Japanese knotweed
Why should a surveyor’s note of bamboo not be filed as a knotweed category?
Because bamboo and Japanese knotweed are different plants, and the 2022 RICS management categories apply to knotweed. A cane in a garden is not a category A, B, C or D finding. If the surveyor says “possible knotweed” they are not sure. The next step is an identification, not a price cut based on a category they have not given.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
The RICS journal on the 2022 standard explains categories for Japanese knotweed and says that where knotweed is seen within the boundaries a remediation specialist should advise. It does not say every tall grass-like plant is knotweed. GOV.UK’s guidance is about not letting knotweed spread. It is not a field guide the surveyor has already applied.
Ask for the sentence in full. If it says bamboo, talk to a gardener about that plant and about screens and boundaries. If it says possible knotweed, get an identification before you use the category letters in a letter to the seller. Misnaming the plant wastes the specialist the standard is pointing you toward.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Are you identifying knotweed, bamboo, or saying you are not sure?
- Did you see it on this plot or only next door?
- Are you assigning a management category or not?
What are the typical next steps?
- Do not start knotweed herbicide because a survey said bamboo.
- If the word “possible” is there, get an identification. Categories come after the plant is known.
- Keep GOV.UK’s rule in mind only once it is knotweed: do not let it spread, and do not put it in the green bin.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Can bamboo still be a problem?
Some bamboos spread and can be difficult. That is not the RICS knotweed standard. Ask a contractor who deals with the plant you actually have.
Does a winter survey tell bamboo from knotweed?
Dead canes are harder. That is a reason for an identification, not for guessing a category.