Japanese knotweed is an invasive, non-native plant that was introduced to the UK in 1825. It grows and spreads extremely quickly. This means it can overwhelm other plants and destabilise building structures.
Japanese knotweed can grow in any type of soil, no matter how poor. It can grow up to 20 centimetres a day in spring or summer. It doesn’t produce seeds, but spreads through an underground root-like stem (rhizome) and cut stems.
Get information about how to control and dispose of Japanese knotweed on Gov.UK.
You must not:
It’s not an offence to have Japanese Knotweed on your land, and it is not a notifiable weed under Weeds Act 1959, so there is no need to inform us.
If you’re a council tenant and find Japanese knotweed in your garden, you should contact your local area housing office. View housing office contact details.
If you’re concerned that Japanese knotweed on your neighbour’s land might spread onto your land, try and speak to them. They might not realise there’s an issue.
If the issue is still not sorted out, you could consider taking legal action. See take action through the courts on Gov.UK. The council can’t give legal advice to members of the public.
Contact Network Rail if you find Japanese knotweed next to a railway line, embankment or station. Ask them to treat the problem.
Report Japanese knotweed in a park or other council land via the city helpdesk:
