'Take action' over invasive weed that could see homeowners prosecuted

Allowing a specific weed to grow in your garden could not only result in environmental harm but also potentially lead to legal action against you.

Japanese Knotweed is an aggressive and rapidly spreading plant species that can thrive in most regions of the UK. It's not limited to residential gardens; it can also invade roadsides, railway embankments, rivers and streams.

Despite many gardeners being unfamiliar with Japanese knotweed, its unique characteristics make it relatively easy to recognise. Typically, Japanese knotweed features shovel-shaped leaves, a zigzag stem pattern, and white blossoms.

What to do if you find Japanese knotweed in your garden

Official government advice emphasises that if you identify Japanese knotweed on your property, you should prevent its spread immediately. This is due to the fact that soil or other plant matter contaminated by this invasive species can cause substantial ecological damage and may even be categorised as 'controlled waste'.

While there's no legal obligation to eradicate the knotweed from your land under normal circumstances, you are required to do so if it becomes a nuisance. However, if the knotweed invades natural habitats, you could face prosecution for allowing its spread.

This is because the landowner where the Japanese knotweed has propagated could be held accountable for private nuisance. If neighbouring landowners are impacted by the knotweed in your garden, they might be entitled to claim damages to their own property.

Moreover, Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 emphasises that it is illegal to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.

How to eradicate Japanese knotweed from your garden

If you are not an experienced gardener, it is advised that you find a company that specialises in treating knotweed to help remove it from your property. A wide variety of techniques can be applied to help remove Japanese knotweed, including:

• Spraying the knotweed with an approved herbicide (although this usually takes at least three years of regular treatment)
• Burning the knotweed - You will need to check with your council that this is allowed, furthermore, the crowns of the knotweed could survive burning so it's not a guaranteed solution
• Burying the knotweed - you will need to tell the Environment Agency of this at least one month in advance and must follow strict regulations on where and how deep the knotweed can be buried

If you want to find a company or contractor to help deal with Japanese knotweed in your garden, you should ensure that they have one of the following accrediations:

• Amenity Forum Membership
• BASIS Professional Register
• BASIS Amenity Training Register
• BASIS Nominated Storekeeper (NSK) Professional Register

If you require more advice on dealing with Japanese knotweed on your property, you can contact the Environment Agency by either dialling 03708 507 506 or emailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Further details on official guidance for dealing with Japanese knotweed can be found here.