My property is being affected by Japanese Knotweed from my neighbour. What can I do?

It is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, but on your property, you should aim to control this invasive non-native plant to prevent it from becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. If it has a “detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality”, then you could be prosecuted through the civil courts.

However, it’s much better to talk to your neighbours first to see if an agreement to treat can be reached. Neighbours at a site in North London did that and we were able to treat the problem and access the infestation from all sides.