Japanese Knotweed Guide - Northfield Metropolitan Borough Council

REPORTING JAPANESE KNOTWEED

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that damages buildings and drains. Report it on council land so we can act.

How to report: Call Environmental Services on 0121 555 0183, email knotweed@northfield.gov.uk, or report online at www.northfield.gov.uk/japanese-knotweed

After reporting: We inspect within 10 working days, create a treatment plan, and treat over 3 to 5 years with herbicide.

Identifying it: Tall bamboo-like stems up to 3 metres, shield-shaped leaves, white flowers in late summer. Roots spread up to 7 metres.

Your responsibilities: You must not cause it to spread. It is controlled waste, never put it in garden waste bins. Mortgage lenders may require treatment plans.

Council programme: We manage over 45 sites on public land at no cost to residents. For private land, use a Property Care Association certified contractor.