Japanese Knotweed in Your Garden

Removing Japanese Knotweed From Garden

Is Japanese Knotweed a notifiable plant?

Japanese Knotweed is certainly a garden pest, and it is the responsibility of the landowner to manage it and possibly have it removed. While it is an invasive plant, and it is definitely advisable to take action quickly to prevent it spreading, there is no statutory requirement to control or eradicate or even report the presence of this pernicious weed.

Notify your neighbours about Japanese Knotweed

It is an offence, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to plant or cause Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild. If you do, you may find yourself landed with a fine of up to £5,000 and possibly even a prison sentence. So, what happens if you let Japanese Knotweed spread in your neighbour’s garden?

Letting Japanese Knotweed spread to private lands, such as your neighbour’s garden can also land you in hot water too. If successful in bringing a claim against you, you could be looking at paying for the Japanese Knotweed eradication on their property, including a guarantee plan, compensation to your neighbours for damage caused and also picking up any legal fees incurred.

Japanese Knotweed damage in gardens

Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and sets down strong roots. These roots can create a destructive underground network which will undermine buildings and foundations, and potentially cause thousands of pounds of damage. This is why the presence of Japanese Knotweed in gardens should never be ignored.