Japanese Knotweed Letter Template (Free PDF Generator)
Need to write to a neighbour, landlord, managing agent or the council about Japanese knotweed? Use our free letter builder to create a clear, professional letter and receive a polished A4 PDF by email.
It adapts to your situation (encroachment, proactive notice, council report or follow-up) and uses plain, polite wording (or choose a firmer tone).
Including photographs can help identify and document the presence of Japanese knotweed when sending a letter. For example, include clear images, location details, and estimates of the affected area.
Japanese Knotweed is an extremely invasive plant that thrives on disturbance, making early communication and action essential. There is also the possibility of knotweed spreading from neighbouring properties, so identifying the plant early is crucial to prevent further issues. Even the tiniest piece of Japanese Knotweed can re-grow and spread, making careful management and disposal critical.
This template can be used to make requests to various parties, such as local authorities, neighbours, or managing agents. Documenting the presence of knotweed is important for effective communication and record-keeping. Early identification helps prevent damage to property and the environment.
Japanese Knotweed Letter Builder
- Ask a neighbour to arrange a survey/treatment (encroachment onto your land).
- Tell a neighbour you have knotweed near the boundary (proactive notice).
- Ask the council for advice/assistance, or report knotweed on council-owned land.
- Send a follow-up / reminder to a neighbour.
Step 1 — About this letter
Step 2 — Who are you writing to?
Step 3 — Where is the knotweed?
Step 4 — Tone & timescale
Step 5 — Extras
Step 6 — Your contact details
Live preview
Complete the steps above, then click Build / update letter…
A short sample will appear once built. Full text unlocks after you add your contact details.
Email your PDF
Enter a working email and tick consent. We’ll email your draft PDF to you only — we do not send it to your neighbour.
Who This Letter Template Generator is for
This template / letter generator can be used when contacting various parties about Japanese knotweed. When reaching out to local authorities or other parties, be sure to specify the subject of your request or inquiry, such as reporting an infestation or seeking advice.
- Neighbours – to request a survey/treatment when knotweed is encroaching, or to notify them if it’s on your land near the boundary. This template is suitable for both tenants and landowners.
- Landlords / Freeholders – where you’re a tenant raising an issue at the property.
- Managing Agents & Housing Associations – to report or seek action in leasehold/managed blocks.
- Local councils – to request advice/assistance about a neighbour dispute, or to report knotweed on council-owned land next to your property. The template provides a clear way to contact local authorities and send a message about Japanese knotweed issues. Many local councils have sections on their websites dedicated to reporting Japanese Knotweed, making it easier to take action.
How it works (in 3 quick steps)
Choose your scenario (neighbour encroachment, I have knotweed, council letter, or follow-up).
Answer a few questions (location, dates, tone, recipient details).
Receive your PDF by email and send it yourself. Sending the letter in writing helps create clear records of your communication regarding Japanese knotweed. We don’t store the PDF on our server, so be sure to keep your own records for future reference. Early identification and treatment of Japanese Knotweed will contain the plants from further spreading, emphasizing the importance of timely communication.
This template ensures you are prepared to respond appropriately in the event that Japanese knotweed is discovered on your property or nearby.
When to use each letter type
Neighbour — Encroachment Onto YOUR land
Use this when knotweed appears to be coming from the other side of the boundary, as spreading from neighbouring land can be considered a private nuisance. Japanese knotweed is highly invasive and can be damaging to a property’s structural integrity, value, and the environment if not properly addressed.
The template offers a friendly or firm tone and (if firm) a suggested response window (e.g. 28 days). If your neighbour does not respond to your request about Japanese Knotweed, you can escalate the matter to local authorities for further action.
Authorities may enforce action through legal notices, such as Community Protection Notices, if the neighbour fails to respond. Under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities can issue a Community Protection Notice regarding Japanese Knotweed spread.
If the nuisance caused by the spreading of knotweed from neighbouring land is not addressed, the neighbour may be liable and legal action could be taken to resolve the issue. It is important to deal with the problem promptly to prevent further damage and complications.
Neighbour — I Have Knotweed Near the Boundary (Proactive Notice)
Use this to show you’re acting as a responsible property owner where growth is on your side. The form asks if you’ve had a professional survey or management plan. If Japanese knotweed is present near the boundary, it is important to notify your neighbour as early as possible to prevent potential disputes and clarify responsibilities.
Sending this letter can help clarify responsibility for Japanese knotweed management and seek an agreement with your neighbour on how to proceed. While there may not be a strict legal obligation to report the presence of Japanese knotweed, property owners can still be held liable if the plant spreads onto neighbouring land or causes damage.
In some cases, landowners may be legally obligated to take action if Japanese knotweed affects neighbouring properties. You may also request your neighbour to confirm their intended actions regarding Japanese knotweed control, ensuring there is a clear record of their response.
Failing to properly manage the spread of Japanese knotweed can lead to a decrease in property value, making it crucial to address the issue promptly. Additionally, you must notify potential buyers about the presence of Japanese knotweed on your land using the TA6 Property Information Form.
Council Letters (Three Options)
Advice/assistance about a neighbour’s knotweed affecting you.
Report knotweed on council-owned land adjacent to your property, including submitting detailed requests for action or maintenance to address the issue. When submitting your request or inquiry, specify that it is in regards to Japanese knotweed to ensure the council addresses the correct concern.
General guidance where you’re unsure of the right route.
The council can advance the process by enforcing action if necessary, such as issuing a community protection notice (CPN) when residents fail to take reasonable steps. This ensures the problem is covered by legal protections and helps safeguard homeowners’ interests. Failure to comply with council notices can result in being prosecuted.
The Environment Agency provides guidance on the legal disposal and management of Japanese knotweed. Spraying or injecting the stems with chemicals can be an effective treatment to stop knotweed from spreading.
For councils the greeting is set to “To Whom It May Concern” and timescales are removed.
Follow-up / Reminder to a Neighbour
Use this if you’ve already written and need to chase. You can keep it polite or set a firm timeframe.
A follow-up letter ensures that all parties are notified and informed about the Japanese knotweed issue, and helps confirm that the problem is being dealt with appropriately. Don’t wait too long before sending your follow-up letter—acting promptly can help ensure timely action and prevent further delays.
Why Use Our Free Generator
- Free and fast – produce a clear, UK-appropriate letter in minutes.
- Dynamic wording – adapts to your role (owner, landlord, tenant, agent) and recipient.
- Professional layout – clean A4 PDF, emailed to you (not stored on our server).
FAQs
Is it illegal to have Japanese knotweed in my garden?
No, but allowing it to spread can cause problems. The letter helps you request reasonable action or record your own. Click here to find out more about Knotweed and the Law.
Do I have to tell my neighbour?
There’s no general legal duty to inform, but it’s sensible to communicate early. Our template keeps things polite and constructive.
How quickly should a neighbour respond?
There’s no fixed UK timescale. Our firm option suggests a reasonable window (often 28 days) to acknowledge and outline next steps.
Can I report knotweed to my local council?
Yes, particularly if it’s on council-owned land adjacent to you, or if you need advice in a neighbour dispute. The tool includes council-specific letters. Fid out more about reporting Japanese Knotweed.
Will you send the letter to my neighbour?
No. We email your PDF to you so you can send it by your preferred method and keep a copy.
Will this letter guarantee action?
It can help start a reasonable, evidenced dialogue. For surveys, management plans or treatment, we recommend ourselves, Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd.
Is the template legal advice?
Absolutely not. It’s a practical, plain-English letter. If you require legal advice, consult a solicitor.