Bristol, UK - Japanese Knotweed Bristol

Most people think that Japanese Knotweed (also known as bamboo due to its bamboo-like appearance, Peashooters or Fallopia Japonica) is found in just rural areas, however, you will be surprised to know this is incorrect. Knotweed is in fact very prevalent in built-up areas, towns and cities across the UK, and Bristol is one of the “worst” cities in the UK for Japanese Knotweed infestations.

How do you Identify Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed Leaves

Can be identified by their heart or shovel-shaped leaves which have a point at the tip and are staggered on the stem. There is normally one stem per node which creates a zig-zag growth pattern. The leaves are a rich bright green colour and can grow up to 20cm long.

Japanese Knotweed Flowers

Japanese Knotweed Flowers are long clusters of creamy white flowers which will appear towards the end of summer and early September. The clusters can grow to around 0.5cm wide and up to 10cm long. The green heart or shovel-shaped leaves stay as the flowers grow and this results in thick foliage.

Japanese Knotweed Rhizomes

Japanese Knotweed Rhizomesare is the root of the plant which grows extensively underground. The stem is dark brown and the inside of the stem is an orange-yellow colour. Fresh stems will be crisp and will snap easily. The rhizomes can grow 3 metres in-depth and up to 7 metres horizontally from the original plant. This is the part of the weed that will most likely spread and just one tiny fragment (as little as 0.7g) will create a new knotweed plant and the process starts all over again.

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Japanese Knotweed Stems

A Japanese Knotweed Stem can grow up to 2-3 metres tall, sometimes more, and they look similar to Bamboo which is why it is often called bamboo. They have nodes and purple speckles and as the weed matures the stems inside become hollow, making them easy to snap especially during the winter when they become very brittle.

What should you do if you think you might have Japanese Knotweed on your property?

If you find or think you have Japanese knotweed in Bristol it is your responsibility to control it, although you are not legally required to remove it. If you don’t remove it or control it then it will spread rapidly and if it spreads onto someone else’s land or public land or property it will be your responsibility. Removing or disposing of Japanese Knotweed without experience and knowledge will cause it to spread and this is the illegal point, so it is vital that it is dealt with by a Knotweed NPCT qualified specialist who can advise you on the most effective way to control or remove it.

It is important that you use a Japanese Knotweed Specialist as there are several plants that are often mistaken for it.

If you think you may have Japanese Knotweed in Bristol, call us on 0117 321 7799 and one of our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have or will arrange a no-obligation survey for you.

Find out everything you need to know here: southwestjapaneseknotweedremoval.co.uk/japanese-knotweed-bristol/