Dorset Japanese Knotweed hotspots you need to know about

The species have their prime time for growing during the spring and summer, so Environet has analysed the latest data from its live online tracker to reveal 2024's hotspots.

The plant is responsible for damaging homes, pavements and drains and can spread up to seven metres horizontally, so is a problem you don't want to be dealing with on your property.

There are currently around 57,000 known occurrences as of the time of writing, which can be seen on the interactive map here.

Japanese Knotweed can provide a lot of problems for homeowners (Image: Environet)

Where are Dorset's Japanese Knotweed hotspots?

According to Environet, the worst place in Dorset for Japanese Knotweed cases is an area near the village of Morcombelake which has 34 occurrences within a 4km radius.

Lyme Regis and Dorchester are not far behind with 30 and 28 occurrences respectively.

Other hotspots include the Weymouth and Chickerell area which has 22 occurrences within a 4km radius, Swanage which has 18, and Wimborne Minster with 19.

Meanwhile, for the BCP area, Christchurch has the most cases with 24, Poole is next up with 21 and Bournemouth has 15 recorded.

Japanese Knotweed hotspots mapped around Dorset (Image: Environet)

How to spot Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed hibernates over winter but in March or April it begins to grow, with red or purple spear-like shoots emerging from the ground which quickly grow into lush green shrubs with pink-flecked stems and bamboo-like canes.

The roots can grow as deep as three metres and spread up to seven metres horizontally. 

Recommended reading:

• Why Japanese Knotweed is bad and how to get rid of it
• Garden plants could cost Brits £25k in their home's value
• Best garden centres in and around the BCP area to visit

What to do if you have Japanese Knotweed

The first step to tackling the plant is to commission a professional Japanese Knotweed survey and find out the extent of the infestation. They will be able to tell you where it originated and the best way to tackle it.

Professional treatment should then be organised which usually involves the use of herbicide for the excavation of the infestation.

If you’re buying a property and you want to be sure it’s clear of knotweed, particularly if it’s located in or near a hotspot, arrange a detection survey.