A huge number of individuals today want to have their very own garden area to tend their plants. This is the reason why many prefer to get a home that is close to nature as this gives them a good opportunity to grow and cultivate a variety of plants. Plants are indeed appealing to look at however, they can also pose a huge threat with the overall structure and integrity of your home. A good example of this is the Japanese knotweed which has been gaining notoriety with it receiving its fair share of the spotlight over the years. Let us look at the problems that this type of plant brings to the table as well as tips on how to effectively deal with them.
A Silentand Deadly House Killer
Japanese knotweed can grow without people even noticing them. With that being said, they usually develop at a very rapid rate with growing at speeds of up to 10cm a day. Their effects become more noticeable over time and can go out of control if nothing is done to deal with it. Japanese knotweed damage is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly or for granted. Even though they can’t directly penetrate an impermeable surface like concrete, the plant itself is able to exploit gaps or join in hard surfaces which makes it possible to grow between them.
As mentioned earlier, they can spread very quickly causing damage to different parts of the home including patios, concrete, paths and driveway. Japanese knotweed will also be able to invade indoors reaching walls, floors, sockets and vents. Last but definitely not the least, are the water pipes, waste pipes and electrical cable systems can also get damage which can lead to serious issues. Furthermore, properties that are known to have Japanese knotweed can drop their value by as much as 50% making it important to deal with in a timely and effective manner. You can also get into trouble and be liable is the plant has spread through neighboring properties and land.
Hard to Get Rid Of
Japanese Knotweed is known to be a very durable and tough plant. They can stay dormant for a considerable period of time before growing again. A simple digging out of the plant will not be enough as some of them have been deeply rooted underground. This often requires excavation of the garden itself. Another thing to note is the plant falls under the controlled waste material category which means that they should only be disposed via approve landfill sites. This is enforced to avoid having the plant spread through different parts of the region. Chemical treatment is also considered to be a good option but this should be handled with care as one can risk exposing the chemical to the environment especially when used near waterways. This is the reason why many prefer hiring the services of a professional to help them deal with the problem in an orderly fashion.