Code of Practice for Japanese Knotweed Removal

The Environment Agency has produced a code of practice for the Japanese knotweed control and its effective eradication in the United Kingdom. This code of practice offers advice and gives various options for Japanese knotweed control that comply with the law here in the UK. Japanese knotweed control is of concern to many people such as architects, planners, designers, contractors, consultants and landscape gardeners alike.

This invasive weed is a non-native species of plant. Since the invasive weed was introduced into the United Kingdom in the mid-nineteenth century from Asia, Japanese knotweed control has become more and more necessary, as the nasty knotweed has spread, particularly along watercourses, transport routes and infested waste areas.

Because the knotweed is a non-native species in many countries is has no natural predators or diseases like it would have in Japan where it is from.

Consequently the invasive plant has been free to grow larger and more vigorous over the years. Japanese knotweed has invaded natural habitats which now struggle to survive against a plant that was not there some time ago. Removal of Japanese knotweed is needed as it is affecting not only the native plants but also the animals that normally live in the United Kingdom.

Japanese knotweed control along rivers and hedges, roadsides and railways will all help in the fight for Japanese knotweed eradication. The invasive knotweed can block natural routes for wildlife by spreading through rivers and railways which is why something needs to be done urgently to prevent any damage.

Japanese knotweed control is also fundamental for the protection of footpaths everywhere around the United Kingdom. Where the plant has been allowed to grow freely there are places where, in winter, the tall dead canes of the knotweed harbour rubbish and litter and subsequently provide shelter for rats and other pests which can cause damage and spread diseases as well.

Japanese knotweed removal is also necessary in domestic gardens, particularly where outbuildings may be erected as the invasive plant can grow through many hard surfaces.

Japanese knotweed eradication is now being practised throughout the United Kingdom as a means of weed control. Managing land infested by this nasty plant can avoid many things like: excessive costs; possible prosecution for the spread of the invasive weed; compensation claims related to Japanese knotweed removal; possible damage to buildings and hard surfaces from the knotweed re-growth; and potential harm from the Japanese plant to the environment.