How land left over from coal, glass and chemicals can suit knotweed, and what to look for in a garden or on a plot.
St Helens grew around glass, coal and chemicals, and as those industries closed, a lot of land was cleared, levelled or filled. Disturbed ground of that kind is what knotweed prefers, so spoil heaps, clay pits and vacant plots can harbour a stand for a long time.
Look for red-purple shoots near a garage, shed or fence post in spring, tall leafy canes in summer, and dry brown stems through winter.
Leave it alone, photograph it and send the picture to us. If it is knotweed, a survey will show how far the roots reach under your garden and into the next.
