasive plant has been free topractised throughout the United Kingdom as a means
grow larger and more vigorous over the years.of weed control. Managing land infested by this nasty
Japanese knotweed has invaded natural habitatsplant can avoid many things like: excessive costs;
which now struggle to survive against a plant thatpossible prosecution for the spread of the invasive
was not there some time ago. Removal of Japaneseweed; compensation claims related to Japanese
knotweed is needed as it is affecting not only theknotweed removal; possible damage to buildings and
native plants but also the animals that normally live inhard surfaces from the knotweed re-growth; and
the United Kingdom.potential harm from the Japanese plant to the
Japanese knotweed control along rivers and hedges,environment.