Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is a rapid growing weed which spreads and overwhelms other garden plants. How to identify:
- green shovel shaped leaves;
- stem is bamboo like in appearance;
- produces white flowers around September or October.
What you should know
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it is the landowner's responsibility to control these plants but they don't have to remove them;
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you should not try to remove or dispose of them as it could cause the plant to spread, which is an offence;
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you can't dispose of Japanese knotweed in your green bin (garden waste) or take it to the tip (household recycling centre) it must be disposed of as controlled waste;
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refer to the Environment Agency (external link) for further information.
If you are worried about Japanese Knotweed spreading from a neighbouring property, speak to the land owner in the first instance.
We make every effort to contain the spread of Japanese knotweed on public land.