Smothering Japanese Knotweed Using Tarps
Environet recommend one way to kill Japanese knotweed is to cover it with tarps. When you cover it with tarps, it is going to suppress the growth of the Japanese Knotweed and it is going to diet. This method works best in spring because you can catch it when it is growing.
Preparing the Area
The first step is to cut the mature weed canes (these are the tall stems) and remove any debris. The edges of the canes are sharp and can puncture a tarp easily.
Covering the Area with Tarps
You are then going to cover the plant completely using the tarp. You can use more than one depending on the size of the Japanese knotweed. Overlap the tarps to make sure no sunlight is penetrating. Weigh down the tarps using rocks or heavy material. This prevents it from getting blown away or moved.
Trampling Any New Shoots
When the shots start emerging, they can start pushing the tarp. Environet advise that you walk over the tarps to trample them. The growth occurring under the tarps is not going to be much because the weeds are not getting sunlight.
Leaving the Tarps
The tarps should remain there for as long as possible so that the existing plants die and the shoot doesn’t emerge. This area can be used for above-ground container gardening.
Cutting it
You can suppress it but not fully eradicate it when you use the method of cutting. In most cases, the method is used alongside other methods.
Cutting the Plant Down
Throughout the growing season, cut the plant down so that it cannot photosynthesize efficiently.
Gathering the Cuttings
The cuttings should be put in a bag and disposed of. If you leave them on the ground, they can easily sprout new roots then hold in the soil. This is one reason why it is best to speak to the experts at Environet.
Repeating with New Shoots
When new shoots start to emerge, repeat the process.
Dig It Up
Another method that is commonly used alongside other methods is digging up the ground where the shoots come up most.
Finding the Rhizome Clumps
Look for the rhizome clumps of the plant (these are the underground stems responsible for sending up shoots). The rhizome clumps in mature plants can be very wood and can be more than a foot in width.
Bagging Rhizomes for Disposal
Get as much of them as possible, and then put them in a bag before disposing of them. A small piece can end up being a new plant.
Using Herbicides
There are those who choose to apply weed killer to kill the Japanese knotweed. Some gardeners choose this method, but such products are not safe for the environment, pets, and humans. You might end up killing nearby plants in your garden. Environet will ensure that the rest of your garden remains untouched.
Selecting a Weed Killer
You need to choose the right weed killer that is able to kill the Japanese knotweed then follow the instructions on the label. Make sure you pay full attention to the safety warnings.
Distributing the Weed Killer
Make sure you have a mask and gloves on when distributing the weed killer. After you are done, store the excess.
Tips for Removing Japanese Knotweed
You increase the chances of getting rid of Japanese knotweed from your yard when you use multiple eradication methods. You can decide to use the tarp method during the warm months of the year and cut or use weed killer along the perimeter. In late autumn and early spring, use the digging method. Use the tarp for winter so that you are ready for the growing season.
