All About Home and Garden

Japanese Knotweed may not be a problem in its native country, but in the United Kingdom, there are no known enemies, and the plant is allowed to grow with no deterrents in place. The speed at which Japanese Knotweed has been able to spread across England, Scotland, and Ireland has been alarming. It is capable of choking out other forms of plant life and tipping the ecosystem in its favor. To put a stop to Japanese Knotweed, ecologists in the UK have set out to treat the problem before it is too late. But just what could be so wrong with this plant. For the top related issues, read on.

Paving and tarmac

The Knotweed plant is very strong. Not only can it overtake the system that it is in, but it can also expose weaknesses in solid substances such as concrete paving and tarmac. Structures that are made from these can start to break apart in places as a result of the growth, leaving behind a weaker whole.

Retaining walls

Retaining walls are an important part of any structure. Without them it would be difficult for the building to remain standing. But another area where Japanese Knotweed produces sound weaknesses of the manmade environment is in these all important portions of a structure.

Archaeological excavations

The UK harbors a lot of history within its expanse. Over the years many archaeologists have uncovered evidence of the human race. But Japanese Knotweed is no respecter of history. It can infect one of these many areas and compromise the integrity of the dig, making it impossible to preserve.

Flood defence

Flooding is common in certain areas of the UK. The area is known for its rainfall, and people, who live in or near flood zones rely on structures for flood defence to keep them and their belongings safe in the event of a natural catastrophe. Japanese Knotweed, however, weakens these structures to the point that even minor flooding can create long term problems.

Falling property values

When there is an infestation of this plant and it starts to break down the integrity of the land and the structures located therein, the first thing you can expect to fall is the property value. You want to maintain your property as an investment, and these irritating plants can do permanent damage to the bottom line.

Looks

Japanese Knotweed is simply unpleasant to the eyes. In addition to being destructive, there is no redeeming aesthetic value here. In Japan, farmers and ecologists control the outgrowth for a reason. UK residents hope to do the same, but many are unsure of where to begin. If this sounds like you, then you may wish to seek the aid of a professional treatment service.

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