North Country Invasives Services
ABOUT US
Knotweed: everyone's problem.
Why I Started NCIS
I’m Joel White, the founder of NCIS. After being away for thirty years, my wife and I returned to the North Country/White Mountain Region, settling in South Lancaster, NH. In 2019, we took on the challenge of maintaining our log home and 20-acre woodland.
Community Involvement
Discovering the Knotweed Problem
Initially, I was only vaguely aware of invasive plants. But in 2020, while measuring Big Trees near Garland Brook, I encountered acres of Japanese knotweed. This tenacious plant was everywhere, and its aggressive nature made a lasting impression on me.
Taking Action
Around the same time, Lancaster was drafting a Master Plan with a focus on natural resources. I attended a public hearing and learned about the Upper Connecticut Citizens Invasive Species Management Area (UC-CISMA). They invited me to tour knotweed-infested areas along the Israel River, and I joined the Lancaster Conservation Commission in addressing the issue
We initiated a demonstration plot at the Town’s Transfer Station with help from the Conservation Commission, local volunteers, and UC-CISMA. Through this, I realized that eradicating Japanese knotweed is a long-term project, often requiring herbicide.
OUR MISSION
Building a
Sustainable Future
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Licensed and Ready to Help Now licensed in New Hampshire, I can treat knotweed on others’ properties. If you prefer to handle it yourself, I can coach you and provide the necessary equipment. The Town of Lancaster is also actively addressing this issue, securing funding for licensed commercial herbicide applicators.
Moving Forward While we’ve made progress, much more needs to be done. Local applicators and funding for private landowners are essential. Although developing funding isn’t my forte, I can help you identify, plan, and tackle your knotweed problem. My primary target is Japanese knotweed, but I’m also here to assist with other invasive species.
Join the Fight Let’s team up and defeat knotweed together!
Why I Use Glyphosate
An environmentally conscious homeowner might choose to use glyphosate to eradicate Japanese knotweed after considering the alternatives due to its effectiveness and practicality. Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive plant that can overtake your garden, disrupt local ecosystems, and even damage property foundations. While manual removal methods, like pulling or cutting, can work for small patches, they require a lot of effort and time. Plus, these methods can sometimes spread the plant further. For larger or stubborn infestations, using an herbicide like glyphosate can be a more efficient and controlled way to eliminate this persistent weed.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that is absorbed through the leaves and travels throughout the plant, reaching even the extensive root system of Japanese knotweed. This makes it particularly effective because it tackles the problem at the source. Other methods, such as repeated cutting or digging, often don't reach the deep roots, allowing the plant to grow back. Biological control options, like introducing natural predators, are still being researched and aren't yet widely available. So, when dealing with large areas of knotweed, glyphosate can provide a reliable solution, especially when used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes regular monitoring and follow-up treatments.
Using glyphosate can also be an environmentally responsible choice when applied correctly. Homeowners can minimize any potential negative impacts by following best practices. This means applying the herbicide during the plant’s active growth phases, using targeted methods like stem injection or careful spraying, and avoiding application near water bodies to prevent contamination. By doing so, you ensure that glyphosate targets only the invasive species without harming the surrounding plants or wildlife. The long-term benefits of getting rid of Japanese knotweed—like restoring your garden and helping local plants thrive—can outweigh the short-term use of herbicides.
Ultimately, choosing to use glyphosate is about balancing environmental care with effective weed management. Japanese knotweed is tough and spreads quickly, requiring a strong response to protect your property and the local environment. By using glyphosate, you’re taking an important step in a broader strategy to keep your garden healthy and free from invasive species, helping to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of your surroundings.