If there’s ever a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure it’s the attempt to rid Metro Van of Japanese knotweed.
This invasive plant is so destructive its roots can bore through concrete foundations of bridges, homes and buildings. It can ruin roads, parks and sidewalks.
Homeowners unaware of the threat, could see their investments ruined.
Which is why the efforts of the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver must be supported at the local level. The council is trying to keep the weed in check by targeting stands of knotweed in Maple Ridge, one of the most affected areas.
For Joe Homeowner, the advice on removing the plant should be heeded. Cutting down the plant or trying to dig it out is futile and only makes things worse.
To kill the plant, the herbicide glyphosate, the ingredient in Round-Up, must be injected into the stem. Smaller plants require targeted spraying.
Metro Vancouver should quickly give the council $40,000 so it can develop a regional strategy to combat knotweed.
Also needed, as pointed out by Coun. Cheryl Ashlie, is education. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have to launch an awareness campaign, now, so everyone knows about this threat. It’s an ounce of cheap prevention.
– The News
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