Legislation
Legal Responsibilities and Regulations for Japanese Knotweed Control
At Japanese Knotweed Elimination Ltd, we adhere to all legal and environmental regulations when treating and managing invasive Japanese knotweed. Compliance with UK legislation is crucial to ensure the safe and lawful use of pesticides and to prevent the spread of this highly invasive species.
Pesticide Application and Environmental Compliance
Under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, any person applying pesticides must take all reasonable precautions to:
- Protect human health, wildlife, and native plants
- Safeguard the natural environment
- Prevent the pollution of watercourses
When applying pesticides in or near water, prior approval must be obtained from the Environment Agency to ensure environmental protection standards are met.
Qualified and Certified Professionals
All our staff are highly trained and certified to carry out Japanese knotweed treatment safely and effectively. Our team holds:
- The ‘Certificated Surveyor in Japanese Knotweed’ (CSJK) qualification from the Property Care Association (PCA)
- NPTC certifications PA1, PA6, and PA6W for professional pesticide application
- £10 million Public and Product Insurance to give clients full peace of mind
This ensures that all herbicide treatments are carried out legally, responsibly, and to the highest industry standards.
Legal Consequences of Knotweed Spread
Under Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to:
“Plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant listed in Schedule 9, Part II” — which includes Japanese knotweed.
Offenders may face:
- Fines of up to £5,000
- Imprisonment for up to 6 months
Additionally, allowing Japanese knotweed to spread from your land—either accidentally or through improper disposal—can lead to:
- Third-party litigation and civil claims
- Legal action under nuisance legislation if it encroaches on neighbouring properties
Improper management or failure to act could result in legal liability and financial penalties. That’s why it’s critical to work with a PCA-accredited specialist like Japanese Knotweed Elimination Ltd.
Protect Your Property and Stay Compliant
By choosing our certified team, you’re not only ensuring the effective eradication of Japanese knotweed, but also maintaining compliance with the law and protecting your property’s value.
Get in touch today for a legally compliant, environmentally responsible Japanese knotweed control plan.
Anti Social Behaviour Law 2014
Japanese knotweed management is the legal responsibility of the landowner or tenant—not the Police, Local Authorities, or the Environment Agency. These public bodies are not obligated to control or remove Japanese knotweed on private property. If you have an infestation on your land, it is your duty to take appropriate action to prevent its spread and avoid legal consequences.
Anti-Social Behaviour and Legal Action for Knotweed Negligence
Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities now have powers to take enforcement action against property owners who allow Japanese knotweed to negatively impact nearby residents.
If it is shown that the presence of Japanese knotweed is:
- Persistent or continuing
- Having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of neighbours
…then a Community Protection Notice (CPN) may be issued, forcing the landowner to carry out knotweed treatment or removal.
Species Control Agreements and Legal Enforcement
In addition, the Law Commission introduced new legal measures in 2014—including Species Control Agreements (SCAs) and Species Control Orders (SCOs). These regulations empower authorities to encourage or compel landowners to control invasive non-native species like Japanese knotweed, especially when they pose a threat to neighbouring properties.
Failure to comply with a Species Control Order can result in legal prosecution and financial penalties.
Take Responsibility and Avoid Legal Risk
Ignoring a Japanese knotweed infestation on your land can result in:
- Civil litigation from affected neighbours
- Fines and legal enforcement by your local council
- Reduced property value and issues securing mortgages
To stay compliant and protect your property, work with a PCA-accredited knotweed specialist like Japanese Knotweed Elimination Ltd. We offer fully compliant treatment plans and legal guidance to help you avoid costly enforcement actions.
Flexible Payment Options Available
We offer 0% APR Monthly Payments or
You can split the cost over a number of years*