Facilities Management

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopian Japonica) was brought to the UK in the 1800s with the innocent intention of introducing a new ornamental garden species. Unfortunately, at the time, the negative impact that this would cause across the UK was widely unknown and in no time this invasive plant had spread across many landscapes, overrunning any native species that it came across. Now, with time and knowledge on our side, we know that Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10cm a day throughout the summer months and aggressively works its way into pipes, brickwork, tarmac and even concrete – incidentally causing damage to property, roads, and gardens. Furthermore, the roots of Japanese Knotweed can permeate up to 3 metres deep and many more across, causing damage to any foundations and drains that may be in its path.

Japanese Knotweed is now recognised in the UK as a “highly invasive species” by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), as “controlled waste” by the Environmental Protection Act (1990) and those who fail to remove it quickly and effectively from their premises could be issued with a notice and/or a fine under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014). If you spot Japanese Knotweed on or around your property, you must contact specialists to remove this plant species safely and effectively – which is where we at Henderson & Taylor come in.