Japanese knotweed is an invasive species in the UK that is difficult to control. Homeowners and landscapers are always looking for new ways to control this pesky plant, and vinegar is often cited as a possible solution, alongside commercial weedkillers. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind using vinegar to control Japanese knotweed.
Vinegar is made up of acetic acid, which is a weak organic acid. When applied to plants, the acetic acid in vinegar will damage the plant’s cell membranes, causing the plant to dehydrate and die. The symptoms of vinegar poisoning are wilting, yellowing, and burning of the leaves.
So, does vinegar work on Japanese knotweed?
The answer is yes, at least in the short term. However, there are some important caveats. First, vinegar is only fully effective on young plants that have not yet flowered. Second, it will take multiple applications to kill a Japanese knotweed plant. Plus, vinegar will kill any other plants it comes into contact with, so be careful where you spray it!
Finally, while vinegar will kill Japanese knotweed, it will not prevent new plants from sprouting up from rhizomes (underground stems) or seeds. For this reason, vinegar is not recommended as a control or removal method for Japanese knotweed.
So there you have it – vinegar can be an effective tool for controlling Japanese knotweed in the short term, but it’s not a silver bullet. If you’re dealing with knotweed on your property, be sure to speak to the experts, and follow all best management practices to ensure its containment.
