The Knotweed Blues

Before we moved to Pierce County I had never encountered Japanese Knotweed. It is a dramatic bamboo-like plant that grows in large patches around the county. Unfortunately, we have a couple of patches on our property that are challenging to just keep under control. Two of the areas we mow and weed whack at least every other week. Knotweed doesn't even seem to care if it gets its leaves cut off - it has reserves in its roots that allow it to come back. And even the smallest shred of root will create a brand new patch of knotweed if it gets picked up by the mower and relocated. One area on our property is more of a "stand" of knotweed - I have cut it all down twice in five years but it isn't a place we can mow regularly, and that seems to be the only somewhat satisfying control. This weekend I yanked out some that were making their way under the fence but I need to put the blade on the weedwhacker and cut it all down again. Too bad the stalks aren't useful like bamboo, but when they dry out they become brittle and break. I also spent several hours this weekend hacking back an overly enthusiastic wild clematis that was taking over the propane tank, fence, and climbing up the adjacent trees. If it had a pretty flower I would have been happy to leave it but it is another garden thug like the knotweed, taking over wherever it pleases without the least concern for the rest of the garden.