Japanese Knotweed is an invasive weed which can cause damage to your property. Also, it can reduce the value of your home, significantly. Here is an example when Japanese Knotweed hits Stoke On Trent…
Under the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, local forces can issue a PCN, informing the landowner to act and fining them if they do not.
The Environment Agency have created a crowd sourcing platform, allowing individuals to plot where they suspect Japanese knotweed may exist.
There are particular ‘hot spots’ for Japanese knotweed including South Wales, London, central Scotland, Cornwall and the Midlands. In the Midlands, Madeley in Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Stoke on Trent and Worcester are the five worst hit areas.
As stated above, if Japanese knotweed is found to have spread to your neighbour’s property due to your own lack of care or negligence, then you could need to pay a substantial fine. Previous cases have involved a housing association needing to pay a landowner £32,500 when knotweed invaded their garden. Also, there was a pensioner claiming a £27,000 compensation when the council failed to control the knotweed in her garden. Which, was for over 8 years.
While there are several databases, including the Environment Agency database provided, these databases may not be fully up to date. Knotweed treatments can take several years to complete, and even then, it is not always guaranteed that you notify, that the plant has been eradicated.
If you do suspect you have Japanese knotweed on your land, or if you would like a ‘no knotweed report’ to prove there is no knotweed on your land, then the only way to do this is to have a professional survey completed.
Learn more about what a survey includes here.
Have you found Japanese knotweed on your property? Not sure if you are able to make a claim? Who is legally responsible?
If you need help identifying Japanese knotweed, you should be aware that it will look different depending upon the time of the year.
See what treatment options are available for residential properties.
If you think that your neighbour has Japanese knotweed, and that this may potentially spread to your garden, here is a step-by-step guide for tips on what to do next.
If you can't find an answer to your question, call and speak to a member of our team.
Keep up to date with the latest news about Japanese knotweed.