Japanese Knotweed can cause significant damage to construction work and has the power to grow through tarmac, paving stones, brickwork and cement. If left untouched Japanese Knotweed will out compete and smother are native species. The plant’s leaf canopy of broad leaves obstructs light to the ground preventing natural flora and fauna from growing. Dead vegetation decomposes slowly over a number of years and also obstructs light. It also creates a fire risk during the Summer months and during dry periods. The plant can survive extreme heat and is found in volcanic areas within its natural habitat so burning Japanese Knotweed will not eradicate it. Japanese Knotweed has an extraordinary ability to spread vegetatively from crown, stem and rhizone if disturbed. All it takes is is a piece of rhizome less then 0.7g to grow a new plant.