Province of Utrecht tightens rules on Japanese knotweed |
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Duty of care for soil movement now clearly defined
The provincie Utrecht has introduced new rules this year for dealing with Japanese and other Asian knotweed species. For activities at locations where these plants occur, a stricter duty of care now applies. Utrecht is the first province to set out the rules in such concrete terms. Other provinces may follow at a later stage.
| Japanese knotweed is not easy to control |
Anyone carrying out soil movement in Utrecht at locations with knotweed must take all reasonable measures to prevent spread. Mowing or moving soil in a way that could spread the plant is prohibited. In addition, a notification obligation applies: control measures must be reported to the province at least ten days in advance. If an owner or user does not comply with these rules, the province can intervene.
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Anyone carrying out soil movement in Utrecht at locations with knotweed is subject to a notification obligation and a ban on spread.
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First province with strict rules
The approach to invasive alien species falls under the general duty of care of the Environment and Planning Act. This duty of care is often vague and differs per municipality. Utrecht now puts an end to this with provincial rules. Other provinces are, for the time being, opting for information campaigns, subsidies or policy frameworks without binding obligations.
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Koninklijke VHG points to the consequences for entrepreneurs: 'New rules require adjustments to business operations and clear agreements in contracts.'
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More clarity, but also additional burdens
According to the province, the new approach mainly provides clarity. The same rules now apply everywhere in Utrecht, which prevents discussions and provides guidance in tendering procedures. The focus is also more on preventing spread, rather than only on control after the fact. This does require extra effort. The notification obligation leads to more administration and may result in higher costs for soil movement and garden renovations. Documentation requirements also increase, which can create legal risks.
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Utrecht is the first province to set out the rules in such concrete terms.
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VHG positive, but issues warning
Koninklijke VHG responds largely positively. 'Preventing invasive alien species is now regulated in a more concrete and clearer way,' the industry association states. 'The rules are no longer different per municipality.' At the same time, VHG points to the consequences for entrepreneurs: 'New rules require adjustments to business operations and clear agreements in contracts.' Despite these points of attention, VHG hopes that other provinces will follow the Utrecht example.
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The same rules now apply everywhere in Utrecht, which prevents discussions and provides guidance in tendering procedures.
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This article was previously published on 12 December 2025 on the Stad + Groen website.
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