What is Knotweed and Why is it a Problem?
Knotweed is highly invasive and is a very difficult weed to control. It has an enormous root system, which makes manual control methods ineffective and time consuming. One study showed that even when the knotweed stems are cut back to the ground every 4 weeks all summer long for three years, the roots continue to live and send up new shoots. Other studies show that cutting the stems actually stimulates dense re-growth. For this reason, herbicides must be used to effectively control this plant. Knotweed prefers wet soil and causes the biggest problems near streams where it can quickly take over as high waters and floods distribute it throughout a watershed. Since herbicide use near streams is tricky, we offer help controlling knotweed in these areas. For more detailed information about knotweed’s negative impacts and help identifying it, visit our knotweed page.
