Tackling Japanese Knotweed on our Land in Rural Ireland | EP017

Some of you eagle-eyed viewers have noticed that we have Japanese Knotweed on our land. You prompted us to be proactive and do something about it before it spreads any further. The biggest threat is the digger which has already inadvertently caused the weed to spring up in another place as land is unearthed and moved. It will be important to safeguard the area to make sure the plant is not disturbed. Japanese knotweed can be treated with herbicide, and this will stop the aerial growth that you see above the ground, but the roots – known as rhizomes – are capable of supporting life for up to 20 years. The weed can re-emerge and re-grow of its own accord any time, but especially if the contaminated ground is disturbed by gardening or construction activities. If the Knotweed infestation is left unchecked for several years, it can spread and cause a range of issues including: Impeding amenity land use Increase change of land use costs Material damage to hard standing structures Devaluation of property Creating legal issues We're treating it by spraying with Glyphoshate initially which can be bought over the counter at Farmer Supply shops. If it doesn't appear to be working we'll move on to something stronger. MUSIC used in this video: Ceremonial Library by Asher Fulero Catch Up by Dan Lebowitz Golly Gee by Kevin MacLeod