Japanese Knotweed Identification

Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive plant which can grow at speeds of 10cm a day. Its emerging shoots can quickly exploit weaknesses in brick, tarmac, and metal piping, causing costly damage to everything from buildings to roads, causing severe damage to building and garden structures.

japanese knotweed leaves and flowers

What does Japanese Knotweed look like?

Japanese Knotweed can be difficult to identify if you don’t know what it looks like. Like many plants, Knotweed undergoes growth cycles that changes its appearance throughout the year. View our Japanese Knotweed pictures to learn what Knotweed looks like how to identify the plant.

How to identify Japanese Knotweed

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Looking for professional help in identifying Japanese Knotweed?

If you’re unsure if you have Japanese knotweed, send us photos of what you think may be Japanese Knotweed and our specialist team will review it and tell you if we believe you to have Japanese knotweed within 24 hours.

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    Japanese Knotweed Images

    Identifying Japanese Knotweed

    Japanese Knotweed identification guide

    Why remove Japanese Knotweed?

    Japanese Knotweed’s destructive nature can result in costly damage to buildings and garden structures as well as preventing progress on projects and hindering house sales. Its ability to exploit existing weaknesses in properties as well as underground systems, walls and building foundations mean repair work can range into the thousands. With its advanced root network, the rhizomes grow through any structure. Your mortgage and house price can also suffer.

    japanese knotweed rhizome excavation

    Can I remove Japanese Knotweed myself?

    Japanese Knotweed can re-grow from cuttings as small as 2mm, meaning the smallest traces can lead to new growth. Because of this, knotweed is classed as controlled waste and must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. This is why removal should be carried out by licensed professional Japanese knotweed removal experts.

    The plant’s widespread rhizome network that could be around 2m deep and 7m in other directions, beneath the ground is still alive and will begin growing Japanese knotweed shoots again in spring.

    It’s important to look out for specific characteristics for each season to know how to identify Japanese knotweed to prevent unnecessary hold ups on buying or selling your home, or any commercial building projects. We’ve put together some Japanese knotweed photos in our gallery above showing its various stages of growth.

    Looking for professional help in removing Japanese Knotweed?

    Find out the options you have to remove Japanese Knotweed supported by our 10-Year Insurance Backed Guarantee.