How to Report Japanese Knotweed
So there you have it. Your suspicions have been realised. Your worst fears have come true. Yep, that’s right, it’s Japanese Knotweed, and now you need to report it.
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed (sometimes called Asian Knotweed) is a plant which we classify as a pest here in the UK. Highly aggressive and invasive, Japanese Knotweed has been hugely successful in establishing itself in habitats all over the world.
As you can imagine, when a non-native species comes in and disrupts an ecosystem, it can cause many problems.
The flowers are small and are usually either cream or white. The hollow stems and distinct raised nodes mean it looks similar to bamboo. Despite this, the two plants are not related in any way.
Amazingly, its stems are capable of reaching 3-4 meters or 10-13ft each growing season.
Why is Japanese Knotweed a Problem?
It’s the aggressive capacity to grow at such speed as well as its strength that makes Japanese Knotweed such a problem.
It might be hard to believe, but Japanese Knotweed is capable of growing right through concrete and tarmac. This has caused a lot of damage in urban areas over the years. This is why governments have had to place it on the environmental naughty step.
What should I do about Japanese Knotweed?
First things first, you need to identify it. This can be done by hiring an experienced and qualified contractor to come out to your property or land and inspect the situation.
According to the UK Gov website:
“You must stop Japanese Knotweed on your land from spreading off your property. Soil or plant material contaminated with non-native and invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed can cause ecological damage and may be classified as controlled waste.
You do not legally have to remove Japanese Knotweed from your land unless it’s causing a nuisance, but you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread into the wild.”
So even though you don’t need to remove Japanese Knotweed, you are legally obliged to stop it spreading into the wild.
If you are considering just ignoring the issue, it’s important to remember how much damage the plant can cause to property. People have had mortgages rejected and can be left unable to sell their home due to the effects of Japanese Knotweed.
It’s crucial you take action when you suspect you may have an infestation of this highly aggressive plant.
Japanese Knotweed reporting and removal
JBB Knotweed Solutions Ltd carry out professional identification, surveying, treatment and removal of Japanese Knotweed. Our work is compliant with stringent industry standards and our guarantees are accepted by banks and mortgage lenders.
Our Japanese Knotweed removal services include carrying out in-depth site surveys and a range of treatment options such as herbicide, excavation, relocation and disposal.
We have a great deal of experience removing Japanese Knotweed from commercial and residential premises and are well-known for our professional approach and excellent customer care.
If you suspect you might have Japanese Knotweed growing on your land, in your garden or near your home, we recommend booking a survey and resolving the problem as soon as possible.
You can book a Japanese Knotweed survey here.