WORCESTER and Malvern have been revealed as Japanese knotweed hotspots. 

And failing to tackle it now could land you in legal trouble later down the line, according to invasive plant specialist Environet. 

With the summer growing season now over, Environet has revealed the areas worst impacted by Japanese knotweed.  

Worcester has been hit the worst by Japanese knotweed, with 128 incidences in 2024. 

Kidderminster is second with 54 incidences, followed by Malvern with 43, Droitwich with 40 and Bewdley with 35. 

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There are 452 verified knotweed sightings in Worcestershire, making it the 17th worst-affected county in England.

The analysis is based on the latest data from its interactive online tracker, Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap.

Over the next few weeks, knotweed will start to die back, as temperatures cool and light levels drop, sending the plant into its dormant winter phase. 

However, the plant will re-emerge next spring, so autumn and winter are the ideal time to excavate it when the garden is not in use.

Tackling knotweed costs the UK economy nearly £250 million a year and homeowners are one of the groups most at risk, as it can potentially damage people's homes and gardens.

 It also poses legal risks arising from encroachment or when properties are sold. 

Legal disputes have been known when Japanese knotweed is allowed to spread across property boundaries and when sellers fail to declare it to buyers.


Emily Grant, director of Environet, said, “With over 60,000 known infestations of Japanese knotweed on our heatmap, we have a clear picture of its prevalence across the England and Wales. Knotweed is easily identifiable during summer, but it’s a perennial plant so as we head through the autumn and into winter, the above-ground growth dies back and it becomes much harder to spot.

“The best way to protect your property is to be aware of the risks and ensure you can identify knotweed at different times of the year. If you do have knotweed on your property, it’s wise to act immediately to treat or remove it before it has the chance to spread further. With professional assistance knotweed can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored. If you’re buying or selling a property, consider instructing a Japanese knotweed survey to check for any sign of the plant on the property and its surroundings.”