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There are hundreds of plants listed on the Invasive Species list for the United States and indeed worldwide, and Japanese Knotweed ranks in the top 100. Knotweed, or Fallopia Japonica to give it it's proper name, is quite distinctive due to the raised nodes on its stem, similar to bamboo. It is a large, herbaceous and perennial plant that is native to East Asia, Japan, China and Korea but it now thrives in North America and Europe. There is a market in the health food and pharmaceutical industries for extracts of this plant, and it's stems are eaten in some areas as a food source, both wild and domestic. However, this does not make up for the expensive loss of property sales experienced by frustrated real estate professionals, private sellers and buyers who are unfortunate enough to discover an invasion of knotweed on their property. Knotweed is incredibly geographically adaptable. It will thrive in almost any soil. In fact, it prefers waste areas. This is one reason real estate professionals have real problems selling land tracts for building prospects, due to this plant's destructive potential. Knotweed can destroy house foundations, retaining walls, flood barriers, roads, and other architectural endeavors. It has a root system that grows as deep as 9.8 feet, with a 23 foot extension, from which it grows new, prolific plants. It can even withstand temperatures as low as -35 degrees. This plant will crowd out other native species. Eradication is difficult, expensive, and often very time-consuming. There are a few methods for cleansing property of this plant, but research is currently testing others as well. Delays caused from eradication and treatment efforts can extend from 12-24 months or more, depending on the method and the size of area to be treated. Building or developing property before eradication is complete is never a good idea, and often, developers and builders will walk away, due to building deadlines. One method of immediate and effective treatment is by capping the area with a physical growth block, which is strong enough to withstand penetration by plant growth. Another promising treatment is with sea water. The use of biological control with Psyllid Aphalara itadori and a leaf spot fungus from the genus Mycosphaerella are currently being tested and utilized. Chemical herbicides and other topical treatments often need repeated and prolonged wait times. For real estate professionals, it is difficult to ask people to wait for property soaked with chemicals, and the physical removal of plant material. Research is testing faster ways of eradication, such as deep soil steam treatment and insects that will use this plant as a food source. In the meantime, loss of property value and potential is ongoing, causing real headaches for real estate professionals.
If you discover Japanese Knotweed on your property, don't be tempted to try and deal with the problem yourself. Call in a professional company that specialises in knotweed eradication and can help you find the best treatment solution for your problem.
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