Contractor uses RootWave Pro for waterside weed control at Port of Rotterdam

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive weed species that spreads rapidly. It is very hardy and difficult to remove by hand or eradicate with chemicals[1]. At the Port of Rotterdam the infestation began to spread along waterside dykes causing issues for local wildlife.

Muriel Blom says that her customer, Port of Rotterdam, has been pleased with the control delivered by RootWave Pro: “Every year the area of Japanese Knotweed decreases. After treatment the plant becomes limp. When you come back a second and third time the stems are thinner and more sparce.”

No chemical residues

RootWave Pro is popular with customers for treating weeds near water courses and environmentally sensitive areas as there are no chemicals or hazardous residues. The flexible and mobile system can be easily adapted to access banks and riverside locations.

Muriel Blom said: “RootWave Pro is a selective machine, you only treat the plant you touch. Soil life appears to remain intact and it is environmentally friendly.

“Another advantage is that you prevent spreading. With hoeing you create small pieces of the plant and it will spread faster.”

Heat created by electrical resistance within the weed results in it being boiled from the root upwards. The dead weeds can be left to decompose, which is a benefit as Japanese Knotweed waste from other methods must be removed from site and processed to avoid creating new outbreaks.