THE growing menace of Japanese Knotweed, which is spreading out of control in some areas of West Devon, has led the borough council to urge people to tackle the problem.

The time to deal with it is now, says borough council landscape officer David Chapman.

Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive weed which spreads and colonises areas at an astonishing rate. In doing so it suppresses and kills native flora and natural habitat. Once established it is difficult to eradicate.

Autumn is the best time of year to control it.

The plant is easily recognised: it is a multi-stemmed shrub growing up to two metres high at times, with large pointed leaves. It often flowers at this time of year; the flowers are white and hang down like ribbons from the stems.

Mr Chapman said: ?Even if the plant is small, you should control it now. The plant spreads through its underground stems called rhizomes. Even a small piece of rhizome will generate into an aggressive plant. Such is its potency it is a criminal offence to spread the plant.?

The borough council recommends anyone who thinks they have Japanese Knotweed to take steps to control it now to prevent greater problems.

Contact a reputable landscape, agricultural or forestry contractor who should be able to apply the right chemical herbicide to control the weed.

Alternatively, if people need further advice, Mr Chapman can be contacted at West Devon Borough Council on 01822 813685.