Apparently, the Wilhelmapark is such a good place to stay that the plants even grow through the asphalt. After we posted a photo of asphalt that had been pushed up on Facebook, a number of readers announced that it was the brutal Japanese Knotweed. We went to investigate.
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As beautiful as the Japanese Knotweed is: you simply do not want this plant in your street or garden. The plant grows rapidly and displaces all other plants. This exotic species has been spotted more often in the Bentwoud and in a number of Zoetermeer neighborhoods in recent years. The municipality and Staatsbosbeheer are trying with pain and effort to combat the plant. He won’t grow in the Wilhelminapark too, will he?
wriggling roots
In response to our question, a municipal employee made a round through the Wilhelmina Park. He has not been able to discover the Japanese Knotweed. What is it? Root pressure!
After storm Eunice, in the month of February, a large poplar has blown over in the park. The tree has been removed in its entirety, but a number of roots remain deep in the ground. Nature doesn’t let itself be messed with, it turns out, because those roots squeeze through the asphalt with all their strength. “The roots are still responding and trying to survive,” the municipality said. Special right?
After the vacation
The asphalt of the footpath is pushed so far in height that the route is not safe to walk on. That is why the municipality has placed fences. “The pavement will indeed have to be given some attention. Due to the holiday period, it is not yet possible to indicate when this will take place,” according to the municipality.