Worried about Japanese Knotweed invading your property?
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to report Japanese Knotweed infestation to the authorities in the UK.
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant species that can grow up to three meters high and is notoriously difficult to get rid of. It can cause structural damage to buildings and has a detrimental impact on the environment. If you spot Japanese Knotweed on your property or in your neighbourhood, it’s essential to report it to the authorities immediately. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to report Japanese Knotweed infestation to the authorities in the UK.
Step 1: Identify Japanese Knotweed Infestation
The first step in reporting Japanese Knotweed infestation is to identify the plant accurately. Japanese Knotweed has a distinctive appearance, with large green leaves and bamboo-like stems. It also has a hollow stem and can grow up to 20cm a day in summer.
Step 2: Determine Responsibility
The responsibility for Japanese Knotweed control depends on whether the plant is growing on private or public land. If the plant is on public land, the local council is responsible for its control. If the plant is growing on private land, the landowner is responsible for its control. In some cases, the responsibility may be shared.
Step 3: Report to the Authorities
If you spot Japanese Knotweed on public land, report it to the local council as soon as possible. The council should take necessary actions to control or eradicate the plant. You can usually report Japanese Knotweed on the council’s website, or you can call their helpline to report the infestation.
If the Japanese Knotweed is on private land, you should inform the landowner of the infestation. If the landowner fails to take appropriate action to control or eradicate the plant, you can report the infestation to the Environment Agency. You can report the infestation online or by calling their helpline.
Step 4: Provide Accurate Information
When reporting Japanese Knotweed infestation, it’s essential to provide accurate information about the location of the plant. Take pictures of the plant and note down the exact location, including the street address, postcode, and the nearest landmark. Moreover you should also provide information on the size of the infestation and the extent of the damage caused by the plant.
Step 5: Follow Up
After reporting the Japanese Knotweed infestation, follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure that they have taken appropriate action. The authorities may contact you for further information, Additionally they may visit the location to assess the situation. If the plant is not being treated appropriately, you may need to escalate the issue to higher authorities.
FAQs:
- Can I remove Japanese Knotweed from my property myself? A. It is not recommended to remove Japanese Knotweed from your property yourself as it can cause the plant to spread further. You should hire a professional to carry out the removal.
- Can I be fined for not controlling Japanese Knotweed on my property? A. Yes, you can be fined for not controlling Japanese Knotweed on your property. The fine can be as much as £2,500, and you may also be held liable for the cost of the plant’s removal. Therefore the bigger company’s will want to charge for digging out the plant and its rhizomes.
- Can I sell my property if it has Japanese Knotweed infestation? A. Yes, you can sell your property if it has Japanese Knotweed infestation. However, you must disclose the presence of the plant to the buyer and provide information on the measures you have taken to control or eradicate the plant.
Japanese Knotweed is a destructive plant species that can cause significant damage to property and the environment.If you have Japanese knotweed in your garden, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can provide you with valuable assistance and offer you expert advice to effectively address the issue. Contact Stephen on 07753682333