How to prevent and report Japanese knotweed amid fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land – and its on the rise across the UK with more than one million incidents reported over the last two years.
Now, experts are warning of another element that could add to the issue blighting areas.
Fly-tipping often involves rubble, soil and plant cuttings which is then dumped and left to rot.
If Japanese Knotweed is either fly-tipped or unknowingly part of dumped soil within the waste – then there's a problem.
'Fly-tipping and Japanese knotweed is a big problem in the UK,' japaneseknotweedplus.co.uk reports.
'Because it leads to the spread of this invasive species.
'If plant material is present in the fly-tipped waste, it can quickly establish itself in the new location, creating a new infestation.
'Japanese knotweed is an extremely resilient plant. Furthermore, it can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions.
'It spreads by producing new shoots from its wide root system, which can extend up to 7m from the main stem.
'This means that if Japanese knotweed is brought to a new area, it can quickly colonize the entire site, out-competing native vegetation and causing some environmental damage.'
The fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed can also occur when commercial site owners are unwilling to pay for the treatment of knotweed on their land.
By excavating and fly tipping the contaminated area, they promote the spread of knotweed root fragments and rhizomes which regrow after lying dormant for 20 years.
Just last month, the invasive plant was said to be in "super growth" across the UK due to the dry and warmer conditions.
Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: 'Japanese knotweed has now become widespread in a range of habitats, particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, where it can cause serious problems by displacing native flora and with the potential to cause structural damage.
'It spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means or as a result of human activity.'
Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment.
It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation.
Professional advice and support is required.
Recommended reading:
Japanese knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns
Is Himalayan balsam illegal in the UK? What a fine could be
What to do if you see Himalayan balsam? Advice for gardeners
If you suspect the act of fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed you should contact the Environmental Agency by email (enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk) or via their 24-hour freephone number (0800 80 70 60).
It is a criminal offence to fly tip any material containing Japanese knotweed, and doing so is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
6 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
How to prevent and report Japanese knotweed amid fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land – and its on the rise across the UK with more than one million incidents reported over the last two years. Now, experts are warning of another element that could add to the issue blighting areas. Fly-tipping often involves rubble, soil and plant cuttings which is then dumped and left to rot. If Japanese Knotweed is either fly-tipped or unknowingly part of dumped soil within the waste – then there's a problem. 'Fly-tipping and Japanese knotweed is a big problem in the UK,' reports. 'Because it leads to the spread of this invasive species. 'If plant material is present in the fly-tipped waste, it can quickly establish itself in the new location, creating a new infestation. 'Japanese knotweed is an extremely resilient plant. Furthermore, it can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. 'It spreads by producing new shoots from its wide root system, which can extend up to 7m from the main stem. 'This means that if Japanese knotweed is brought to a new area, it can quickly colonize the entire site, out-competing native vegetation and causing some environmental damage.' The fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed can also occur when commercial site owners are unwilling to pay for the treatment of knotweed on their land. By excavating and fly tipping the contaminated area, they promote the spread of knotweed root fragments and rhizomes which regrow after lying dormant for 20 years. Just last month, the invasive plant was said to be in "super growth" across the UK due to the dry and warmer conditions. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: 'Japanese knotweed has now become widespread in a range of habitats, particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, where it can cause serious problems by displacing native flora and with the potential to cause structural damage. 'It spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means or as a result of human activity.' Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional advice and support is required. Recommended reading: Japanese knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns Is Himalayan balsam illegal in the UK? What a fine could be What to do if you see Himalayan balsam? Advice for gardeners If you suspect the act of fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed you should contact the Environmental Agency by email (enquiries@ or via their 24-hour freephone number (0800 80 70 60). It is a criminal offence to fly tip any material containing Japanese knotweed, and doing so is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Rhyl Journal
8 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
How to prevent and report Japanese knotweed amid fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land – and its on the rise across the UK with more than one million incidents reported over the last two years. Now, experts are warning of another element that could add to the issue blighting areas. Fly-tipping often involves rubble, soil and plant cuttings which is then dumped and left to rot. If Japanese Knotweed is either fly-tipped or unknowingly part of dumped soil within the waste – then there's a problem. 'Fly-tipping and Japanese knotweed is a big problem in the UK,' reports. 'Because it leads to the spread of this invasive species. 'If plant material is present in the fly-tipped waste, it can quickly establish itself in the new location, creating a new infestation. 'Japanese knotweed is an extremely resilient plant. Furthermore, it can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. 'It spreads by producing new shoots from its wide root system, which can extend up to 7m from the main stem. 'This means that if Japanese knotweed is brought to a new area, it can quickly colonize the entire site, out-competing native vegetation and causing some environmental damage.' The fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed can also occur when commercial site owners are unwilling to pay for the treatment of knotweed on their land. By excavating and fly tipping the contaminated area, they promote the spread of knotweed root fragments and rhizomes which regrow after lying dormant for 20 years. Just last month, the invasive plant was said to be in "super growth" across the UK due to the dry and warmer conditions. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: 'Japanese knotweed has now become widespread in a range of habitats, particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, where it can cause serious problems by displacing native flora and with the potential to cause structural damage. 'It spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means or as a result of human activity.' Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional advice and support is required. Recommended reading: Japanese knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns Is Himalayan balsam illegal in the UK? What a fine could be What to do if you see Himalayan balsam? Advice for gardeners If you suspect the act of fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed you should contact the Environmental Agency by email (enquiries@ or via their 24-hour freephone number (0800 80 70 60). It is a criminal offence to fly tip any material containing Japanese knotweed, and doing so is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
How to prevent and report Japanese knotweed amid fly-tipping
Now, experts are warning of another element that could add to the issue blighting areas. Fly-tipping often involves rubble, soil and plant cuttings which is then dumped and left to rot. If Japanese Knotweed is either fly-tipped or unknowingly part of dumped soil within the waste – then there's a problem. 'Fly-tipping and Japanese knotweed is a big problem in the UK,' reports. 'Because it leads to the spread of this invasive species. 'If plant material is present in the fly-tipped waste, it can quickly establish itself in the new location, creating a new infestation. 'Japanese knotweed is an extremely resilient plant. Furthermore, it can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. 'It spreads by producing new shoots from its wide root system, which can extend up to 7m from the main stem. 'This means that if Japanese knotweed is brought to a new area, it can quickly colonize the entire site, out-competing native vegetation and causing some environmental damage.' The fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed can also occur when commercial site owners are unwilling to pay for the treatment of knotweed on their land. By excavating and fly tipping the contaminated area, they promote the spread of knotweed root fragments and rhizomes which regrow after lying dormant for 20 years. Just last month, the invasive plant was said to be in "super growth" across the UK due to the dry and warmer conditions. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: 'Japanese knotweed has now become widespread in a range of habitats, particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, where it can cause serious problems by displacing native flora and with the potential to cause structural damage. 'It spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means or as a result of human activity.' How to remove Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional advice and support is required. Recommended reading: How do I report Japanese knotweed fly-tipping? If you suspect the act of fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed you should contact the Environmental Agency by email (enquiries@ or via their 24-hour freephone number (0800 80 70 60). It is a criminal offence to fly tip any material containing Japanese knotweed, and doing so is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
