Is there a service in Oregon where they come out to remove/treat the plant? I've read other states do, but couldn't find anything specific to OR.

Reporter
May 26, 2011, 11:47 a.m.

Hi Suzie,
Thanks so much for your report. I am sorry to hear you have a large patch of Japanese knotweed. It is a very challenging plant to deal with. It will completely take over people's land rendering the land useless for any other purpose. The Oregon Department of Agriculture does have a noxious weed program in which they will assist land owners with control of selected noxious weeds. Unfortunately, knotweed is already so abundant that they are not able to help with that species. Also, some Oregon counties do have weed programs in which they have a person and funding to help land owners to control certain noxious weeds. Unfortunately Lane county does not have a weed program. A recently passed house bill (hb3358) allows for the development of a grant program that would eventually fund county based weed programs. To be formed these programs would need support from county commissioners. If county commissioners are aware of the problem of invasive species they may be supportive of developing such a program in Lane county. But, until that happens I am sorry to inform you that there is currently no help for controlling your knotweed patch. Within this report are several links to guidelines for land owners on controlling knotweed. Please check them out, and GOOD LUCK! Just remember that the main thing needed is persistence. Once you get started be prepared to spend between 3-10 years controlling. Keep up the good work reporting. Three species we really need people to look for and report are garlic mustard, orange hawkweed, and giant hogweed.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information.

Tania

Tania Siemens
WISE Program Coordinator (Watershed and Invasive Species Education)
Oregon Sea Grant Extension
Oregon State University
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
541-914-0701

Tania Siemens
June 2, 2011, 8:34 a.m.