Japanese Knotweed identification in Crewe and Nantwich
For Japanese Knotweed identification in Crewe and Nantwich Knotweed Doctor have PCA certified Japanese Knotweed surveyors and technicians across the Crewe and Nantwich areas to help you spot this invasive weed. You can self identify Japanese Knot weed with our quick guide below or by sending in your photographs.
How to Identify Japanese Knotweed
Asparagus-like shoots red or green
Vivid green spade shaded leaves
Zig-zag leaf patterns growing on opposite sides
Bamboo type green stems with purple spots
White or cream clusters of flowers
Japanese Knotweed Shoots
Red or purple asparagus-type shoots show in early spring as the ground warms.
Young Knotweed Plant
Leaves broaden and quickly start to turn green.
Zig-zag leaf pattern
The leaves always grow on opposite sides hence they make this zig-zag pattern.
Heart-shape leaves
Heart or spade shape leaves have a flat edge and are a vivid green colour.
Japanese Knotweed Stems
During early-mid summer the hollow stems now have purple speckles.
Flowering Knotweed
In late summer lengthy creamy white spiky clusters of flowers appear.
Rhizome
The rhizome or root system if not treated correctly can trigger the plant in a dormant state making it harder for even an expert to kill. The rhizome has a tribute-colour pattern. A deep orange core is surrounded by a yellowy inner and a darker outer. It is woody and easily snapped and spread without the proper care.
Dead Japanese Knotweed canes
In late autumn the Japanese Knotweed begins to die back into its rhizome. The plant will remains dormant through the winter season. The leaves brown and fall to the ground, the stems loose their colour which leaves dense woody canes.
What Does Japanese Knotweed Look Like?
So how do you correctly identify Japanese Knotweed? The weed is commonly misidentified, however, there are a few things to look out for. Depending on the season this unwanted plant can look very different.
In Winter-time the leaves fall and the stems brown. The woody dead stems can take 3-4 seasons to start to decompose. These can be safely cut, never pulled, in late winter. Check for bamboo-like hollow stems. Spring growth appears as reddish asparagus-like shoots start to grow. The red quickly turn to green as the plant feeds from the sun and producing chlorophyll. The leaves begin to open sometimes with red veins. During summer you can clearly see spade-shaped leaves, always growing on alternative sides. Creating their tell-tale zig-zag patterns commonly used in Japanese Knotweed identification. Knot weed can grow to up to 3m high. Moreover, the stems are green with deep purple spots. Then late in summer, you can see white/creamy clusters of spikey flowers and occassionally small paper-thin seeds on the plant.
Interested in Japanese Knotweed identification know how?
Our professional Crewe and Nantwich teams have expert knowledge and many years experience dealing with this invasive weed. We can advise you on the best way to control the knotweed in Crewe and Nantwich.
Japanese Knotweed Solutions Near Me in Crewe and Nantwich
For Japanese-knotweed solutions near me we have PCA technicians and surveyors with many years’ experience spotting this weed. If you want someone to come, identify and remove or control the weeds Knotweed Doctor Crewe can help. Our team of specialists will help you find a solution no matter the stage of the plant’s growth. If you’ve got any concerns about plant infestation near to your property, contact our team. Get in touch now.
Knotweed Doctor can get our local experts in Crewe and Nantwich to remove and treat the invasive plant. Also we can ensure you don’t have further problems. We are experts in identifying it. Our professionals are here to help with professional identification in Crewe and Nantwich.
If you need further help and need formal Japanese Knotweed identification, please contact us on 0800 020 9171. We can advise you on what needs to be done to remove the knotweed making sure it doesn’t grow back.
Frequently asked questions
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Fallopia japonica is a herbaceous perennial plant species, meaning the above ground growth dies back every year however the roots survive. In the UK it is a non-native invasive weed that causes damage to land and properties.
How does japanese knotweed spread?
Although Japanese Knotweed can produce seeds it is extremely rare (in the UK) that they germinate. The plant usually spreads through disturbance of the stems, crowns or rhizome (root system). Strimming sends pieces of stem everywhere which can become new plants. The crowns frequently survive composting and regrow in their new idyllic surroundings. Breaking up the rhizome can stimulate new production of small red buds, hence it is important to get professionals in to treat any infestation.