Japanese knotweed

[aburobert]

A house back garden near to mine is being overrun by Japanese Knotweed.

 

I have read many stories - many of them quite alarming - about the damage this plant can do and the effect it has on property valuations in areas where it is located.

 

In view of this who is responsible for its control (I gather it is not illegal to grow it) and for remedying any damage it causes to neighbouring properties.

 

It has been reported several times to the Environment Department of my local council who have, to date, seemed to have taken no action. Myself and several of my neighbours are becoming quite alarmed at the possible damage this pernicious weed can cause

[citizenB]

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/sep/08/japanese-knotweed-house-sale

 

^^^ apparently it can have a negative impact on house sales.

 

and

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/shopping-and-consumer-news/11416728/Weeds-in-the-garden-Now-officials-can-remove-them-without-permission.html

 

Home owners will be powerless to stop officials entering their land if their gardens contain Japanese knotweed, parakeets or other "invasive" species, under new laws.

 

 

Environmental pest control services will be allowed on to private land without permission to eradicate plants or animals that pose a "significant threat" to the surrounding environment.

 

and in some cases Mortgage lenders might refuse to lend to you if you have a problem with this invasive weed

 

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-3074709/Spring-provides-ideal-time-enjoy-garden-plants-budding-life-garden-inspect-nasty-Japanese-knotweed-ignore-peril.html

[unclebulgaria67]

You need to identify whether it is the variety that does cause damage. There is one type that grows without causing any problems and the other is a nightmare. Do some research.

 

I have seen someone locally pay good money to deal with the plant that was not a problem and some specialists charge thousands, even when i suspect they did not identify the variety of plant.

 

The removal can only be done after it has flowered and died back a bit. They then removed and burn most of the plant, leaving the bottom of the plant. They then inject it with something to kill the roots.. You cannot just dig it out. There is online advice, so you don't need expensive specialist contractors.

[aburobert]

The 'Telegraph' article is interesting.

 

If local authorities now have the power to go onto private land to eradicate pests and invasive species without the landowners consent - where is this enshrined in law?

[unclebulgaria67]

The 'Telegraph' article is interesting.

 

If local authorities now have the power to go onto private land to eradicate pests and invasive species without the landowners consent - where is this enshrined in law?

 

It is stated in the article. Infrastructure Act

[aburobert]

You need to identify whether it is the variety that does cause damage. There is one type that grows without causing any problems and the other is a nightmare. Do some research.

 

I have seen someone locally pay good money to deal with the plant that was not a problem and some specialists charge thousands, even when i suspect they did not identify the variety of plant.

 

The removal can only be done after it has flowered and died back a bit. They then removed and burn most of the plant, leaving the bottom of the plant. They then inject it with something to kill the roots.. You cannot just dig it out. There is online advice, so you don't need expensive specialist contractors.

 

Thanks Unclebulgaria.

 

The reason I posted my concerns was Knotweed growing on the back garden of a nearby property - where it is spreading like wildfire. I doubt very much if the landowner is going to pay very much attention to myself and others attempting to draw his attention to the dangers of this plant - hence contact with the Environment department of the local council. The landowner/property owner is a Pakistani descent devote Muslim who tries to protect his and his families privacy - so keeps himself very much to himself. There may also be language difficulties here as well. Just cutting it down and bunging the cuttings into the green recycling bin is not the way to go - so I believe an 'official' approach by the Council or similar agency is the way to go where treatment, disposal, possible legal consequences etc. can be carefully explained in Urdu to the property owner. We also have a number of bull headed hot tempered types living in the area who may cause problems associated with this we can do well without.

 

Regarding the variety - this is the 'nasty' one. Another neighbour - equally alarmed took a cutting that was growing over the property boundary to the Council for identification and they confirmed it was the virulent invasive type.

[aburobert]

It is stated in the article. Infrastructure Act

 

Thanks - I obviously did not read closely enough to catch the name of the Act. Will look it up and have a read.

[aburobert]

Anyone affected by this and similar pests or invasive species will find the Infrastructure Act 2015 Section 4 interesting reading:

 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/7/part/4

[aburobert]

Anyone affected by this and similar pests or invasive species will find the Infrastructure Act 2015 Section 4 interesting reading:

 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/7/part/4

 

Do note though - this is not law yet it is prospective!

[honeybee13]

I found this when I googled about Japanese knotweed. Posting a link in case it's helpful.

 

http://www.devon.gov.uk/advice_land_and_gardener

 

HB

[Guest]

also

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=218

[aburobert]

Thanks for all the links - all useful information.

 

If my local council takes no action over this what are the options? The Infrastructure Act 2015 Section 4 is not law and cannot be used at the current time. Is there any current legislation pertaining to this pest plant growing in a private garden that can be used to get the council to take some sort of action - even if it is only advisory (which is what I am angling for rather than anything punitive) so the landowner is given the opportunity to remove the plant or, at least, get it under control?.

[unclebulgaria67]

Thanks for all the links - all useful information.

 

If my local council takes no action over this what are the options? The Infrastructure Act 2015 Section 4 is not law and cannot be used at the current time. Is there any current legislation pertaining to this pest plant growing in a private garden that can be used to get the council to take some sort of action - even if it is only advisory (which is what I am angling for rather than anything punitive) so the landowner is given the opportunity to remove the plant or, at least, get it under control?.

 

If the council owned and assets nearby that would help, as they might have an interest. Are there any electricity sub stations or other utlility installations that could be affected ? If so, the utility companies would have an interest. It is a question of getting them to take this serious enough, to spur them into action.

 

If it were me, i think i would gather some information about the issue and speak to the home owner concerned. Ask them whether they know that the knotweed is a problem that could cause severe damage to their house and neighbouring properties. Print off some internet pictures of knotweed causing damage to houses. Also perhaps provide them with information where they can get help. Will the local council help home owners with knotweed removal ?

[aburobert]

Thanks Unclebulgaria - I appreciate your input.

 

Some of the local houses are Housing Association properties and I believe this weed has already spread into some of their properties so I will contact them as they will be affected by all this. As explained before the owner of the property really needs to have things explained in Urdu as his English is poor - our local Council does send messages out in this language as we have a substantial Urdu speaking population in the area. My Urdu is non existent and any approach by myself or other concerned neighbours may be viewed with some hostility particularly as we have some rather unpleasant 'white supremacist' types in the area who have been problematic in the past.

 

I will also contact my local councillor and see if I can prise him off his backside and get him to do something.

[The GodMother]

Hi

It was a recent government order that the land owner is responsible for removal of Japenese knotweed. This came in last year.

 

Relating to this in a way does anyone no if this act would also cover bindweed in council house gardens. I have been told by Defra that the Landowner is responsible but the council who owns the houses, about 10 that l no of including mine have it in front and back gardens, don't accept that and say its a garden issue.

I was told that there was a court case going on that just needed listing when a person had took her Landlord, the council, to court but l cant find anything re it or even don't no if the case has gone to court. If someone who can find this is able to help use all then we would be grateful.

[Guest]

Hi

It was a recent government order that the land owner is responsible for removal of Japenese knotweed. This came in last year.

 

..

 

depends on the circs

eg http://www.boyesturner.com/article/guidance-note-for-owners-of-land-infested-with-japanese-knotweed

[aburobert]

Thanks Ford - a very useful link.

[aburobert]

Just received this from my local council:-

 

"I refer to your recent enquiry about Japanese Knotweed. The Council would only become involved if it was located on land we own or controlled. It is more a matter between landowners to deal with it between themselves. I have provided some links below to the government websites which may be of assistance to you.

 

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants

 

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/296930/LIT_2695_df1209.pdf"

 

It looks as if the local property owners affected can only wait and see if this weed starts to break up the pavement and road and then see if the Council will show any interest, the landowner where it is growing takes action or a joint action is taken for damages caused by the weed against the landowner where it is growing. The weed has already spread to two adjacent properties. Or all can wait and see how long it takes for Section 4 of the Infrastructure Act 1915 to become law.

[unclebulgaria67]

Have the Police been given power yet under anti social behaviour act ? I thought i read that Police can issue notice to homeowners.

[san_d]

A house back garden near to mine is being overrun by Japanese Knotweed.

Asian illegals taking over our country!

 

But seriously, isn't Japanese Knotweed used to make Resveratrol? Couldn't one sell the knotsweed to the pharmaceutical industry? I can see a business coming out of it.

[Guest]

Have the Police been given power yet under anti social behaviour act ? I thought i read that Police can issue notice to homeowners.

 

eg see 'Home Office Information Note: Japanese knotweed' linked in link post #11