What to do if you see Himalayan balsam? Advice for gardeners
Himalayan balsam, similar to Japanese Knotweed, sits among the most invasive plants that could lead to costly repairs if it takes over your home and garden.
Even a wildlife charity has launched an appeal for volunteers to help clear the plant from growing up north.
The Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust's "Balsam Busters" group works to remove Himalayan Balsam during the summer, the BBC reports.
What to do if you see Himalayan balsam?
Himalayan balsam was first introduced to the UK by Victorian botanists in 1839.
However, it is now considered a weed since it crowds out native species and causes soil erosion along water courses.
Himalayan balsam flowers
The plant, which can grow to about 6ft 5in (2m) tall, blooms with pink or purple scented flowers from June to November.
Property expert Robert Quinton at Construction Megastore Building Materials explained more.
'You can spot Himalayan balsam from its pink flowers, but it's a highly invasive species that can damage any local biodiversity,' Mr Quinton said.
'If left unmanaged, it spreads rapidly and can overwhelm gardens and surrounding areas."
Should you remove Himalayan balsam?
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises that if you find Himalayan balsam is already growing in your garden, you should 'control or remove it'.
The plant is now considered a 'problematic weed', particularly along watercourses.
How to remove Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam needs to be pulled out by hand or cut as low as possible before it seeds.
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Mr Quinton continued: 'The most effective way to tackle Himalayan balsam is by hand-pulling or cutting it back, ideally before it starts to flower.
'When pulling it up, make sure to remove the whole plant, roots and all, to stop it from growing back.
"In thicker patches, cutting the stems below the lowest node can also work well to keep it under control.'
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