What should every property manager in the UK know about invasive plants
Property Managers often manage multiple portfolios, and their Resident Management Companies (RMC), and with part of the yearly budget usually allocated to property and grounds maintenance, where do invasive plants factor in? Here's what every property manager in the UK should understand about invasive plants, and why they should factor control or removal into their annual budget.
Invasive plants can cause issues on managed green and open spaces
Invasive plants will become a problem if not controlled or removed, some (such as Giant hogweed) are toxic and a health hazard to residents on the Estate. Large infestations will impede on amenity access and space.
Legal Responsibilities
It is illegal to plant or cause certain invasive non-native plants (such as Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, and others on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) to grow in the wild, including through the movement of contaminated soil or plant material.
Property managers must prevent invasive plants on their land from spreading to other properties or the wider environment. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, fines, or liability for damages.
Invasive plant material is classified as controlled waste and must be disposed of at licensed facilities, following strict protocols to prevent environmental harm.
Identification and Risk Assessment
Accurate identification is crucial. Misidentifying invasive species can lead to ineffective treatment and legal risks. There are online identification tools or book a professional survey.
Risk assessments should consider how invasive plants spread (e.g., rhizomes, seeds), site vulnerability (proximity to water, infrastructure), and the potential economic impact (such as reduced property values or structural damage).
Treatment and Control
Effective control methods include herbicide treatment (by certified professionals), manual removal, or excavation.
Control efforts often require repeated treatments and ongoing monitoring to prevent regrowth. A treatment plan should be put in place to avoid any future issues with regrowth.
Documentation and Compliance
All treatment and disposal activities must be documented to demonstrate compliance with legal obligations, including waste transfer notes for disposal.
Property managers must ensure any contractors used are qualified and follow best practice and legal requirements.
Enforcement and Penalties
Local authorities can issue enforcement notices or species control orders and may intervene directly if property managers fail to act.
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows authorities to address persistent failure to control invasive species through community protection notices, with penalties for non-compliance.
Impact on Property and Value
Invasive plants can cause damage to structures, reduce property values, and make it difficult for residents to obtain mortgages or insurance.
Early detection and professional management are crucial to avoid escalating costs and legal problems.
Jennifer Holmes from Japanese Knotweed Ltd sums up: "Property managers in the UK must be proactive in identifying, controlling, and properly disposing of invasive plants, maintain thorough documentation, and comply with all relevant legislation to avoid legal and financial consequences. For these reason, using a certified contractor is a must".
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