Japanese Knotweed

Got a Japanese Knotweed problem?

Bought a property and afterwards found Japanese Knotweed?

Has a neighbouring property got Japanese Knotweed?

Want to know your next move?

Japanese Knotweed is a curse for many homes and how to tackle it has many issues.

Get expert advice at the outset.

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species of weed that has been listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the worst invasive species in the world. The strength of it is remarkable.  It can damage concrete foundations, buildings, flood defences, roads, paving and retaining walls and much more.

An initial problem often is establishing whether or not it is present at all as Japanese Knotweed can be difficult to identify due to similarities in its leaves and stem to other plants such as lilacs and dogwood. 

So what can be done about Japanese Knotweed?

Eliminating Japanese Knotweed is a tricky task. It is not a simple case of digging it up and chucking it on the compost heap or in the bin. The plant has a deep network of roots and unless these are removed due to its vigorous growth  the problem won’t have been fixed. Roots must be eliminated in order to properly tackle the problem. It is all too easy to be back where you started in no time at all. So removal sounds easy in theory, in practice, it can be far more complicated.

Added to this, eliminating Japanese Knotweed is subject to laws on Controlled Waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Incorrect disposal of Japanese Knotweed can lead to the weed spreading and is a criminal offence carrying penalties of up to a £5000 fine or 2 years imprisonment.

Please note it is imperative that Japanese Knotweed is identified as soon as possible. Where left unchecked it  can cause havoc to a property, substantially reducing the value of your home and can mean that your house becomes unmortgageable making it then of little value.

Also, where a house-seller is aware of the problem but does not reveal this, or covers it up, then the seller can be liable to pay large damages.

Your Japanese Knotweed problem

If you have issues with Japanese Knotweed, whether you need advice about treatment, or whether you have bought a property and not been informed of a Japanese Knotweed problem, then call us today to speak to one of our specialist lawyers.

For further information on how we can help you call our Managing Partner, Hugh Davey on 0333 344 5012 or out of office hours on 07914 897137. Or view our enquiries page.