Japanese Knotweed Identification & Removal
Planning-ready Japanese knotweed reports that confirm presence, clarify liability and enable proportionate removal — delivered nationwide by qualified specialists.
Do you need a Japanese knotweed report?
You may need a Japanese knotweed report if the plant has been recorded on your property or a neighbouring site, or if an insurer, lender or planning authority requires formal evidence of identification, extent or management.
These reports provide the independent documentation needed for legal, mortgage, or planning purposes, with clear next steps for remediation.
Most clients tell us early clarity here prevented prolonged lender delays and avoided unnecessary escalation.
What is Japanese knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is one of the UK’s most invasive plants, introduced from Japan for ornamental use in the 19th century.
It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes, growing up to 10 cm per day during the growing season. Its roots can penetrate structures, drains and cavity walls, creating significant management challenges.
Although it’s not illegal to have knotweed on your property, landowners have a legal responsibility to prevent it spreading onto neighbouring land under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 9) and relevant local authority policies.
Unchecked growth can:
- cause damage to buildings, drains and hard surfaces
- delay planning or property transactions
- lead to enforcement or legal action
- reduce property value by 5–15 % depending on severity
What is a Legal Report: Japanese Knotweed?
A Legal Knotweed Report provides formal identification, mapping, and legal context for any infestation.
It evidences presence, source and spread, and defines the remedial actions required under law or policy.
Reports are structured for CPR Part 35 compliance when used in litigation or insurance cases, or as advisory documents for planning and conveyancing.
Our legal and technical reports often lead directly to remediation through our specialist partners at Japanese Knotweed Expert, ensuring continuity from evidence to action nationwide.
Quick check:
Send your postcode, site plan or photographs for a fast, accurate recommendation.
Legal Compliance & Planning risk
Authorities, lenders and courts rely on qualified evidence under:
- Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35
- Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 9)
- Environment Act 2021
- Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Community Protection Orders)
- National Planning Policy Framework Section 15
Failure to document or manage knotweed correctly can result in:
- mortgage refusals or reduced valuations
- planning delays or enforcement notices
- neighbour disputes or civil claims
- increased removal costs due to regrowth
Early alignment with these standards ensures your authority, lender or insurer receives clear, compliant evidence from the first submission — no second rounds required.
What We Deliver
| Service | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Site Screening | Confirm presence and extent of infestation. | Fast confirmation and mapped evidence. |
| Formal Identification & Mapping | Record species, boundaries and growth potential. | Independent, photographic documentation. |
| Legal Report (CPR Part 35 or advisory) | Present findings for legal, mortgage or planning use. | Structured, defensible report ready for submission. |
| Remediation Plan & Verification | Define safe and proportionate treatment or removal steps. | Clear pathway from evidence to eradication. |
| Expert Witness Support (if required) | Provide independent opinion for disputes or litigation. | Compliant testimony and cross-examinable evidence. |
That’s how evidence stays proportionate, liability stays contained, and your project keeps moving.
How it Works
Scope & Confirm Instruction
Send your location and brief description of the issue. We confirm the correct report type and timescale..
Site Inspection & Evidence Collection
A qualified consultant inspects, photographs and maps the infestation, recording associated risks.
Report & Next Steps
You receive a planning- or court-formatted report, with mapped data and remediation pathway through our Japanese Knotweed Expert partners.
Timing & delivery
Each day gained here protects programme stability and prevents legal or transactional delay.
Nationwide coverage across England, Scotland and Wales
Inspection Availability
Year-round
Survey Booking
Within 7 working days
What You Receive:
- Independent on-site identification and mapping
- Legal compliance check and liability summary
- Proportionate remediation plan
- CPR Part 35 or advisory format report
- 24-hour turnaround from inspection
- Full coordination with Japanese Knotweed Expert for removal
Evidence lenders, planners and courts trust.
Reasoning that keeps your project or transaction moving.
Why Clients Choose ProHort:
- Integrated ecological, legal and environmental expertise
- Reports accepted by lenders, solicitors and insurers
- 24-hour reporting with national coverage
- Partnership with Japanese Knotweed Expert for seamless remediation
- Transparent communication and defensible reasoning
Compliance & professional standards
Reports produced in accordance with:
• CPR Part 35 and RICS practice standards
• Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 9)
• Environment Act 2021
• NPPF Section 15
• ProHort Quality Assurance and peer review protocols
Each report is structured for traceability, proportionality and defensible reasoning.
Your Next Step
Need a P35 Expert Witness Report in relation to Japanese Knotweed? Contact us today:
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
Case Note
Japanese Knotweed FAQs
Do I need a Japanese knotweed report?
Yes — if the plant has been recorded on or near your property, or a lender, solicitor or planner has requested formal evidence.
Are reports court-compliant?
Yes. Reports can be formatted to CPR Part 35 standards for litigation, or advisory for planning and property transactions.
How quickly will I receive my report?
Reports are typically turned around within 24 hours of inspection.
How soon can a survey be booked?
Surveys are usually available within 7 working days from your initial call.
Will you arrange removal or treatment?
Yes — we coordinate with our specialist partners at Japanese Knotweed Expert for proportionate remediation.
Can this affect property value or mortgage offers?
Can this affect property value or mortgage offers?
Yes — uncontrolled knotweed can reduce property value by 5–15 %, and many lenders require evidence of a treatment plan before approving finance.
Do you liaise with solicitors or lenders?
Yes — with consent, we provide reports directly to your representatives for transparency and speed.
Is nationwide coverage available?
Yes — services available across England, Scotland and Wales.
