Where problems with Japanese knotweed occur in neighbouring gardens, we suggest that you speak or correspond directly with your neighbours (who may already be taking action to control this difficult weed).If it has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", the legislation could be used to enforce its control and property owners may be prosecuted It is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, but on your property you should aim to control this invasive non-native plant to prevent it becoming a problem in your neighbourhood.Here are some key points for how this affects the homeowner: New legislationĪn amendment to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 includes invasive non-native plants including Japanese knotweed. Disputes over the identity of a plant, the failure to disclose its presence, or the lack of a management plan can result in delays, increased costs later in the buying process, or even a possible misrepresentation claim after the sale, so this approach will help avoid problemsĬontact The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for further information. Whether a buyer or seller, it is also worth being pro-active and checking the property for Japanese knotweed.It is most common for this plan to be provided by the seller before the purchase is completed A management plan by a professional eradication company, backed by a transferable guarantee, is usually sufficient. This often results in your mortgage lender requiring assurances that it will be eradicated before agreeing the funds. If you are buying, the presence of Japanese knotweed will be stated in the responses to the TA6 form.The TA6 form asks you to confirm whether your property is affected by Japanese knotweed and, where it is, to provide a management plan for its eradication from a professional company (see Seeking help from the professionals below) If you are selling, it is your responsibility to check the garden for Japanese knotweed (bearing in mind that it can die back in winter).Your conveyancer or solicitor will be able to provide full legal advice, however, here is a summary: Since 2013, the seller is required to state whether Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica) is present on their property through a TA6 form - the property information form used for conveyancing. Under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.įly tipping should be reported to The Environment Agency, free-phone number 0800 807060. We are unable to accept plant samples.Īlthough it rarely sets seed in this country, Japanese knotweed can sprout from very small sections of rhizomes. Members of the Royal Horticultural Society can have knotweed identified via images sent to RHS Gardening Advice. See the GB Non-native species Secretariat (NNSS) identification sheets for invasive non-native species including Japanese knotweed. Additionally it should be noted that a less troublesome form of Japanese knotweed is grown in gardens, Reynoutria japonica var. maculosa can also be troublesome weeds but are not as invasive. Several species of Persicaria and Polygonum, including Persicaria lapathifolia and P. Leycesteria formosa (Himalayan honeysuckle) Japanese knotweed can be confused with other plants including: The creamy-white flower tassels produced in late summer and early autumn reach up to 15cm (6in). The stems die back to ground level in winter, but the dry canes remain for several months or longer. Leaves are heart or shovel-shaped and up to 14cm (5½in) in length and borne alternately (in a zig zag pattern) along the stems. These canes have characteristic purple flecks, and produce branches from nodes along its length. These grow rapidly, producing in summer, dense stands of tall bamboo-like canes which grow to 2.1m (7ft) tall. In spring, reddish-purple fleshy shoots emerge from crimson-pink buds at ground level. Malvern Autumn Show - 22–24 September 2023.RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 19–23 July 2023.
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