Floods spreading knotweed

THE many floods over the past weeks have spread the invasive Japanese Knotweed from the rivers onto surrounding land, where it is quickly taking hold.

The infested Avon that flooded onto surrounding countryside is of particular worry, with farmers reporting it taking hold where the flood waters reached, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Years to eradicate

It is known that once established it can take years to eradicate, and at great cost. When a river is in flood, the roots of the plant can be torn out, taken by the flood waters and deposited where ever they reach.

The problem is that it will be Spring next year before the plant is seen, by which time it will have become established.  It is known to cause problems and expense for people wanting to build on land infested by Japanese Knotweed.

The problem is that cutting it down or mowing over it does not kill the weed, as its roots have to be pulled out completely.

It is now a criminal offence to plant Japanese Knotweed.