Japanese knotweed hotspots across Glasgow revealed by map

The data was gathered by Environet which estimates that around 5% of UK homes are impacted by this invasive plant species.

Discussing its interactive map, the specialist website said: "The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap is an interactive online heatmap of Japanese knotweed in the UK.

"Designed to inform homeowners and homebuyers of the local presence of knotweed and the potential risk to their property, the Japanese knotweed UK map is generated from over 57,000 known infestations, with new sightings added daily."

There are a number of Japanese knotweed hotspots in and around Glasgow (Image: Evironet)

Find out if your local area is affected by Japanese knotweed 

To see if your local area is affected by Japanese knotweed, visit the Environet website and type your postcode into the search bar on the top left corner of the map.

If you see any sightings of Japanese knotweed, you can add your discovery by clicking 'Add Sighting' just below the search bar.

One of the worst affected places in and around Glasgow was Hamilton in South Lanarkshire which had 124 occurrences within 4km.

Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire also had a high number of sightings with 63 occurrences within 4km.

Places in the West End and across the Southside had high rates of infestation, creating worry for homeowners and buyers alike.

Recommended Reading: 

Why Japanese Knotweed is a problem and what to do if you find some

Hamilton was the worst affected area near Glasgow (Image: Getty)

How to get rid of Japanese Knotweed

Here is how you can get rid of Japanese knotweed, according to the experts over at PriceYourJob.co.uk.

Plan Meticulously: Before diving in, assess the surrounding area. Are there nearby schools, playgrounds, or water sources that could be affected by herbicide overspray? Inform your neighbours about the treatment schedule to minimize exposure risks. Choose a late spring or early autumn window when the plant is actively growing.

Safety First: Don't underestimate the importance of proper safety gear. Wear overalls, a safety mask, gloves, and a face shield for protection. Sheets, tarpaulins, and rubble sacks will also come in handy.

Weather Matters: Choose a dry day with no rain forecast, as most herbicides can harm desired plants as well. Avoid windy conditions if using a spray application.

Targeted Application: A garden sprayer is effective for applying herbicide, but use caution near water sources or sensitive areas. Alternatively, a roller, cloth, sponge, or brush can be used for localized application.The herbicide should thoroughly cover the leaves and stems. For enhanced effectiveness, inject some herbicide directly into the stems near the base. Specialized tools are available for professionals, but a simple cut at the base followed by pouring herbicide into the opening can suffice.

Careful Disposal: Once cut, place all Knotweed material in sturdy plastic rubble sacks. Glasgow City Council states: "No living parts of a Japanese knotweed should be placed in either a domestic garden compost bin or garden waste bin (Brown Bin) that is collected by the local authority. It should also not be placed any other bins that are collected or in skips."

Persistence is Key: Eradicating Japanese Knotweed is a long-term battle, not a quick fix. A single treatment won't do the trick. Be prepared to repeat the process 2-3 times a year for several years (3-5) until the weed is completely eradicated and shows no signs of regrowth.