Japanese Knotweed
The facts
Originally imported to the UK from East Asia as an ornamental plant, Japanese knotweed is considered the UK’s most destructive non-native plant and has the potential to cause structural damage in the built environment. In the wild it can, once established, create a monoculture by out competing native plants with devastating impact on local ecosystems. Once excavated, soils impacted by Japanese knotweed are deemed a controlled waste and must be managed in line with current legislation.
Due to a heightened awareness of Japanese knotweed; the problems it can cause; and a landmark court case in 2018, property/land owners need to have an understanding if the plant is on their land and ensure it is managed appropriately.