Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plants

Japanese Knotweed is becoming a big issue in towns and cities and has become more noticeable in the last few years. Waltham Forest is no exception, and this invasive species has become prevalent across the borough.

It is not an offence to have Japanese Knotweed growing in your garden, but it is an offence to plant it or allow it to grow into the wild and you should take steps to prevent it from spreading. 

Should Waltham Forest Council find that Japanese Knotweed or another invasive plant species be spreading from private land into public maintainable land formal action can be taken against the relevant landowner to have the species removed and treated.

If you suspect Japanese Knotweed, please read the attached information sheet or visit the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) website for more information. 

Parks and open spaces

Waltham Forest Council welcomes reports of suspected Japanese Knotweed (or any other invasive species) if located on any public maintainable land or open space.

This can be reported to the Council by calling 0208 496 3000, who will then arrange for its removal and treatment.

Private land

Local authorities are under no obligation to investigate reports of Japanese Knotweed or other invasive species on private land.

If you have concerns over Japanese Knotweed within a neighbouring property, this would be a civil matter for residents to pursue privately. If damage has been caused to a property by Japanese Knotweed, this would also be a civil matter, and residents are advised to contact their insurance company.

Privately renting or Social Housing tenant

If you are a tenant of a rented property within the borough, please notify your landlord or Housing Provider as soon as possible should Japanese Knotweed be present.

Waltham Forest Housing tenant

If you suspect Japanese Knotweed or any other invasive species within the property or on land owned and managed by Waltham Forest Housing, please notify either your Tenancy Officer or Place Officer as soon as possible by emailing:

• Tenancy.Management@walthamforest.gov.uk
• PlaceManagement@walthamforest.gov.uk

You must stop Japanese Knotweed on your land from spreading off your property. Soil or plant material contaminated with non-native and invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed can cause ecological damage and may be classified as controlled waste.

You do not legally have to remove Japanese Knotweed from your land unless it’s causing a nuisance, but you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread into the wild.

There are laws surrounding disposal and eradication methods for Japanese Knotweed, so residents are urged to familiarise themselves with these to avoid possible prosecution at Court.

If disposing of Japanese Knotweed off-site, only specialist registered waste carriers are permitted to transport the plant, soil or remnants, and it must be taken to a specialist disposal site.

How to stop Knotweed spreading

Do not treat Knotweed yourself unless you have the appropriate skills and experience. You can find companies that specialise in treating Knotweed.

Advice and information from the Environment Agency on methods to prevent the spread of Japanese Knotweed can be found on GOV.UK website.