JAPANESE KNOTWEED SURVEY
- Free survey - if you go ahead with a Management Plan
- 2 year payment plans available - spread the cost!
- Available to both Commercial and Residential clients
Our Japanese knotweed surveys have helped over 5,300 property transactions proceed successfully since 2014
Call us on: 0121 725 6348 or 0800 689 4146 and we’ll help you too – schedule your survey today!
Our fantastic Japanese Knotweed Survey will accurately identify your infestation and it’s size. As we are a Property Care Association (PCA) member, we are approved by RICS (The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) to undertake and complete these surveys.
Our detailed Japanese Knotweed Surveys will provide the following:
- We will identify whether or not your infestation is indeed Japanese Knotweed.
- We will clearly outline all boundaries and property positions.
- Provide your mortgage lender, bank or building society the risk assessment that they require.
- Nationwide coverage. Our Knotweed surveys are available nationwide throughout the United Kingdom.
- We will detail the size of your infestation and highlight where Japanese Knotweed is present and what perimeters it breaches or threatens to breach.
- Knotweed Services will provide you with a list of Japanese Knotweed treatment methods that are suitable for your Japanese Knotweed infestation.
Save time and money with our surveys
The earlier that Japanese Knotweed is detected and treatment is started the better. This will keep your Japanese Knotweed removal costs lower. If detection and treatment are delayed, the cost can be very heavy to burden.
A survey can safeguard a buyer who wishes to purchase a development site. If the site is found to be infested with Japanese knotweed, the costs of eradication should be considered in the purchase price.
Japanese Knotweed is a herbaceous plant. This means that the Japanese Knotweed growth season is between March and October.
It is imperative that a Japanese knotweed survey is undertaken to determine the best method of treatment(s) for each individual site. Each site is unique and each treatment plan is bespoke. There are a number of reasons for each site being unique: site condition, available land, time scales, neighbours etc.
*Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will provide a free survey, prepare a report & quotation. A charge of £250.00+VAT** will be applied, for customers who do not instruct Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd following the quotation.
**Prices start at £250 and will vary based on the location of the infestation. We will clearly inform you of the exact cost based on your location.
NB.
We can identify your Japanese Knotweed for free. Click here to upload your pictures for our free identification service.
FREE IDENTIFICATION
Fill in the form below, attach your pictures and we’ll let you know if the plant in your picture is Japanese Knotweed.
BOOK YOUR FREE SURVEY TODAY
Call us on: 0121 725 6348 or 0800 689 4146
To find out more about our surveys and speak to a member of our team, get in touch with us today.
Our Expert Team
Clive Brooker MD
- CSJK PCA Qualified Surveyor (Property Care Association)
- 16+ years experience in invasive plant management
- NPTC certified in herbicide application (PA1/PA6)
Lesley Vachre
- CSJK PCA Qualified Surveyor (Property Care Association)
- PCA Board Member
- NPTC certified in herbicide application (PA1/PA6)
Find out more about our team.
RICS JAPANESE KNOTWEED RISK CATEGORIES
Selecting the most appropriate treatment(s) will depends on various constraints such as available space (i.e. for onsite burial methods) and timescales etc. We always provide our clients with the most cost effective Japanese Knotweed removal options.
If you are looking to purchase land – you should always have the land properly surveyed before buying. As stated above although you would not be responsible for any previous damage, you would be responsible and liable for the continuation of any damage.
It is important to also note that as a seller, you could be reliable for any damage caused prior to the date of sale and you could even be found guilty of misrepresentation to the buyer if you do not respond correctly to any pre-purchase enquiries concerning the presence of Japanese Knotweed.
Please note – after undertaking a survey, if you then proceed with our offer treatment, we will deduct the cost of the survey from the over all cost treating your Japanese Knotweed infestation.
We follow all RICS 2022 guidelines, as laid out below:
| Category | Risk categories and their descriptions |
| 4 | Japanese Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space*, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this property or in a neighbouring property or space; and/or Japanese Knotweed is causing serious damage to outbuildings, associated structures, drains, paths, boundary walls and fences and so on. Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required. |
| 3 | Although Japanese Knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space, conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths and boundary walls and fences, it is minor. Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required. |
| 2 | Japanese Knotweed was not seen within the boundaries of this property, but it was seen on a neighbouring property or land. Here, it was within 7 metres of the boundary, but more than 7 metres away from habitable spaces, conservatory and/or garage of the subject property. |
| 1 | Japanese Knotweed was not seen on this property, but it can be seen on a neighbouring property or land where it was more than 7 metres away from the boundary. |
Our Knotweed Risk Assessment Process
Our risk assessments follow the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) framework. We look at knotweed problems across seven key areas:
1. How Close Is It to Buildings?
- We measure the distance from buildings, boundaries and hard surfaces
- We check underground for hidden root spread
- We create maps showing where it might grow
2. How Mature Is the Plant?
- We determine its growth stage (new, established or dormant)
- We sample how dense the underground roots are
- We analyse past growth patterns
3. What’s the Soil Like?
- We test soil type and pH levels
- We check how wet the Soil is
- We assess soil compaction to predict how it might spread
4. How Vulnerable Are Buildings?
- We assess foundation types
- We find possible entry points (cracks, joints, pipes)
- We review any history of subsidence or movement
5. How Likely Is It to Spread?
- We check for natural boundaries like waterways or slopes
- We assess future growth risks based on local conditions
6. How Feasible Is Treatment?
- We evaluate access to equipment and staff
- We assess environmental sensitivities (waterways, protected species)
- We score the suitability of different treatment methods
7. What’s the Financial Impact?
- We estimate the effect on property value
- We project remediation costs
- We analyse financing and mortgage implications
Each area gets a score from 1-5. These scores are weighted to produce a final RICS risk category (1-4), which determines our recommended approach.
KNOTWEED SERVICES KEEP IT SIMPLE
1
Email or
Call us
Get in touch with us, ask us any questions you need to, send us a picture if you need us to identify your infestation (for free ofcourse) and we can get to work! Call us on 0800 689 4146.
2
Agree a Date For us to Conduct Your Survey
Once we’ve answered all your questions and you’re happy, we’ll book your survey in and one of our expert technicians will conduct an in-depth survey – which in many cases will be FREE.
3
Survey Conducted and Report Issued
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd will provide you with a detailed site survey outlining your infestation and provide you with an in-depth quote along with the best treatment methods for your situation.
Our Japanese Knotweed Site Survey Methodology
Initial Site Assessment
- Thorough visual inspection of entire property boundaries
- Soil probing to 1m depth in suspected areas
- Mapping of property with GPS-marked infestation areas
- High-resolution photography of all identified specimens
Risk Assessment Application
- RICS risk category determination (1-4)
- Structural impact evaluation
- Spread potential calculation
- Mortgage/insurance implications analysis
Documentation Preparation
- Detailed report with photographic evidence
- Site map with infestation boundaries
- Treatment recommendations with timeline
- Cost projections for remediation
potential Japanese Knotweed Treatment Options
The table below provides a general overview of common treatment approaches we may recommend following your site survey. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list – for details of treatment options visit our pages: Domestic Japanese Knotweed Removal or Commercial Japanese Knotweed Removal, as each knotweed infestation is unique and may require a customized solution. The actual treatment method, timeframe, costs, and guarantees for your specific situation will be detailed in your personalised management plan following a thorough on-site assessment.
These options are presented for informational purposes to help you understand potential approaches we might recommend. During your site survey, our specialists will evaluate multiple factors, including infestation size, proximity to structures, soil conditions, and your property goals, to develop the most effective treatment strategy.
Note: Where “POA” (Price on Application) is indicated, costs vary significantly based on specific site conditions, infestation severity, access constraints, and other technical factors that can only be accurately assessed during an on-site survey. We provide detailed, transparent quotations following our professional assessment.
| Treatment Method | Best For | Timeframe | Cost Range | Environmental Impact | Guarantee Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbicide Treatment | Residential properties with limited knotweed spread | 3-5 years | £1,500 - £8,500+ | Low-Moderate (approved herbicides) |
5-10 years |
| Excavation & Removal | Development sites, pre-construction, severe infestations | 1-2 weeks | POA | Moderate (requires waste transportation) |
5-10 years |
| Mesh Membrane Containment | Properties with construction plans or boundary issues | 1 week + ongoing monitoring | POA | Low (physical barrier) |
5-10 years |
| Combined Approach | Complex infestations with structural involvement | 1-3 years | POA | Moderate (targeted approach) |
5-10 years |
*Last updated: March 2025.* Our transparent pricing structure ensures no hidden costs. Prices marked "POA" (Price on Application) require an on-site assessment to provide accurate quotations due to the highly variable nature of these treatment methods. For more detailed information, please view our dedicated Japanese Knotweed Removal Costs page.
CALL US NOW FOR YOUR FREE* JAPANESE KNOTWEED SURVEY
Call us on: 0121 725 6348 or 0800 689 4146
KNOTWEED LAW.
— THE LAW IN ENGLAND AND WALES
SCHEDULE 9 WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT OF 1981
- It is an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow schedule 9 species (Japanese Knotweed is classed as a schedule 9 species) in the wild, punishable by fines or imprisonment
- If it can be shown that a schedule 9 plant has spread from a landowners property onto another property, then the landowner could be considered responsible for any damage caused and the costs of control
- However, if landowners take all reasonable steps and exercise all due diligence to avoid spreading the plant, then they will be better protected against prosecution
- In order to reduce the potential of fines/prosecution, landowners should have a management plan for schedule 9 species on their property and be able to show that they are following it.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1990
- Waste containing any part of a schedule 9 plant that could facilitate the spread of the species is classified as controlled waste and should be disposed of at a suitable waste facility, accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation!
- You cannot just dispose of Japanese Knotweed by putting it in the bin nor can you take it to the local waste management site
- All producers, carriers and waste facilities have a duty of care to ensure that the waste is handled and treated properly
- Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd can legally and correctly dispose of your Japanese Knotweed during the treatment and control process. This takes all the pressure away from the landowner.
But what if I don’t know if there is Japanese Knotweed?
Don’t worry, we can conduct a site survey to find out.
We would highly recommend that anybody buying or selling property has a Japanese Knotweed survey. It prevents later compensation or misrepresentation claims for sellers and ensures the sale goes through fairly swiftly.
Not declaring Japanese Knotweed has, in our experience, only caused problems. We have seen cases where purchases have been seriously delayed and in some cases, even cancelled.
DEAL WITH IT EARLY AND YOU WILL FAIR BETTER!
THE LAW: BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY
The presence of Japanese Knotweed on, or in, close proximity to a property can create difficulties for those wishing to sell their property; and for buyers wishing to secure mortgage finances.
SELLERS
It is your legal responsibility to declare if your property is affected by Japanese Knotweed on the TA6 form. You will also be asked to enclose a copy of a management plan should you have one in place. In instances where Knotweed is not declared many lenders will still request a site survey and report.
The TA6 form should be filled in accurately as inaccurate answers can lead to the buyer seeking compensation for misrepresentation. If you are unsure if the property has Japanese Knotweed, we would always advise a Japanese Knotweed Survey is conducted.
BUYERS
The known presence of Japanese Knotweed should be declared on the TA6 form. Mortgage lenders require a professional management plan with an Insurance Backed Guarantee before they will lend.
If you think the seller has given inaccurate information on their TA6 we recommend seeking legal advise as you may have a claim for misrepresentation.
NEIGHBOURS
All home owners have a legal responsibility to stop JKW encroaching onto neighbouring property. And as such, the Local Authority have it in their power to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) to those home owners refusing to do anything about the JKW on their property, which ultimately threatens court proceedings if no action is taken.
If Japanese Knotweed is identified on neighbouring property, we would always advise discussing the situation in the first instance and addressing the legalities before taking action with the local authority.
