Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 2026

These Terms & Conditions apply to the use of the Knotweed Doctor website and to services provided by Knotweed Doctor Ltd. By using our website or instructing us to carry out work, you agree to these terms.

Our Services

We provide professional services including:

• Japanese knotweed surveys
• Identification advice
• Management plans
• Treatment and removal programmes
• Monitoring, reporting, and completion certification

All services are provided based on the information available at the time of instruction, the condition of the site, and the areas visible and accessible during inspection or treatment.

Instructions and Client Responsibilities

When instructing us, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about the property and any known or suspected Japanese knotweed on or near the site
• Ensure safe and reasonable access to the property for survey, treatment, monitoring, and inspection
• Inform us of any relevant site conditions, restrictions, hazards, or planned works
• Obtain any permissions required from third parties, including landlords, neighbouring owners, or managing agents where relevant
• Follow any recommendations given in our report, quotation, management plan, or accompanying guidance notes
• Take sensible precautions before, during, and after treatment to avoid spread or disturbance

We are not responsible for delays, limitations, or additional costs arising from restricted access, incomplete information, site changes, or circumstances outside our control.

Reports, Surveys, and Professional Opinions

Our surveys, reports, and management plans are prepared using reasonable skill, care, and diligence and are based on the conditions visible and accessible at the time of inspection.

Japanese knotweed can be seasonal, variable in appearance, and sometimes concealed by vegetation, structures, ground conditions, or restricted access. Reports should therefore not be interpreted as a guarantee of complete absence unless explicitly stated.

We rely on the integrity of the information provided by the client. We are not responsible for conditions, infestations, or risks that were concealed, inaccessible, not disclosed, or outside the scope of the instruction.

Our reports and associated documents are provided for the intended client and purpose only and must not be copied, redistributed, or forwarded to third parties for commercial use without prior written permission.

Fees, Payment, and Suspension

Fees for services will be agreed in advance and payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking or instruction.

The first stage of payment becomes due upon receipt of invoice unless otherwise agreed in writing. No physical work will commence until the required initial payment has been received.

Where treatment programmes are provided on an instalment or staged basis, subsequent sums will fall due in accordance with the agreed schedule.

If payment is delayed, we reserve the right to delay or suspend surveys, treatment works, monitoring visits, documentation, guarantees, or associated services until the account is brought up to date. Delays in payment may also affect programme sequencing and may result in additional costs where works need to be rearranged.

We reserve the right to withhold reports, certificates, guarantees, and related documentation until payment has been received in full.

If a property or parcel of land subject to an active treatment or monitoring programme is sold during the programme period, any remaining balance may become due in accordance with the agreed contract terms.

Treatment Programmes and Management Plans

Where treatment or management plans are provided, these are structured programmes delivered over time. Progress depends on site conditions, environmental factors, timing, access, and compliance with the agreed programme.

Our programme for the control of Japanese knotweed is restricted to the areas specifically identified in the quotation, report, or management plan unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We cannot control knotweed on neighbouring land without the relevant owner’s permission and without that land being specifically included within the agreed scope of works.

Completion certification is issued only when the criteria set out in the management plan have been met.

Guarantees and Validity

Where applicable, guarantees may be provided following successful completion of a treatment programme. Insurance-backed guarantees are issued separately and are subject to the terms of the insurer. These guarantees typically commence from the date a Completion Certificate is issued.

Any guarantee, completion certificate, or management plan remains subject to compliance with our recommendations, payment terms, and proper site care.

Without limitation, the validity of any guarantee or related protection may be affected where:

• recommended works or programme requirements are not followed
• payment obligations are not met
• the site or affected areas are not maintained in a reasonable condition
• cutting, pruning, excavation, clearance, soil movement, or other disturbance is carried out in or around the treatment area contrary to our recommendations
• third-party works interfere with the treatment area or programme
• material information was not disclosed at the point of instruction

For more information, see our mortgage and guarantee guidance.

Waste, Biosecurity, and Environmental Compliance

Japanese knotweed and any soil or waste contaminated by Japanese knotweed may be classified as controlled waste. Where such material is removed from site, it must be handled, transported, and disposed of in accordance with relevant environmental and waste regulations.

Contaminated materials must only be removed and accepted by appropriately licensed waste carriers and disposal facilities, with suitable records maintained where required.

Clients should take reasonable biosecurity precautions before, during, and after treatment or works affecting the site. Disturbing contaminated ground or moving affected material without proper controls can increase spread and may affect treatment outcomes or guarantee validity.

Compliance and Standards

We aim to carry out our work in accordance with applicable legal and professional requirements relevant to the services provided, including environmental and herbicide-use controls where relevant, and recognised industry standards and codes of practice.

Copies of certain registrations, certifications, or insurance details may be made available on request where appropriate.

Website Use

Content on this website is provided for general information only. While we aim to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that all information is complete, current, or applicable to every situation. Advice on the website should not be treated as a substitute for a property-specific survey, management plan, or professional instruction.

Use of the website is at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, Knotweed Doctor Ltd shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of our website or services.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Any advice or opinion provided by us does not go beyond the level of reasonable professional skill and care to be expected in the circumstances of the instruction.

Privacy

We handle personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes to our website, services, legal requirements, or working practices. Any updates will be published on this page with the latest revision date shown above.