This homeowner in Sheffield was struggling to sell her property due to an infestation of Japanese knotweed in South Yorkshire. Japanese Knotweed had spread across four neighbouring gardens. However, none of the neighbours were aware that it was Japanese Knotweed or of how invasive it can be. Luckily, in this case, the four neighbours were on good terms and agreed to split the cost of treating the Japanese knotweed between them. A three-year management plan was then put into place for the removal of Japanese Knotweed in South Yorkshire.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always run so smoothly. Many of our clients have paid to treat knotweed growing on their neighbours land because it was affecting their own house sale. Although it is illegal for to allow Japanese knotweed to spread onto a neighbouring property, it is not illegal to have it on your land. Therefore people sometimes feel they have no obligation to put a treatment schedule into place because they aren’t planning on moving themselves. However, if the Japanese Knotweed does  spread onto a neighbouring property, they may be liable to a fine or legal action as it is then classed as nuisance encroachment.