Japanese Knotweed is an incredibly destructive plant which grows quickly and can be hard to remove.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the plant was originally introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant. However, since then it has spread and is now considered invasive and has spread across Leeds.
In Spring, the plant emerges with reddish-purple shoots from crimson-pink buds at ground level. These then grow very quickly and by Summer it can grown dense strands of bamboo-like canes up to seven feet tall causing serious issues for people, animals and other plants.
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Knotweed is taken extremely seriously and there are a number of laws in place around how to deal with it. Since 2013 you have had to declare any Japanese Knotweed on your property if you are selling the building.
Buyers are also encouraged to check their property for the plant.
While it is not illegal to have it on your property, it is required for you to control it and prevent it from spreading. A number of professional companies can also provide removal services on your property.
A heatmap, by the invasive plant specialists Environet points to where the plant is common in Leeds.
Horsforth is one particular area of concern, with 52 occurrences in the town and to its south. Adel also has a large buildup of the plants with 42 occurrences reported.
The area around Wykebeck and Temple Newsam has a total of 37 occurrences as well and Headingley also has 37 occurrences.
On the River Aire, just north of Rothwell, Environet counts 38 occurrences.
Meanwhile, Seacroft has 23 and Holbeck has 31. Roundhay has another 23 occurrences of the invasive plant.
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