Japanese knotweed is a perennial grass, with an average height of 3 to 2.5 meters. The leaves are green in color and have small greenish-white flowers in late summer. The Japanese knotweed belongs to the buckwheat family, which does well in sunny and humid areas, such as dikes, roadsides, lawns, and gardens. It generally does well in areas affected by man, which receive a lot of sunlight and crumbling soil for its invasive roots.
If you try to eradicate this weed, you will know its properties are similar to those of Godzilla. The Japanese knot is so resistant that it is known to grow in solid masonry foundations.
There are several ways to remove this plant, and it sometimes takes several attacks to eradicate it. Getting rid of this weed is not easy, but fortunately, the detailed guide below provides you with various methods of Japanese knotweed control.
Herbicide- Foliar Spray
Whether you use a small handheld, backpack, or large sprayer, spraying the leaves with a herbicide is one way to apply weed killers. There is a relatively high risk of drift during the bath; the pesticide can settle in the surrounding soil, water, or desired plants if you do not take proper precautions.
As a general rule, the faster the application method, the more it reaches non-target areas. Herbicides with the active ingredients glyphosate, Triclopyr, 2,4-D, Picloram (Tordon), and Imazapyr have shown different effects in the fight against Japanese knotweed individually or in combination. However, they all have potential benefits and risks.
Mixing Weed Killers
When mixing weed killers, ensure you follow mixing precautions and instructions on the product label. Use at least the personal protective equipment you require as indicated on the label, including safety glasses, chemical resistant long sleeves, and gloves, especially when handling a concentrated herbicide. The usual mixing order for most herbicides for use in aggressive knotweed management is to add half the amount of water to the spray tank, add a measured amount of herbicides, and add all and surfactants, then the rest of the water.
Mix well but thoroughly between steps and once you mix the weed killers, follow the instructions on the label to distribute to the leaves. As a rule, spray enough solution so that the leaves and stems are wet without dripping. Try spreading the top of the leaves and the stem of each plant. It may take several weeks for the plant to show significant side effects. Don't worry and come back; the best management will go little by little. Check back afterward in the season and again in the following season to see if you need additional treatments.
Herbicide- Cut Stem Wick Applications
This method targets herbicides' direct application to the plant's tissue, usually with a sponge or brush. Although this approach is slow, it significantly reduces or eliminates deviation. This method can be useful in areas where factories are, or susceptible areas, or landowners who worry about spraying. Unfortunately, the technique is generally low because there are no more repetitive applications. Apply glyphosate or another herbicide to the stem cavity about 5 cm above the ground between the lowest knotweeds.
