Japanese knotweed is commonly viewed as an annoying pest that can ravage your garden, cripple your house price and generally run roughshod over your property.

With such devastating effects, discovering Japanese knotweed on your property is enough to drive you to drink and have you reaching for the liquor cabinet in no time.

Luckily enough, doing so could actually help you combat your knotty invaders, as Japanese knotweed can actually be used to make a variety of adult beverages!

If you have JKW on your property, why not put your garden invader on ice today with these interesting drinks you can make with Japanese knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed Vodka

Due to its uncanny likeness, Russian vine is often wrongly mistaken for Japanese knotweed. Given the existing connection, why not take that international relationship one step further by using your JKW to make a tasty vodka?

Simply chop your knotweed shoots into inch-long chunks and place in a 1-litre jar with 75cl of vodka and 225g of sugar. Shake, seal and leave for approximately a month. Strain the mixture into a bottle using a muslin cloth and reseal for future sampling at your leisure. Nostrovia!

Japanese Knotweed Gin

Perhaps the easiest option in this blog, creating Japanese knotweed-infused gin is almost too easy NOT to try.

Japanese knotweed is often compared to rhubarb for its sharp, tart flavour. These attributes make it an excellent addition to gin that’s also complimented perfectly with traditional tonic.

To infuse your gin with the knotweed flavour, chop the JKW shoots into short 1-2cm chunks, slicing enough to fill a clip-top jar. Submerge completely with your unflavoured gin of choice and leave in a cool, dark place to infuse for at least a week before straining into a sealable bottle.

For the full, organic effect, push a chopstick through a freshly cut (and washed) shoot of knotweed to create a hollow straw and serve chilled with tonic and ice.

Japanese Knotweed Tea

If backyard booze isn’t your cup of tea, maybe this next entry will be…primarily as it’s just that – tea!

A staple of Asian culture, it should come as little surprise to hear that Japanese knotweed can indeed be used to make a hearty herbal brew that’s beneficial in numerous ways. Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, JKW is also a great source of zinc, potassium, phosphorous and manganese.

Known domestically as “Itadori” tea, it’s also rich in resveratrol, which has been known to combat bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and protect brain function. Simply bring to the boil and simmer for 20 mins before adding sugar to taste. Can also be served chilled as a refreshing ice tea.

Other Japanese Knotweed Beverages

Proving just how versatile the demonised weed can be in terms of palatable delicacies, Japanese knotweed can even be made into beer. Imagine sitting down with one of those the next time the footy is on!

Even if knotweed beer doesn’t take your fancy, you're still not out of options in terms of liquid refreshments. With Japanese knotweed, you can turn vine into vino with Japanese knotweed wine; however, these recipes are admittedly a lot less simple and require a lot more time, effort and patience to master.

Japanese Knotweed Removal

While putting any on-site Japanese knotweed to good use is a great way to make the best of a bad situation, it’s highly unlikely that you will be able to drink JKW into submission.

If you want to rid your property of Japanese knotweed altogether, it may be worth considering professional removal services.

With over 15 years’ experience, Total Weed Control is fully equipped with the knowledge and expertise to get the job done once and for all.

For further details 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.

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Japanese knotweed has long been the worst enemy to those looking to buy and sell property in the UK, with its mere presence being enough to stop a sale dead in its tracks.

However, that could all be set to change in the near future, thanks to a pending parliamentary investigation in the works.

Parliament has urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to commission a new and potentially ground-breaking study on international approaches to Japanese knotweed.

“Overly Cautious”?

The news comes following a thorough examination of the latest Japanese knotweed research by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.

According to the examination conducted by the Committee, lenders overseas do not necessarily treat knotweed with the same degree of caution as they do domestically in the UK.

As a result of the study, the Committee voiced its concern that the UK approach was overly cautious and therefore unnecessarily damaging to homeowners and those looking to sell properties with Japanese knotweed.

Potential Impact

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has pitched the concept with the intent of using the results for further discussion and a subsequent more detailed report down the line.

Should the overall outcome confirm that the typical UK lender’s stance on Japanese knotweed is indeed “overly cautious”, it could potentially have a considerable impact on the property market as a result.

Suggestion Pending

Despite the prospective influence, such a study could have on the housing market and people’s attitudes to Japanese knotweed in general, it’s worth noting that the study has yet to be confirmed.

As of press time, the status of such an investigation is merely in the recommendation stage, with the Committee simply putting the concept forward to Defra as a suggestion.

As a result, ignoring Japanese knotweed and deeming it a non-issue as things stand is a not only a premature approach, it can also prove to be a short-sighted, risky and costly decision.

Knotweed Removal

Regardless of whether Japanese knotweed is ultimately deemed to be a serious issue or not, removal and treatment is undoubtedly the safest and smartest way to keep your property protected.

Horror stories of overrun gardens and infested landscapes are far from tall tales and we’ve seen first-hand just how devastating a Japanese knotweed infestation can be if left untreated.

At Total Weed Control, we have over 15 years of experience in the weed removal game and are fully equipped with the knowledge, expertise and tools of the trade necessary to rid your property of its unwanted garden guest, once and for all.

For more information on Japanese knotweed treatment or the variety of Japanese knotweed removal services at Total Weed Control, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or get in touch online for a FREE Japanese knotweed survey.

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Japanese knotweed may appear to die during the cold winter months, but it's probably still alive and lying dormant beneath the soil.

As the calendar cascades from shimmering summer to auburn autumn and beyond, the weather naturally starts to get colder.

In fact, as soon as the clocks go back, it's not unusual for the temperature to drop faster than a microphone at a rap battle.

While the frosty cold and bitter chill can be a stark reminder that summertime has indeed been consigned to history, it does have its perks - particularly when it comes to garden weeds.

Most garden weeds will die out during the wintertime and spend the cold months either biting the dust or kicking the bucket - either way, few tears will be shed in remembrance.

But does Japanese knotweed die off in winter as well? Let's find out...

To Have and Have Knot

Anyone unlucky enough to have fallen foul of Japanese knotweed in the first place has likely been left frustrated to the point of nausea by the relentless persistence of the wicked weed.

However, the summertime supremacy of this invasive species does recede during the winter, losing its leafy greens and taking on a far less intimidating brittle brown appearance.

While this may seem to be a welcome reprieve for gardeners, don't let this faux farewell fool you.

Battle-tested knotweed veterans will know that this is all a clever ruse, perpetrated by the pesky plant to lull you into a false sense of security.

What Lies Beneath

Though Japanese knotweed may appear to die in winter, appearances can be deceiving.

While the colour may change and the canes may recede, a death this certainly is not. Sadly, the wintertime is merely a power-nap for Japanese knotweed, and sooner or later, the plant will rear its ugly head once more.

Such a miraculous resurrection might seem almost unfathomable, but this is no miracle. Despite the frail shoots, the knotweed rhizomes remain healthy and virtually unscathed beneath the soil and merely lay dormant in the ground throughout the winter period.

As winter turns to spring, your Japanese knotweed will rise once more like a phoenix of frustration from the ashes, ready to unleash its wrath on your garden once more.

Treating Japanese Knotweed in Winter

If you have Japanese knotweed present in your garden, why not give yourself an early Christmas present and serve your unwanted guest a festive eviction notice?

At Total Weed Control, our weed-whacking warriors are armed to the teeth with an itchy trigger finger to match - they're ready, willing and able to blow your knotty no-goodnik to smithereens.

With over 15 years of experience in the weed removal game, we have the power to banish the vexatious vine from whence it came. All you have to do is ask!

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Japanese knotweed has once again proved to be a nationwide issue, cropping up as far north as Aberdeenshire in Scotland.

The invasive plant has become a growing concern amongst locals in the area after Japanese knotweed was discovered growing on the cliffs around Muchalls and Newtonhill.

With Muchalls and Newtonhill being two primary conservation sites in the Aberdeenshire area, the discovery of knotweed presence caused a natural concern for Aberdeenshire Council, prompting them to take immediate action.

Taking Action

The perils of untreated knotweed are well-documented, notably characterised by its ability to smother native vegetation, rock structural foundations and overthrow the local scenery.

As such, pre-emptive action was imperative in nipping the knotweed issue in the bud before it grew into a sizeable problem a began to ravage to local landscape.

Nipping it in the Bud

Recognising the potential repercussions of a delayed response, Aberdeenshire Council called in local experts to tackle the issue in a timely and effective manner.

The North East Invasive Non-Native Species project has also sought to take action by aiding the council in its efforts to fend off the invasive onslaught.

Councillor Anne Stirling of Aberdeenshire Council praised the initiative, reinforcing the importance of a proactive approach in maintaining National Heritage sites, noting the following:

“Controlling Japanese knotweed in these locations is vitally important to prevent the further spread of this invasive plant into sensitive coastal habitats.”

Japanese Knotweed Removal

While Total Weed Control doesn’t stretch into the jurisdiction of the Scottish Lowlands, we do offer our expertise to those within South Wales and South East England.

Both of these regions are commonly affected by Japanese knotweed and we have seen first-hand just how much damage the pesky plant can do if left to its own devices.

With over 15 years’ experience in the weed removal game and literally hundreds of knotweed jobs under our belt, there’s no-one more qualified for a knotweed knockout than our team at TWC.

If you suspect you or a neighbouring property may be harbouring an unwanted Nipponese guest, don’t wait around to take action.

Channel your inner Braveheart, free your garden from the unwanted invaders and “gie it laldy” today with Total Weed Control.

For more information on Japanese knotweed services from Total Weed Control, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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House hunters are being urged to exercise extra caution this winter as signs of Japanese knotweed become less obvious and increasingly difficult to detect to the untrained eye.

As the seasons take a turn and the autumn/winter cold takes hold, the pesky plant begins to recede into dormancy and retreat from obvious view, making it easy to overlook.

For those looking to buy a house during this time, the increased inconspicuousness can lead to a property purchase that soon becomes a big regret.

Worrying Statistics

While it’s a legal requirement for homeowners to inform potential buyers of any Japanese knotweed present on their property, that fact doesn’t stop everyone from trying to pull the wool over the eyes of would-be buyers.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by online market research and data analytics firm, YouGov, showed that a worrying 4% of those selling a property with JKW would attempt to cover it up it hopes of securing a sale and avoiding devaluing their property.

This statistic isn’t helped by the further YouGov study that revealed that just 19% of Brits could identify Japanese knotweed when faced with the plant. Meanwhile, this fact can be made even worse when a dishonest seller is actively trying to hide the problem.

Notable Impact

The figures once again highlight the increasingly notable impact that Japanese knotweed infestations are having on the housing market, affecting both those looking to sell their properties and those looking to buy.

Nevertheless, such knotweed nightmares shouldn’t be a total deal-breaker when it comes to purchasing a property. A professional treatment plan can actively knock the issue on the head and see any housing horror stories put to bed like a naughty child.

Professional Treatment

If you’re considering buying a property with Japanese knotweed, any weedy worries you may have can be fixed and put to rest with our team of professional experts, dedicated to soil refinery and ready to get to the root of the problem.

At Total Weed Control, we have over 15 years’ experience battling Japanese knotweed tooth and nail (or, more accurately, shoot and root) and have the art of knotweed warfare down to a sweet science.

Not only are we registered with the Property Care Association and report to the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors, our services also come with Japanese knotweed insurance that ensures the terms of treatment are upheld no matter what.

For more information on our Japanese knotweed removal services or tips on how to detect any knotweed present on your potential purchase, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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