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Japanese knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a  plant, which is a non-native species to the UK and does not compete fairly with our native species. It is able to spread unchecked. Japanese Knotweed forms dense clumps up to three metres in height and has large, oval green leaves and a stem that is hollow and similar to bamboo. Once established, Japanese Knotweed shades out native plants by producing a dense canopy of leaves early in the growing season.

Dealing with Japanese Knotweed at home

For domestic properties the plant can be dealt with on site at home. It cannot be composted and should be dealt with following the steps below:

1. dig out the plant
2. place in black rubbish bags and tie them up. For an average garden you should expect to use between one and five rubbish bags
3. place black rubbish bags in your grey rubbish bin
4. once cut the plant must be dried out for one to two weeks and then it should be burnt in a carefully controlled manner. This burning should preferably take place in a brazier (which is a metal container for burning coal, wood, etc., used outside, to give warmth or to cook on)
   

As long as the plant is cut, dried and burnt there should be no chance of re-growth because the plant is single-sex and cannot seed.

Bonfires are not illegal, however they are illegal if they cause a nuisance to others.

Dealing with Japanese Knotweed off site (not from domestic properties)

For large amounts of Japanese Knotweed (over five black rubbish bags) or if you want the plant to be taken away, please contact the Environment Agency for authorised disposal companies.

Further information

• Environment Agency's advice (.pdf, 391Kb)