Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Japanese Knotweed(part two)
I posted briefly last year on the spreading problem of Japanese Knotweed and the fact that there is no state or local govt funding or response to deal with this problem which is likely to become quite substantial in the coming years. Japanese Knotweed is a pernicious invasive species which looks quire innocuous, indeed the mature plant with its flowering stems is quite attractive. (please google to get some good photos) You will be perturbed to discover that it is popping up all over the borough in front and back gardens. It is now established in Tottenham Marshes also. This plant may just seem to have a few sprouting stems which don't threaten much, but over the years it grows and spreads underground to form a huge mass which can then break through solid concrete and invade a huge area, at which point it needs expensive and comprehensive professional treatment which can be most difficult since part of the plant may present in an unknown location ie overgrown neglected lot or private land where there is no access. Pest controllers also need permission to enter on that land which many comprise dozens of different owners etc. JK presence has meant inability to get mortgage on a property since it is powerful enough to cause problems to building integrity. This is of particular importance in the current climate when people are competing with overseas cash buyers who don't have this concern. I have recently spoken to a professional who advises the following.
If you see JK on your property
Do NOT pull or dig it up. Wait until early spring (coming soon) when the plant shows signs of vigorous growth then treat with Roundup systemic weedkiller. Maintain weedkilling treatment as instructed on product.
The Law is quite weak on this subject. It is not an offence to have JK growing on your land. It is only an offence to cause it to spread. ie if you put it in your garden waste bag. Of course there is no one tasked with doing anything about this at all.
Tags for Forum Posts: japanese knotweed
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Katie K on
-
I reported the large patch of Japanese Knotweed on the Frome Road embankment (off Westbury Ave) to the council in July 2013, details here: http://www.fixmystreet.com/report/369639 . I got no response, so followed it up with the local coucillors and had a response from Cllr Toni Mallett:
"Thank you for bringing up this problem.
I expect that you know that getting rid of Japanese Knotweed is very difficult, and requires a programme of work over a number of years. Because of your suggestion, officers are now looking all over the borough to see the extent of the problem on our roadsides, so that they can bid for funds to start a programme of removal. This means that it will be some time before any programme starts on the plants in Frome Road.
However, I will update you if and when I hear any more about the situation, and I have made some suggestions to officers that I will expect a response to.
Meanwhile, the advice not to tackle it yourselves still stands."
No further updates. The patch continues to thrive. If I had one of the Mannock Road allotments, the Council's inaction would worry me, the knotweed very nearby, and spreading.
Katie
-
Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
-
I raised it before as well.
The 101 Council. There are always at least 101 reasons to justify inertia and delay from the No-Can-Do Kober Kouncil. Unless of course it's plans to sell off or give away public land; fawning over large landowners or businesses; or to rush through a few PR vanity projects.
To be fair, Cllr Toni Mallett is one of the better ward councillors. She actually cares.
-
-
Yes at least I did get a response from her. She was going to follow up with some further questions, this reminds me to see if she got anywhere. I'll ask and report back..
-
Permalink Reply by Lucy Jaffe on
-
There is also a substantial patch on the West Bank of the New River between Pemberton and Mattison, which was treated by Thames Water last year but is now showing signs of life. Thanks for information.
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
© 2024 Created by Hugh.
Powered by
