How to get rid of japanese knotweed - does weedkiller work?

Japanese knotweed is an invasive weed which spreads quickly and grows in clumps. They produce dense bamboo-like canes which can grow up to 7 ft (2.1 metres) tall. Japanese knotweed can often

be confused with other plants, such as Russian vine, Himalayan honeysuckle and Red Dragon - so make sure you double-check your garden for the invasive weed. According to the Royal

Horticultural Society, Japanese knotweed can sprout from very small sections of rhizomes. Under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an

offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Japanese knotweed can cause damage to properties, walls and fences due to its extensive above-ground canopy. The extensive roots and

rhizomes which spread underground can also wreak havoc. READ MORE: WHEN TO CUT BACK IRISES: TOP TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN Getting rid of Japanese knotweed is not as simple as using

your everyday weedkiller - and using weedkiller alone may take three or four seasons. Instead, professional contractors are typically the way to go, with access to a more powerful weedkiller

which can take half the time. Digging out Japanese knotweed requires professional help as disposing of Japanese knotweed is classed as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection

Act 1990. This means the plant needs to be disposed of at licensed landfill sites. Specialist Japanese knotweed contractors need to be registered waste carriers to safely remove the weed

from the site. If you are wanting to tackle it yourself, the best option according to the RHS is a glyphosate-based weedkiller such as Roundup Tree Stump. However, getting professional help

is recommended. Follow all of the instructions on the weedkiller, and bear in mind regrowth can happen which will need to be treated.