Japanese knotweed is now present in 2,879 hectads (10×10 km squares) in the UK and is found in 35 countries worldwide outside its normal range.
Following its introduction to the UK in the early 1800s, Japanese knotweed spread was slow. By 1930 it was present in 73 hectads in the British Isles; by 1986 it had spread to 948 hectads and is now present in approximately 2,879 hectads. This information was announced by Environment Minister Lord de Mauley in a Lords written answer to Lord Greaves.
The ease by which Knotweed can be spread, the extent of its underground rhizome system and the damage it can cause are well known in environmental circles, with some estimating it to be a £2 Billion liability in the UK.
The most common method of Japanese Knotweed eradication available today is through systemic herbicidal treatment. However, the Environment Agency is now warning against the overuse of herbicidal treatment as a measure of safeguarding the environment and protecting soil biodiversity. In addition, one of the main active ingredients used by the majority of respected contractors in their spray solutions is being withdrawn from the market in the next 12 months, meaning that eradication of the plant within a single season is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the impending inability to provide confidence of eradication throws up further concerns relating to their company guarantees. Japanese Knotweed
In response to this change in the industry, Dunton Environmental has been progressing further development of their already successfully proven alternative. Dunton developed EradZion8 to provide a rapid on-site treatment process that neutralises the growth potential of Japanese Knotweed and the continued use of the process will not be affected by the impending withdrawal of certain chemicals from the UK market.
The technique involves the rapid excavation of all active rhizomes followed by screening to remove the bulk vegetative matter. The residual soils are then treated using the approved EradZion8 solution which destroys any remaining rhizomes allowing reuse on site. The process is rapid and sure and sustainable for the future of knotweed treatment.
