The removal and treatment of knotweed has proven a steep learning curve for weed experts.  If you do not have technical experience with this invasive species, the best advice is to contact the Lincoln county knotweed specialist, Stephanie Payne, at 265-2631 or send her e-mail at spayne@midcoastpartners.org.  The following suggestions are for people that find knotweed cane in or along the river bank.  If the plant has rooted, do not disturb it.  Instead, you should report it to someone like Stephanie Payne who knows about proper disposal procedures.

For knotweed cane that has not rooted:
Retrieve as many cut canes as possible from the river banks to keep them from establishing new populations.  The canes in the river that do not root in soil will die and decompose after the first heavy frost. 

When hauling canes from boats or the water, always use one path for getting material to a contained area and closely check that path for any plant parts that get dropped, scrapped or broken off while handling.  

Knotweed root/rhizomes should not be burned.  Place that material in plastic bags for disposal in a landfill.  The remaining stalk and leaves could be placed on an impervious surface and covered to dry out the canes and burned at the appropriate time.  

At no time should the material be left in contact with soil or other organic material where sprouting could occur.  If you are creating a pile of knotweed to dry, you should be careful not to have the pile so dense as to facilitate new growth of roots/rhizomes. Therefore, the pile should be turned and checked periodically before the time of burning.

Final Comments
Knotweed is becoming a very serious problem in Lincoln County.  Careful handling and disposal of this plant is very important.  When in doubt, call an expert.  Under no circumstances should anyone dispose of knotweed plants by dumping them where they come in contact with soil or other plants.  This means you should NOT use Dahl Disposal.  Mechanical treatment (cutting, digging, pulling) simply makes the problem much worse.  Chemical treatment is possible but only during a certain point in the plants growth cycle.  Do not attempt any eradication of established plants without checking with an expert.

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Last Modified :6/68/07
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