Gardens

Overgrown gardens, in most instances, do not cause or constitute a public health nuisance or environmental health issue and, although they look unsightly, there are usually no factors which we could act upon.

Homeowners are asked to make sure that the condition of their gardens does not provide potential harbourage for the type of pests that cause a nuisance in law, such as rats.

If you have rats or mice on your property, even if you believe that the nuisance comes from elsewhere, you can call our pest control service.

If you choose to use our pest control service, the pest control officer will try to establish the source of the nuisance.

If the pest controller confirms that, in their professional opinion, substantial numbers of rats or mice are living in your neighbour's overgrown garden then we will take action. This may involve formal action to ensure that vegetation is cleared or structural works undertaken as well as baiting.

Occasional sightings of rats are common almost anywhere and we will only actively investigate a complaint of an overgrown garden if there is clear evidence of infestation.

Vegetation from your neighbour's garden is encroaching into your garden

You can cut off vegetation that encroaches into your property up to the boundary line.

You should try to talk with your neighbour first to discuss any issues and try to find a suitable resolution before cutting back vegetation.

In many cases the problem can be resolved by talking to your neighbour.

It may be that they are having difficulty coping with the garden and would appreciate some support, for example from charities or local volunteer groups.

Japanese Knotweed is a large perennial plant, native to eastern Asia. It has been classified as an invasive species in several countries.

If left untreated, Japanese knotweed can exploit weaknesses in buildings and damage underground constructions such as drainage and sewage systems, causing land owners unnecessary expense.

How to identify

Japanese knotweed begins to grow in early spring and can grow in any type of soil, no matter how poor.

• It can grow as much as 20 centimetres per day
• It spreads through rhizome (underground root-like stem) fragments and cut stems
• produces clusters of cream flowers towards the end of July
• dies back between September and November, leaving brown stems

Further guidance

• How to destroy and dispose of Japanese knotweed from gov.uk

Do not put Japanese knotweed in your bins

You must not put Japanese knotweed in with your garden waste or general waste. The government has guidance on treating and disposing of invasive plants.

Who is responsible for removing Japanese knotweed?

The duty for dealing with Japanese knotweed lies with the land owner of the affected land.

Private Land

This is a private matter as land owners are responsible for dealing with Japanese knotweed growing on their land.

Public Land

It is our responsibility to remove Japanese knotweed that is growing on council land. If you discover knotweed on:

• Highways (pavements and verges), email us
• Parks, call 020 8937 5619 or email us
  

Council property

It is the responsibility of Brent Housing Partnership (BHP). Where BHP estates are managed on behalf of Brent Council, BHP are responsible. Japanese Knotweed should be reported to our Customer Response Team, during working hours only, on 020 8937 2579.