During the balmy summer months, British gardeners often spruce up their green spaces by mowing lawns and deadheading flowers. Tackling overgrown shrubs and unsightly weeds is also a common task as the warm, moist conditions prevail.
While disposing of garden debris, it’s typical for gardeners to use their brown or green bins or make a trip to the local dump.
But now, experts are issuing a stark warning to those tending their gardens: be vigilant when discarding garden waste to avoid accidentally spreading invasive plant species like Japanese knotweed.
Paul Hampson, CEO of CEL Solicitors, cautions that fines could be on the horizon for gardeners who inadvertently contribute to the spread of such plants.
He remarked: “Gardening is a much-loved hobby throughout the summer months. But unassuming homeowners might find themselves slapped with a steep fine if they unknowingly spread an invasive plant such as Japanese knotweed.”
He added: “This can have severe consequences, not only for the environment but for your wallet too if you get slapped with a hefty fine.”
Hampson emphasises the importance of recognising Japanese knotweed, noting its bamboo-like stems and dark green or red foliage.
This plant is considered a nightmare for homeowners due to its aggressive nature, costly removal process, and potential to significantly devalue a property.
The notorious Japanese knotweed, also known by its scientific name Reynoutria japonica, has a peculiar growth pattern that ambitious gardeners should be wary of, as it spreads aggressively via its rhizomes, which can spawn new plants even from tiny fragments.
Throughout the seasons, this invasive species transforms dramatically, presenting varying identifying features: in spring, look out for reddish-purple shoots; come summer, these elongate into bamboo-esque green canes; by late summer and early autumn, heart-shaped leaves and petite white blossoms emerge.
Yet, when winter casts its chill, Japanese knotweed’s leaves descend, leaving behind canes that darken to brown and orange hues, seemingly withering away. However, gardener beware this plant tenaciously holds onto life underground, bracing through dormancy until warmer days return.
While its resilience is remarkable, Japanese knotweed infestation is far from benign. It harbours the potential to slash property values significantly a staggering £4 billion annual cost to the British economy, no less.
Expert Mr Hampson warns of the legal perils surrounding this botanical menace: “Many people don’t realise that it’s illegal to dispose of Japanese knotweed with household waste.”
He cautions that the penalties for causing inadvertent proliferation are severe: “You could face a fine of up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to two years if you allow contaminated soil or plant material from any waste you transfer to spread into the wild.”
A sobering reminder comes with the knowledge that fresh infestations can start from rhizome pieces as minuscule as one centimetre an unwitting act might cultivate chaos.
Gardeners might unwittingly dispose of a highly invasive plant without realising its destructive potential.
Seek immediate expert assistance if Japanese knotweed is discovered on your premises. This aggressive invader can wreak havoc on structures and the environment, necessitating careful legal and remedial measures for eradication.
The knotweed expert warned: “There are specialists that can remove Japanese knotweed for you. It’s also advisable to seek legal support to recover removal costs from the party at fault.”
“This could be the owners of neighbouring land who allowed it to encroach on your property, the previous property owner or surveyor who failed to disclose its presence.”
