JKS

The underground rhizomes of this species can penetrate loose aggregate and grow through existing small cracks, openings or voids in asphalt/concrete. Like many plant species, once established, the underground structures of Japanese Knotweed rhizome can slowly increase in volume over time and ultimately impact built structures (e.g. drains and patios), typically in the form of exacerbating existing weakness or damage.

Although you do not legally have to remove Japanese knotweed from your land unless it’s causing a nuisance, you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread into the wild. We would highly recommend a professional contractor who is a member of the Property Care Association is appointed to survey, control or remove any Japanese Knotweed present on your property. Japanese knotweed does not respect boundary lines. It will grow wherever it is allowed to, and cause issues for home and landowners and developers.

It is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed on your property, but you can be prosecuted or given a community protection notice for causing a nuisance if you allow it to spread onto anyone else’s property. You may also be at risk of prosecution if found guilty of disposing of Japanese knotweed in the wild as knotweed is deemed as controlled waste and has legalities around its disposal under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.