What knot to do – dealing with Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is the most invasive plant in the UK. It can grow up to 10cm a day between the months of April and October and its roots can extend to a depth of three metres.

So what should you do if you find Japanese Knotweed on your property? Learn from the experience of Rosemary Line.

Mrs Line was successfully sued for £50,000 by her neighbours when Japanese Knotweed that was present on her property spread to her neighbours’ property. The neighbours’ claim was successful because it is illegal to allow Japanese Knotweed to spread even though it is not illegal to have it on your property.

In addition to the damages paid to her neighbours for the reduction in the value of their home, Mrs Line has also been ordered to employ the local authority’s contractor over the next 5 years to eradicate the weed and pay substantial court costs.

In another case last year, homeowners successfully sued Network Rail for the reduction in value of their properties and the costs of the treatment of the Knotweed after it spread onto their property.

This case provides a costly reminder that land owners that have Japanese Knotweed on their land cannot leave it to grow unchecked, because if it spreads onto neighbouring land they will knot have a defence in Court.