We continue to seek avenues where we can make a difference in combating knotweed. Here is a timeline that tracks our efforts.
"Nix the Knotweed" Demo Plot: To demonstrate the effectiveness of herbicide treatment vs. cutting or mowing, this small stand of knotweed near the Fairfield Hills walking path was divided in two; one side was cut several times while the other side was treated with herbicide.
"Nix the Knotweed" Demo Plot: Knotweed stems that were cut in the untreated side were carefully collected and disposed of to ensure the knotweed was not inadvertently spread!
"Nix the Knotweed" Demo Plot: Here you can see how the knotweed canes that were cut suckered, creating multiple new canes, clear evidence that cutting doesn't work, and in fact, makes things worse.
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October 2025
Newtown Knotweed Initiative presented a program on all things knotweed at the Newtown Senior Center. We fielded many questions from a small but vocal audience. May 2025 Newtown Knotweed Initiative members joined Newtown Deputy Land Use Director Steve Maguire as well as members of the Pootatuck River Watershed Association and the Candlewood Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited to walk a portion of the Pootatuck River off Commerce Road. The group surveyed the area for knotweed and discussed remediation strategies. (See our May 19 Facebook post for details.) Moving forward, we'll explore new ways of partnering with town officials and employees to achieve greater engagement, expand treatment sites and heighten awareness of the knotweed scourge. Summer 2024 After discovering a smallish patch of knotweed behind the pickle ball courts at Fairfield Hills, we decided to turn it into a demonstration site for educational purposes: half of the patch was cut three times that summer while the other half was sprayed by a licensed applicator at the appropriate time. Fencing and explanatory signage was also set up. Results: There was a dramatic difference between the side that was merely cut vs. the side that was treated with herbicide. The plot that was treated with herbicide in the fall of 2024 had just 16 canes emerge in 2025, while the plot that was cut 3 times had 119 canes come up in May, and by July, when it was cut for the second time this year, it had 228 canes. Lesson learned: Do not cut knotweed! (See a series of Facebook posts for further details.) In addition to the demonstration plots at Fairfield Hills NKI also treated knotweed at other town locations including Tinkerfield Road and the Boulevard. June 2024 Newtown Knotweed Initiative created an online database where residents can submit knotweed sightings in town. Spring 2024 Newtown Knotweed Initiative was formed after a small group of concerned residents came together to promote best management practices for controlling or eradicating not only Japanese knotweed, but other invasive plant species as well. Our mission is to serve as a resource for homeowners, gardeners, municipal employees and town leaders who recognize the threat these invasive plants pose to our environment. |
