Are you removing Japanese Knotweed? Don’t make the mistake of just ignoring it! Japanese Knotweed can damage your property, devalue your house or become a legal issue with neighbouring properties!
DIY methods can be tempting to try out if you suspect you may have Knotweed on your property. However, you should be aware that removing Japanese Knotweed yourself can not only be incredibly complex and time-consuming but it can have some serious environmental and legal implications if not completed by a certified and accredited specialist.
When it comes to removing Japanese knotweed, you are not under any legal obligations to remove it from your property (although it is advised). However, the moment it encroaches upon your neighbour’s land or affects natural wildlife you violate the law. This could potentially lead to prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment for up to two years. Since just one piece of Japanese knotweed the size of a fingernail can produce a new plant, growing at the rate of 1.2 metres per month, therefore the chances of it spreading beyond your boundaries are extremely high.
Even if you think your case is small enough to attempt removing Japanese knotweed using DIY methods, the chances are the job is bigger than you think. Individual plants can cover several square metres of land below the ground and can remain dormant for over 20 years. Do not cut it down or try to dispose of it in your bin or a skip as it is classed as “Controlled Waste” (see Sec. 34 Environment Protection Act 1990) and you can be prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
Don't spend money that you don't have to. Send us some photos of the suspected Japanese knotweed, and we will identify the plant for you, let us put your mind at ease.
Although we do not recommend removing Japanese knotweed using DIY methods, ignoring the weed can cause additional problems:
If not dealt with, it can take over several metres of land. Therefore, costing even more when it comes to removing Japanese knotweed.
Potential prosecution and compensation claims against you! It will come up through tarmac, concrete and damage drains and buildings; breaking their concrete foundations. It damages the environment, which can also lead to legal action.
You may not be able to get a mortgage or re-mortgage a property with Japanese knotweed growing near it.
The removal and disposal of Japanese knotweed involve careful planning to ensure you are in line with strict environmental legislation. Japanese knotweed does not spread via seeds. Instead, it spreads when small pieces of the plant are broken off. It can also be spread through water if the parent plant is close to a river or stream. Moving soil which contains them, or fly-tipping cut or pulled stems.
If you think that you have Japanese knotweed, do not touch it. Always seek professional advice for your next steps!
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 first must know that it will look different depending on the current season.
See what treatment options are available for residential properties.
If you think that your neighbour has Japanese knotweed, and may potential 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.
Many hear Japanese Knotweed and fear the worst as it is renowned for causing damage and spreading rapidly. However, removing Japanese Knotweed is possible with the help of an expert.
For effective Japanese Knotweed treatment and removal, it is important it is carried out by professionals. This is because, the invasive weed is very difficult to eradicate. Even the smallest piece of rhizome can cause further spread and contamination.
We offer our assistance in removing Japanese Knotweed from your site or garden. Firstly, if you suspect you have Japanese Knotweed is the first step is to identify it. Click here to learn how you can identify Japanese Knotweed. We also offer free advice via email, where you can send over your photograph of the suspected plant. From there we will identify whether you have Japanese Knotweed or not. Please complete our online contact form, to take advantage of this service.
Following this, if it is found that you do have Japanese Knotweed, it is important you have a site assessment and survey completed. This survey outlines in-depth details regarding where the Japanese Knotweed is and the risks poses. From there, we would complete a management plan based on these findings. This management plan details the treatment method/s that will be used to eradicate the Japanese Knotweed. It will also break down the cost involved in removing Japanese knotweed from your land.
We find in some instances customers have tried DIY removal of Japanese Knotweed, however, this is not a recommended course of action as this can make your Japanese Knotweed problem even worse. Therefore, Contact us today for a safe and effective eradication process for removing Japanese Knotweed!
Whether you need some advice or would like to arrange your site survey, we will be happy to help in eradicating this invasive plant.
Contact us on 0800 1337 444 or complete our online contact form.
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