29 june 2017
The Giant Hogweed and the Japanese Knotweed. Both are weeds that can cause a lot of damage. Several municipalities have to deal with these rampant problematic plants. Substrates with the RAG quality mark are guaranteed to be free of these so-called ‘invasive exotics’ and can safely be used in the fields of application such as the tree nursery, public green and roof gardens.
The Japanese Knotweed has root stems that can grow up to 7 metres long. This rampant weed can cause a lot of damage to for example roads, buildings and dikes. The plant can grow through asphalt and even through tears in the foundation of houses. Because of this strong growing power, the weed can also easily suppress other plants.
The Giant Hogweed is a robust plant that often occurs along roads, forest edges and dikes, but also increasingly often in residential areas. This weed can be dangerous to people and animals, because the hairs on the leaves and the poisonous plant juices can strongly irritate the skin and can even cause burns. The Giant Hogweed blooms from June to October with white flowers.
Photo: Tineke van der Meij (www.mijngroentje.nl)
The RAG quality marks maintains strict requirements concerning soil- and structure ameliorants as soil supply/garden soil, tree soil, tree sand, tree granules, green roof substrate and dress soil. These products and the company processes of the certified companies that deliver them, are tested continually. The weeds test is an important element in this. The zero tolerance applies to the invasive exotics. Because both the product and the process are guarded in the entire chain, this gives the highest possible quality, security and safety for the professional growers, municipalities, park managers, builders of infrastructure and gardeners. They will recognize RAG substrates by the mentioning of the RAG quality mark on the packaging, delivery receipt or invoice.
The weeds test. The zero tolerance applies to the invasive exotics.
