Below is a few vital Do's and Don'ts when it comes to knotweed. Do Don't If you intend to use a herbicide in or near water, you need to obtain the approval of the Environment Agency prior to the treatment. Do not flail or mow Japanese Knotweed as this will cause it to spread. Cutting with sharp hooks, slashers ect is recommended. Follow the manufacturers Instructions regarding protective clothing and the safe effective use of the herbicides. Do not spread Japanese Knotweed stem and crowns. If you cut down Japanese Knotweed, it is best disposed of on site/ Material taken off site must be safely contained and disposed off at a licensed disposal site. When Applying the herbicide, take care to avoid drift, and any damage to no targeted plants. Spraying should be performed during still dry conditions without rain for 6 hours. Do not spread soil contaminated with Japanese Knotweed rhizome. Any soil that is obtained from the ground within 7 m of a Japanese Knotweed Pant could contain rhizome. The rhizome is highly regenerative and will rapidly grow into new plants. Spraying on land which is not your own should be carried out by an approved contractor with a National Proficiency Tests Council Certificate of Competence. Do not chip Japanese Knotweed material. Mechanical Shippers do not kill Japanese Knotweed. If you spread the chipped material on soil, Japanese Knotweed could re-grow. Do not add Japanese Knotweed to compost. Compost Japanese Knotweed separately, so that you can be sure it is head before you apply to land. Do not waist time. If Japanese Knotweed appear in your area, treat it immediately. Do not allow it to become established. Do not break the law. Remember, if you cause Japanese Knotweed to spread you are guilty of an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 11981