Japanese knotweed is a problem that is growing across the UK - it's a highly invasive weed which was introduced to the UK in the 19th century as an ornamental and fodder plant, and since then it has spread across almost every county.
Recently it has been found in pub car parks and walls.
Because of its aggressive nature, knotweed can damage surfaces and structures such as walls, building foundations, paving and tarmac.
It is difficult and expensive to remove, and as a consequence its very presence on your land would reduce the value of your property.
Government guidance
Even if you excavate land to get rid of knotweed, you still have the problem of disposing of it safely. According to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, Japanese knotweed is controlled waste and cannot be dumped anywhere other than a licensed landfill site (to do otherwise could be a criminal act).
There is, however, some government guidance on how to deal with Japanese knotweed.
Firstly, the Environment Agency (EA) published the Code of Practice for the Management, Destruction and Disposal of Japanese Knotweed.
This is a useful introduction to the subject.
More recently, the agency published the Knotweed Code of Practice: Managing Japanese Knotweed on Development Sites.
These codes of practice contain invaluable information on identifying Japanese knotweed, developing a control or management plan, and on disposing of it safely and protecting your property from its grip.
For more information, visit the Environment Agency website