A couple from Yardley Wood in Birmingham have become “prisoners in their own home” after a Japanese knotweed infestation quite literally took over their back garden.

As reported in the Birmingham Mail, Chris and Marie Moore have endured “five years of hell” in their council home.

The couple has been forced to helplessly watch the rapid recession of their garden, as Japanese knotweed has slowly but surely overthrown their outdoor space.

Despite having a 70ft garden, the knotweed has eaten up over 60ft of space, rendering their external property virtually useless. The problem has become so bad that the couple can’t even hang their washing out to dry.

A Formidable Foe

The couple has been at the property for 18 years; however, the problem arose five years ago when Mr Moore first spotted the curious vine sticking up from the ground behind his shed.

Without knowing its evil identity, Mr Moore logically decided to cut it back in an effort to nip it in the bud. Unfortunately for the Moores, the mysterious plant didn’t take too kindly to its unsolicited trim and came back fighting.

The vine has since claimed the garden for itself and, despite multiple visits and treatments from Birmingham City Council, the unwavering weed has proved to be a formidable foe that simply doesn’t want to budge.

Even hundreds of pounds worth of store-bought weed-killer administered by Mr Moore wouldn’t touch the vicious vine and the garden has now become a jungle that could easily play host to a scene from Predator.

Professional Weed Killer Services

Sadly, while a visit from Arnie and his crack team of special ops commandos may be able to fend off an otherworldly creature, they wouldn’t do much good in ridding the property of the notoriously durable knotweed.

Luckily, there are plenty of professional options available for the Moores if they wanted to rid their property of the knotweed once and for all. While it may seem like an impossible task, professional knotweed removal is the most effective solution to this issue.

Knotweed Removal Specialists

At Taylor Weed Control, we specialise in knotweed removal and take pride in banishing the demonic garden-dweller from whence it came.

With over 15 years’ industry experience, we’ve built a reputation as Wales’ leading Japanese knotweed removal specialists.

If you think you may have an issue with Japanese knotweed, don’t sit back and wait for it to take over your property. Nip your knotweed problem in the bud and call Taylor Weed Control today.

Our team of experts has the ability to terminate your unwanted guest, once and for all, and ensure that it definitely won’t be back for a sequel. Hasta la vista, weedy!

For more information on Japanese knotweed removal and professional weed killer services, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 to speak with one of our team or click the button below to get in touch online and request a FREE survey.

Request a FREE Survey

While it may sound more like something from a Harry Potter movie than a garden-dwelling pest, giant hogweed is far from a magical presence in your garden.

In fact, giant hogweed has the ability to cause serious damage, particularly if it comes into contact with human skin.

For this reason, you should NOT attempt to remove giant hogweed by hand. Instead, contact Taylor Total Weed Control today - our invasive weed experts know how to deal with hogweed safely and effectively. Our giant hogweed removal services are available in Cardiff and across South Wales.

More...

Okay, we know what you’re thinking: "How could I possibly benefit from Japanese knotweed on my property?" After all, Japanese knotweed has earned itself a reputation as Britain’s most hated plant – and rightfully so.

Notorious for its negative impact on properties nationwide – including the ability to drive down house value – the earthy invader from Asia is about as welcome as a pimple on prom night.

That being said, even the worst offenders can have a glimmer of light in their blackened souls and Japanese knotweed is no different.

5 Benefits of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed can wreak havoc on your property, causing untold damage to structural foundations if left to grow and develop. That part is no secret.

That being said, the vexatious vine does pose some surprising upsides, particularly in the realms of healthcare and alternative medicine.

Japanese knotweed is a great source of resveratrol, as well as being a healthy source vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

As a result, Japanese knotweed has shown to have some interesting benefits. Here are five beneficial perks of Japanese knotweed when implemented into diet and nutrition.

Blood Pressure

Japanese knotweed can have a positive impact on blood flow by contributing to better vasodilation of the arteries.

By modulating blood pressure, the reduction in strain and stress can thereby contribute to better cardiac health. Which brings us nicely to our next perk…

Heart Disease

Poor diet and unhealthy meal choices can inevitably lead to complications down the line, with heart disease a notable consequence of this.

The resveratrol in Japanese knotweed is said to help lessen the effects of heart disease with its cardioprotective qualities, most notably in those with diabetes. Speaking of diabetes…

Diabetes

In addition to contributing to heart health for diabetics, Japanese knotweed can also have a direct effect on insulin absorption.

Resveratrol has been known to help prevent insulin resistance, acting as a blood sugar regulator. For those that suffer from blood sugar related issues, this can be invaluable.

Digestive Health

Japanese knotweed is also said to have a positive effect on gastrointestinal ailments, such as constipation, contributing to digestive health and regularity.

Resveratrol is said to soothe abdominal stress with its natural laxative properties, providing relief from issues including stomach cramps and bloating.

Cognitive Disorders

Perhaps the most renowned health benefit of Japanese knotweed is its positive effect on cognitive health.

Resveratrol has been shown to have a preventative impact on neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, making JKW a supremely beneficial plant for brain health.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the aforementioned health perks, Japanese knotweed is also used for the treatment of oral ailments, like sore throats, gingivitis and even plaque build-up on teeth.

Meanwhile, it’s also commonly used for respiratory issues, such as lung disease, bronchitis and persistent coughs, as well as certain skin disorders.

Japanese Knotweed Removal

If dietary weeds and knotweed nutrition aren’t high on your list of priorities and you simply want shot of these surplus shoots, fear not.

At Taylor Weed Control, we have over 15 years’ experience in dealing with unwelcome, grass-invading guests. We specialise in Japanese knotweed treatment - call today and we'll be more than happy to help untangle your knotweed issues once and for all.

For more information on Japanese knotweed removal, call 029 2039 7554 now or click below to request a FREE Japanese knotweed survey. We will match any written quote from a PCA-registered knotweed removal company.

Request a FREE Survey

While Japanese knotweed is always first to grab the negative headlines when it comes to destructive garden weeds, the last month has seen a rise in cases of its often-overlooked offspring, Bohemian knotweed.

Despite being less famous than its Asian counterpart, Bohemian knotweed can be just as destructive, if not more so.

To spare your home life from this monstrosity, here’s a quick overview to help keep your property free of this horticultural horror.

What is Bohemian Knotweed?

Also known as Hybrid knotweed, the Bohemian version is the result of cross-fertilisation between Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed.

Much like the Japanese and giant varieties, Bohemian knotweed spreads rapidly through its rhizome network, with the ability to cause untold damage to buildings and residential properties.

As such, it’s important to catch it early and begin treatment as soon as its presence is detected.

Any Way the Wind Blows

While it may be lesser-known than its infamous parents, Dr Peter Fitzsimons of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group notes that hybrid plants can be even more harmful than the parent plant.

Bohemian knotweed is no exception to this rule and has the potential to be a cause for concern.

“In other parts of the world where Hybrid knotweed is more common, they are seeing signs of fertile seed production,” says Fitzsimons. “The existence of seed-producing hybrid knotweeds may enable these plants to spread even more rapidly.”

Another One Bites the Dust

Much like Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed, Bohemian knotweed is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

While it can be disruptive around buildings and potentially have a negative effect on mortgages and house price, it can be controlled using established techniques and processes.

At Taylor Weed Control, we specialise in weed removal and have over 15 years of industry experience. No job is too big for our team of trained weed removal specialists!

If you believe you have a knotweed problem on your property, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Taylor Weed Control now and untangle your knotweed problem today.

For more information on knotweed removal services or to request a FREE survey, call now on 029 2039 7554 or click the button below to get in touch online.

Request a FREE Survey

Okay, right off the bat let’s start by saying that there’s never a “good time” to find Japanese knotweed on your property.

A major pest of Mother Nature, this vexatious vine can wreak havoc on your homestead and cause serious structural damage from beneath the surface.

That being said, there are better times than others when it comes to treating it and keeping it under control. This blog aims to help you with just that.

So, clear your diary and save the date: it’s time to vine and dine with Japanese knotweed.

Treating Japanese Knotweed Organically

Japanese knotweed can spread through your garden like a campus cold during Freshers week. As such, quite literally nipping it in the bud can save you untold headaches down the line.

That being said, like most garden activities, there are certain times of the year that are better than others when it comes to ensuring the most effective treatment.

If you’re looking to go the non-chemical route, there are a variety of options and techniques you could explore. Here are a few suggestions along with the best times to go about it.

Pulling/Digging

For smaller populations that are new to your property and not yet made themselves at home, hand removal is a viable option during the growing season.

Break up the soil around the rhizome with a fork or shovel and haul that weed out of its freshly loosened liar.

Smothering

Smothering is a better option for larger patches of knotweed that are more well-established; however, it’s by no means a quick-fix. In fact, this technique can literally take years to achieve the desired effect.

Cut the stems as low as possible and cover with heavy-duty black plastic. If the resulting aesthetic is unsightly, cover with a further layer of mulch to mask the plastic’s appearance.

This route is most effective when implemented during the early summertime. During this period, the surrounding plants will be at the height of their growth, exhausting some of the rhizome’s reserves.

Treating Japanese Knotweed with Herbicides

If the softly, softly approach isn’t working and you’re looking for a less subtle way of banishing your knotweed nightmares from whence they came, herbicides provide the heavy artillery.

Japanese knotweed controls its nutrients in line with the seasons: during the spring and early summer, it channels its nutrients upward from the roots to the shoots, while it does the opposite during the late summer and autumn in preparation for winter.

For the best results, it’s wise to apply your herbicide at the end of the summer prior to the wintry weather kicking in, taking advantage of the natural downward flow of the plant's nutrients.

Professional Japanese Knotweed Treatment

Regardless of which option you choose, Japanese knotweed is a formidable foe and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you really are serious about giving ridding your property of knotweed in an effective manner that limits the possibility of a return, it’s wise to consider calling in the professionals.

At Taylor Weed Control, we specialise in Japanese knotweed removal and offer a wide range of services to ensure your weedy woes are stopped dead in their tracks.

With over 15 years’ experience, we’ve seen it all and lived to tell the tale – the same can’t be said for the knotweed we’ve met along the way.

For further details on the best time to control Japanese knotweed or more information on our Japanese knotweed removal services, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or click the button below to request a FREE weed removal survey.

Request a FREE Survey