Japanese knotweed is an extremely invasive species of plant that affects many gardens and outdoor spaces across the UK. If you live in one of the 4% of homes affected by Japanese knotweed, then you're probably wondering what you can do to tackle this stubborn weed. 

Many Japanese knotweed victims consider planting other species of fast-spreading plants in their outdoor space to outcompete Japanese knotweed for light and nutrients in the hope that it will suppress the Japanese knotweed's growth. Unfortunately, whilst this can temporarily reduce the Japanese knotweed's growth, this is not an effective long-term solution. 

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RICS (the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors) offer professional guidance that is used by all manner of people when evaluating a knotweed infestation, among other issues. RICS are a globally recognised professional body, and they develop and enforce international standards to protect the safety and well being of customers and businesses alike.

RICS updates their guidance regularly to ensure that their advice is relevant, and one of their most recent knotweed-related updates has caused quite a stir.

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In 2018, Jonathan Downing brought his dream house for £700,000 in South-West London. It was everything he dreamt it would be – that is, until he found Japanese knotweed growing behind his garden shed!

After an agreement could not be reached regarding the financing of the knotweed treatment, Jonathan Downing took Jeremy Henderson - the individual who sold him the house - to court. Following a 4-year long legal battle, legal fees were racked up, leaving Henderson left to pay £32,000 in damages, £95,000 for Downing’s legal fees, and almost £100,000 of his own legal fees.

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Whether you're an avid gardener or a homeowner who's come across Japanese knotweed in their garden, you might be wondering whether Japanese knotweed can cause skin irritation. You should always be cautious when you're touching plants in your garden because, besides the common nettles and thistles that we all know have a nasty sting, other plant species can be irritants too.

It's advisable that you wear gardening gloves and long-sleeved clothing whenever you're working in the garden, to reduce the chances of skin irritation. But is Japanese knotweed one of the plants you need to worry about?

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Whether you’re a developer who has just purchased a plot of land and is looking to start construction, a homeowner who’s looking to build an extension, or any other individual looking to start construction on your land, there are several steps you need to take before you can break ground.

No-one wants to find Japanese knotweed growing on their land, but if you’ve got plans to start construction, Japanese knotweed can be especially troublesome! If you currently have knotweed present on a plot of land where you’re planning construction and you’re wondering whether or not it’s possible to still build on land, you’re in the right place!  

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