In the Netherlands, the Japanese knotweed is increasingly appearing. The fast-growing plant is not originally found in the Netherlands but has now established itself. The municipality of Rotterdam wants to prevent the spread of knotweed. But why? And how? 5 questions about Japanese knotweed.
What is Japanese knotweed?
The Asian knotweed is part of the knotweed family and originally comes from East Asia. The fast-growing plant has many variants, of which the Japanese knotweed is the most well-known. The stems can grow up to 3 meters high. It is a so-called invasive exotic.
What is an invasive exotic?
Invasive exotics are plants or animals that do not naturally occur in the Netherlands but have been introduced by humans and spread rapidly. They can cause damage to native nature and sometimes to infrastructure. They can displace native plants or animals.
Why do we combat Japanese knotweed?
The strong roots of this invasive exotic can cause damage to roads, quays, and buildings in the long term. Peter Korten works at City Management and explains: If just a small piece of knotweed gets into the ground, you will have a huge forest in no time. And once this grows in your backyard, you can no longer look outside.
How is the plant combated?
The municipality focuses on preventing the expansion of Japanese knotweed as effectively as possible. The only way to combat it is to excavate it completely and destroy it root and all. Korten: Because if you dont destroy the plant and a piece of leaf blows off the truck - before you know it, you have a full ditch again.
How does the municipality do this?
Now we turn it into spinach à la crème, says Korten. It is mowed and ground on the spot. It remains as compost and cannot spread anymore. This is all possible thanks to a new electric machine that a contractor, together with the municipality, has extensively tested and improved. With this machine, Rotterdam has a first in the Netherlands.
Finally
If you have Asian knotweed in your garden or on your property, it is best to pull out the stems or excavate the plant with roots and all. Try to remove all root remnants, as otherwise, a new plant can grow quickly. Ensure that nothing is left behind and put everything in a sturdy, well-sealable garbage bag. Dispose of this with regular household waste and not on a compost heap or in the green bin!
If you see Japanese knotweed in Rotterdam, you can report this via the MeldR app or call the municipality at phone number 14 010.
For more information, visit the page rotterdam.nl/aziatische-duizendknoop. Link opens an external page.
