Possible Methods of Control

Biological Control

Japanese Knotweed has few if any natural enemies in this country, and while this could eventually become the preferred option, it would, at best, control the plant but not eradicate it. Research into this option is on going but is not likely to produce a realistic solution for many years

Cutting

Regular cutting or pulling will eventually exhaust the plant into submission. However the time scale, labour and cost involved make this method unviable in a majority of cases.

Chemical Treatment

This is by far the most commonly used method of control. It is clean, efficient and in many cases, if the correct methods are followed, it can completely eradicate the plant from site. Currently the recommendation is to monitor and treat for a period of three years, BUT ongoing trail work by most of the major chemical manufacturers and government bodies will hopefully see a reduction in this time frame to a more industry acceptable level.