Can Japanese Knotweed Grow in Concrete?


If you live in the United Kingdom and you have some knowledge about the property market, then you probably know about the Japanese knotweed and its issues. In fact, this Japanese weed has gained its title as the fastest-growing type of plant in the UK, due to its increasing ability through its roots (rhizomes). Japanese knotweed has been accused that it can grow through concrete and wall, making it harder for the property to be put on sale.

But the question is, does Japanese knotweed can grow through concrete? Find out the answer as you keep on reading this article.

Japanese Knotweed: What Is It?

You probably heard this plant on your neighborhood, but this section is for the people who are not aware of this massively growing plant. Japanese knotweed is a type of plant that was first introduced in the United Kingdom in the 1850s. There are also claims that this plant can grow and damage concrete and bricks from the past. The plant has been growing in the land of United Kingdom gardens for years now.

Others claim that it doesn't cause any significant issues and japanese knotweed damage to their properties. Because there are still intact roads and homes that you can see from other areas where Japanese knotweed keeps on growing, the plant can grow up to one meter every month during the winter season, but it can grow up to two to three meters every three weeks during the hottest season. It can significantly impact the wildlife and other plant species due to its ability to grow twice and even thrice the speed of the other plants.

Does Japanese Knotweed Grow in Bricks and Concretes?

Generally speaking, plants can break through concretes and bricks, but that concrete could possibly subpar for that to happen. These days, the United Kingdom has been troubled more by other growing plants like Ivy and Elder, Buddleia, than Japanese Knotweed. However, no one bats an eye with these two plants, and citizens are always eyeing for Japanese knotweed removal.

Also, few homeowners stated that they have no issues with other plants climbing up on their properties, especially in walls. Probably, because of the sheer presence of knotweed that's why many citizens are always eyeing for it.

For the plants to grow through bricks and concrete is impossible. The only true to this is they can climb up through your wall, and it can't grow inside and through walls.

However, Japanese knotweed's connection with water and lights can help them exploit damages in weakly concretes and grown via mortar cracks, drain splits, expansion joints, etc. Meaning, driveways, and pavements could become uneven, pathways could lift, fences will fall over, walls may collapse, and drains would need a new replacement.

Homeowners usually see themselves locking horns with this kind of plant, when they ignored a knotweed infested area by laying a surface on patio slabs, concrete, and asphalt. A surface paved with tarmac is useless to prevent the plan from growing, mainly if the area is poorly laid. Meaning, Japanese knotweed can disrupt a brick set paving.

But don't worry, Japanese knotweed rhizome can easily be identified. The rhizome (root) is the main culprit why this plant is growing rapidly. Once you see this near your area, eradicate them as fast as you can.
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