In message , Martin
writes
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:00:45 +0100, hugh ] wrote:

In message , Gordon H
writes
In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley
writes
In message , Gordon H
writes

Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep
underground and pop up close by? At least that is my
perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each
year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area
between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to
be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle...

If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are
sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root
system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the
clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.)

Thanks. Mowing isn't an option in the particular area, I don't think.
Some of us would like to try scythes on the balsam below the bottom
"knuckle", to at least chop them down and give other growth a chance,
but I think Health & Safety aspects would rule that out. ;-)
Why should elf n safety stop you using a recognised garden implement.
Just wear appropriate PPE. Ah maybe you can't get a certificate in
scything cos nobody is qualified to teach it cos they haven't been
trained by a certified scything trainer and no-one thought to claim
grandfather rights:-)

Using a scythe without training can result in having a leg over.
Being leg less I would have thought :-)
--
hugh
It may be more complicated but is it better?