Annoyingly, Japanese knotweed does not die off in the winter. This invasive plant simply hibernates through the cold weather and re-emerges bigger and better in the spring. Sorry homeowners!
What happens to Japanese knotweed in Winter?
In the winter, Japanese knotweed appears to die. This is because its canes will go from green to brown, turn brittle, and eventually fall. And before the heart-shaped leaves drop, they will wither and go brown too. Finally, the first cold snap of the season will kill off any remaining flower clusters.
Although it’s difficult to identify Japanese knotweed in the winter, you can spot it by looking for hollow and bamboo-like straw sticks!
What happens below ground?
It’s what happens below ground which saves Japanese knotweed from dying off in the winter. And this root system, known as the 'rhizome' (or creeping rootstalks) has a lot to answer for. It sends out roots and shoots from its stems which can extend up to several metres in any direction.
If you’re hoping to remove this monster root yourself, think again. Not only can the rhizome be buried three metres deep, but it’s likely to have spread across property lines and under any and all structures – including our homes and offices. To make matters worse, if you allow the root to become fragmented, just the tiniest chip of rhizome can spread further afield being carried by the wind, dropped during transportation, or via the waterways.
Removing Japanese knotweed properly is no easy garden job - we are testament to that with our many year's of knotweed removal experience!
Japanese knotweed and property damage
We’ve already said the rhizome is the “root” of all Japanese knotweed evil. That is, it’s able to survive the winter and cause extensive damage in the spring. This could include making the walls of buildings literally “split,” as this invasive weed grows aggressively larger, as well as piercing drainage pipes in its search for water.
Of course, there is also the fact that any property affected by Japanese knotweed is stigmatised. All in all, this means your property will lose significant value and you will struggle to get a mortgage or even sell.
Should you remove Japanese knotweed in the Winter?
Clearly, Japanese knotweed needs to be removed but should you remove it in the winter? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Namely, you can’t use herbicides to control knotweed in the winter, so excavation is the only option. However, this is also the better option because – weather permitting – there is simply less plant matter to remove.
By getting rid of Japanese knotweed in the winter, you can soon be cleanly and legally free from its grasp. Even better, you can enjoy your garden again next summer!
Talk to us about your concerns today and get rid of your Japanese knotweed for good.
