Self Removal - Can I do this myself?

Where Did Japanese Knotweed Come From - and Why Is It a Problem?

Many people often ask:

• Where did Japanese Knotweed come from?
• How did it get here?
• Why is it such a big problem?

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we hear these questions all the time - and for good reason. Japanese Knotweed is one of the most invasive and persistent plant species in Ireland and the UK.

Originally introduced from Japan in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, it was admired for its bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves. Unfortunately, it quickly spread beyond gardens and into the wild, where it now causes serious environmental, structural, and legal problems.

Why Japanese Knotweed Is So Difficult to Control

Japanese Knotweed is incredibly resilient - it grows in almost any soil type, through nearly any season, and can survive flooding, drought, and cutting.

Standard removal methods such as cutting, burning, or pulling rarely work. In fact, disturbing the plant can make things worse - even a tiny fragment of root (rhizome), smaller than your fingernail, can regenerate into a new plant.

Chemical treatments are an option, but they require repeated applications over several years to be effective. This is why professional control and management, such as that provided by Cork Japanese Knotweed, is the most reliable long-term solution.

DIY Knotweed Control: Proceed With Caution

If you have the time, physical ability, and persistence, you can attempt a form of long-term management using the following strategy. However, please note that Cork Japanese Knotweed strongly advises contacting a professional, as improper handling can cause the infestation to spread further.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Isolate the Affected Area
2. Fence off the infested section of land, ensuring the barrier is at least 7 metres from any visible Knotweed growth.
3. Prevent Spread
4. Set up a dedicated area to clean footwear and tools after leaving the contaminated zone. Remember: even the smallest fragment can spread the plant.
5. Initial Herbicide Treatment
6. Apply a glyphosate-based herbicide (such as Roundup) following the manufacturer's safety and environmental guidelines.
7. Allow for Absorption
8. Wait for the recommended time to allow the plant to absorb the chemical before removing any growth.
9. Cut Back Surface Growth
10. Remove above-ground growth to around 15 cm above the crown of the plant.
11. Dry and Burn the Material
12. Leave the cut material to dry in a secure, isolated area where it cannot contaminate clean soil - then burn or incinerate it safely.
13. Excavate Rhizomes and Crowns
14. Carefully dig out the root system by hand. Be aware that rhizomes can extend up to 2 metres deep and 7 metres horizontally from where the plant emerges.
15. Dry and Dispose
16. Place all crown and rhizome material on a sheet of polythene and keep it dry. Once completely dried, burn or incinerate everything within the infected area.
17. Monitor for Regrowth
18. Continue to monitor the site and repeat these steps as necessary for up to 5 years.

The Professional Approach - Guaranteed Results

While DIY management can help reduce regrowth, complete eradication of Japanese Knotweed requires specialist intervention.

At Cork Japanese Knotweed, we offer:

• Full site surveys and professional removal plans
• Licensed herbicide treatments and excavation services
• Environmentally responsible waste management
• Comprehensive warranties for lasting peace of mind

Our work comes with a guarantee and regular follow-up inspections, ensuring your property remains Knotweed-free for good.

Why Choose Cork Japanese Knotweed?

✅ Fully qualified and insured Knotweed specialists

✅ Proven methods accepted by lenders and local authorities

✅ Environmentally responsible and legally compliant practices

✅ Long-term warranty and monitoring after removal

Don't let Japanese Knotweed take over your property.

Contact Cork Japanese Knotweed today for professional, permanent, and fully compliant Knotweed removal - and reclaim your land with confidence.

For any enquiries or questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

Email. corklandscaper@gmail.com

Tel. 0870018636