Japanese Knotweed: 10 high risk Edinburgh areas and how to manage the invasive species

Environet has launched a UK interactive map to show where Japanese Knotweed is most prevalent in Edinburgh.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Summer is here, meaning people across Edinburgh will be looking to spruce up their gardens and spend more time outdoors. While it is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather, it’s important that people are aware of Japanese Knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species that gardeners should be highly aware of due to the damage it can cause.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Environet has launched their own interactive heatmap designed to inform homeowners and homebuyers of the local presence of knotweed and the potential risk to their property, the data is generated from over 50,000 known infestations, with new sightings added daily.

Last year, a man in London discovered the invasive species in his newly purchased home and successfully sued the previous owner of his house after discovering a large amount of Japanese knotweed in his garden, resulting in a £200,000 court bill. Making a seller aware of the presence of Japanese knotweed has been legally required since 2013.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the seller is required to state whether Japanese knotweed is present on their property through a TA6 form - the property information form used for conveyancing. So, what is Japanese Knotweed? Here’s everything you need to know about managing invasive species.

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Beginning to grow in April-May, Japanese knotweed is a massive root system that utilises weaknesses in building foundations and connecting drainage systems, and causes gradual damage, resulting in a faulty structure over an extended period of time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It could cost the average UK property up to £40,000 for professional Japanese knotweed removal and a further £9,500 for structural damage repairs depending on the impact it has had over time amounting to nearly £50k in fees.

10 Edinburgh areas with Japanese knotweed infestations

According to Environetuk, these are the Edinburgh areas with the most Japanese knotweed infestations within a 4km radius. You can check if your area is infested with the destructive plant by keying in your postcode:

Gardeners beware - Japanese knotweed is extremely destructiveGardeners beware - Japanese knotweed is extremely destructive
Gardeners beware - Japanese knotweed is extremely destructive
  • City of Edinburgh - 80
  • Edinburgh 75
  • Leith - 49
  • Penicuik - 61
  • Musselburgh - 34
  • Kirkliston - 54
  • Dalkeith 29
  • Livingston - 60
  • South Queensferry - 34
  • Balerno - 31

How to find out if your area is high risk

The interactive heatmap to find out whether your area is high-risk for Japanese Knotweed can be found on the Environet UK website. All you need is your postcode and the database will tell you whether or not you should be concerned about the invasive species in your area.

How to stop knotweed spreading

According to the Government website, homeowners should not treat knotweed on their own unless they have the appropriate skills or they can find companies that specialise in treating knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed. (Pic credit: Andrew Smith)Japanese Knotweed. (Pic credit: Andrew Smith)
Japanese Knotweed. (Pic credit: Andrew Smith)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Spraying or injecting the stems with chemicals can be an effective treatment to stop knotweeds spreading but only approved herbicides can be used. Respraying is also needed as it usually takes at least three years to treat Japanese knotweed.

When using chemicals, you may need to:

  • make sure anyone spraying holds a certificate of competence for herbicide use or works under direct supervision of a certificate holder
  • carry out a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessment
  • get permission from Natural England if the area is protected, for example sites of special scientific interest
  • get permission from the Environment Agency if the plants are near water

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.