Google Searches For Japanese Knotweed Removal Increase by 217% in April

japanese knotweed plants
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Google searches for “how to get rid of Japanese knotweed” increased by 217% in April, with one in 20 homes in the UK thought to be affected by the plant. 

Japanese knotweed is one the toughest and fastest-growing plants in the world, growing underground to a depth of 3m, and spreading upwards to 7m.

Jack Woodfield
News Editor

Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage and hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms. 


He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.