Knotweed

Japanese knotweed is the most common of 4 invasive knotweed plant species in the UK.

On your land or property

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.

The Environment Agency provides guidance on how to stop Japanese knotweed from spreading.

Highway

If you spot Japanese knotweed on the public highway, you can let us know so we can take action.

Last updated 15 May 2023