Do’s and Don’ts

Don’ts:

• Don’t flail Japanese knotweed as this could cause it to spread. Cutting with sharp hooks, slashers or hand pulling is recommended to avoid any dispersal of cut fragments.
• Don't cause the spread of Japanese knotweed stem and crowns. If you cut down Japanese knotweed, it is best to dispose of it on site. Material taken off-site is classified as waste and must be safely contained and disposed of at a licensed disposal site.
• Don't try to dig up Japanese knotweed as this will lead to a significant increase in stem density. Even a tiny fragment of the cut rhizome is capable of regeneration. 
• Don't spread soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed rhizome. Any soil that is obtained from the ground within 7 m horizontally and 3 m deep of a Japanese knotweed plant could contain rhizome. The rhizome is highly regenerative and will readily grow into new plants.
• Don't chip Japanese knotweed material. Mechanical chippers don't kill Japanese knotweed. If you spread the chipped material on soil, Japanese knotweed could regrow.
• Don't dump garden waste contaminated with Japanese knotweed in the countryside - you will be breaking the law.
• Don't add Japanese knotweed to compost. Compost it separately (preferably on plastic sheeting to prevent rooting) so that you can be sure it is dead.
• Don't take Japanese knotweed to recycling centers that receive garden waste as it will contaminate the compost.
• Don't break the law. Remember, if you cause Japanese knotweed to spread you are guilty of an offense under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981