What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese knotweed – Reynoutria japonica, is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial with large green shield-shaped leaves, cane-type stems that can reach 4m in height and small white flowers.
Japanese knotweed was originally introduced into England in 1850 as an ornamental plant. However, it was quickly realised that the conditions over here were far more favourable to it than the volcanic slopes from which it originated.
This resulted in extremely vigorous growth and its subsequent classification as an invasive weed and inclusion within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014. As such, this plant is subject to legal control measures.
Under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990, Japanese knotweed in particular, once cut down or excavated, is classified as Controlled Waste and can only be transported to an authorised site for disposal under a Waste Carriers License.
What Damage Does Japanese Knotweed Do?
Japanese knotweed is harmful to both domestic areas, such as hard standing and foundations as well as causing issues for wildlife. This is due to its highly vigorous growth rate during the spring and early summer, which results in native plants being outcompeted for light, nutrients, water and space.
Because of these issues, Japanese knotweed is subject to material consideration within various interests, particularly in planning and development.
Japanese Knotweed Law
Whilst it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed on your property – be this a residential garden, a field or woodland – it is an offence to allow, willingly or unwillingly, Japanese knotweed to spread from your property onto third party land with this being punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and / or up to 2 years imprisonment.
How Does Japanese Knotweed Affect Property Sales?
In an attempt to prevent people purchasing a property from falling foul of unexpected issues, in 2013 the TA6 Form was implemented for property conveyancing.
Amongst other things, this form specifically asks if Japanese knotweed is present on a property. Should the vendor not disclose that Japanese knotweed is present, then the buyer could make a claim against the seller for misrepresentation.
When a mortgage company lends against a property, they want to be sure that the amount being loaned is not beyond the value of the property – structural damage of course would severely reduce a property’s value and so mortgage lenders always consider the presence of Japanese knotweed and will not lend on a property without a management plan being in place.
What to Do If You Find Japanese Knotweed on Your Property
Should Japanese knotweed be present within the curtilage of a property, then arguably the key point is how far from the built structure the plant is. If it’s more than three metres away, the distance that it is considered the rhizomes can spread, then structural damage is considered highly unlikely and lenders will have less of an issue. That being said, properties containing Japanese knotweed are always considerably harder to sell than those without it.
In addition, it’s an offence to allow Japanese knotweed to spread beyond your boundary so controlling this plant by employing a PCA-approved Japanese knotweed removal company is always recommended.
How do you remove Japanese knotweed?
SE Environmental are an industry-leading Japanese knotweed removal company and services both domestic Japanese knotweed removal as well as commercial projects.
We offer a range of Japanese knotweed treatment options. These include herbicide application (spraying or stem injection), complete excavation and removal of contaminated soil to a licensed landfill and on-site stockpiling. With on-site stockpiling, we excavate the knotweed, move it to a designated area, and then treat it with herbicide over several years.
Herbicide
In most residential situations, we find herbicide application to be the ideal Japanese knotweed control method. It offers the best balance of effectiveness, minimal disruption and cost-efficiency for homeowners.
Excavation
While excavation can be effective, it requires careful consideration. This process typically involves removing soil up to two metres beyond the visible stems and to a depth of at least two metres. However, in some cases, excavation may extend deeper depending on site conditions. We assess each property to ensure adequate space and access for machinery, as this method can be more involved.
On-Site Stockpiling
On-site stockpiling, where excavated material is stored and treated over several years, is a viable option in certain circumstances. We evaluate the available space and site conditions to determine if this approach is suitable for a particular property.
Long-Term Solutions
Our comprehensive herbicide treatment program provides a long-term solution. We adhere to all legal guidelines, implementing a five-year plan that includes three years of treatment followed by two years of monitoring to ensure complete eradication.
SE Environmental’s Japanese Knotweed Removal Process
A typical job for SE Environmental would begin with an initial enquiry from a customer by either phone or email where the case would be discussed – the majority of survey requirements arise from general surveyors seeing a plant they don’t recognise or perhaps an overgrown corner of a garden and recommending a specialist survey be carried out. Sometimes, clients positively identify knotweed themselves and ask for professional help to control it.
Following the initial contact, a survey would be arranged when the customer could either be there should access dictate or they want to see the surveyor, or alternatively if a side gate could be left open then the survey could be completed without the owner needing to be present / take a day off work.
Once the survey had been completed, the report would be issued, usually the same day, discussing the presence or absence of Japanese knotweed and should it be present then the location, distance from built structures, management options, timings and costs.
Summary of the Process:
- Initial Enquiry – Customer contacts SE Environmental via phone or email.
- Case Discussion – The presence of potential Japanese knotweed is discussed, often prompted by a surveyor’s observation or the client’s own concerns.
- Survey Arrangement – A site visit is scheduled, with the option for the customer to be present or allow access remotely.
- Survey Completion – A professional inspection determines whether Japanese knotweed is present.
- Report Issuance – A detailed report is provided, typically on the same day, covering:
- Presence or absence of Japanese knotweed
- Location and proximity to structures
- Management options
- Estimated treatment timelines
- Cost breakdown
Lenders also usually require a 10-year third-party insurance back guarantee to be in place, which SE Environmental arranges as standard in addition to the 10-year company guarantee.
SE Environmental – Domestic Japanese Knotweed Specialists
Don’t let Japanese knotweed threaten your property value or cause legal complications. SE Environmental offers expert identification, treatment, and long-term management solutions tailored to your needs.
- Fast and professional survey reports – Same-day assessments available
- PCA-approved experts – Trusted by homeowners, businesses, and mortgage lenders
- Tailored treatment plans – Herbicide application, excavation, and on-site stockpiling
- Guaranteed results – Includes a 10-year company guarantee and insurance-backed warranty
Contact SE Environmental today for a no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward eradicating Japanese knotweed from your property.
Call us now at 01924 944600 or email office@seenvironmental.co.uk
