Is Professional Treatment for Japanese Knotweed Really Necessary?
19/09/2025
When Japanese Knotweed appears on your property, it can feel tempting to try and tackle the problem yourself. A quick internet search will throw up plenty of DIY methods – from digging it up to pouring household chemicals over it.
Unfortunately, these approaches rarely work, and often make the situation worse.
At JBB Knotweed Solutions Ltd, we are often called in after failed attempts have allowed Japanese Knotweed to spread further. Here we explain why professional treatment is not only necessary but essential.
Why DIY rarely works
Japanese Knotweed spreads underground through an extensive rhizome network. Even a fingernail-sized piece of root can regrow into a new plant. Digging without specialist knowledge risks spreading fragments into new areas of soil. Similarly, over-the-counter weedkillers are usually too weak to penetrate the deep rhizome system, so while the surface growth may die back, the plant will return stronger the following season.
Legal responsibilities
In the UK, allowing Japanese Knotweed to spread beyond your boundary can lead to legal disputes with neighbours or enforcement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. A professional treatment plan ensures that you meet your obligations and have documented proof that the infestation is under control.
Why accreditation matters
Mortgage lenders, solicitors and surveyors will look for evidence that Knotweed has been treated by a Property Care Association (PCA)-accredited contractor. Without this, you may struggle to sell or refinance your property. Professional companies like JBB Knotweed Solutions can provide the recognised treatment plans and paperwork that lenders require.
Long-term protection
Professional treatment is not only about immediate control but also about long-term management. At JBB Knotweed Solutions, we can offer insurance-backed guarantees and aftercare monitoring so you can be confident that the problem will not return unnoticed. This assurance is one of the main reasons homeowners, buyers and lenders insist on professional involvement.
Conclusion
DIY attempts can be costly, risky and ineffective. Professional treatment provides peace of mind, meets legal and lending requirements, and protects your property value.
If you think you may have Japanese Knotweed, speak to our expert team today. We offer free photo identification, site surveys and tailored solutions across Scotland.
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