Japanese Knotweed and other non native invasive species are becoming an ever more increasing problem in Ireland. It has been reported that invasive species cost the Irish economy over €200 million annually and this figure is likely to rise into the future with both increasing awareness and efforts to prevent their spread.
Japanese Knotweed is a robust perennial plant which grows rigorously with the potential to spread rapidly, growing up to 2-3m in one growing season. It has an underground rhizome system consisting of stems/roots that can stretch horizontally up to 7 meters and it can grow almost anywhere as it can tolerate extreme conditions such as low temperatures, acidic soils and waterlogged/saline environments.