Japanese Knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns

South Wales Guardian

4 days ago

Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather.
These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners, Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned.
Mr Fisher said: 'We've been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return.
'This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth.
"Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring.
'The invasive plant is a nightmare - it's relentlessly durable, fast-growing and can cause damage to nearby structures.'
Japanese Knotweed is described as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial" by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Property expert at Saga's home insurance, Anna Thunstrom, added: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers."
Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment.
Mr Fisher said: 'Avoid attempting a DIY removal as you could accidentally spread it further.
"It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation.
"This is all best left to the professionals."
Removing Japanese Knotweed from your property can be "costly", the Sold property expert added, especially if you have to pay for repairs for your home, or your neighbours.
Removing Japanese knotweed can be a "costly" process. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Mr Fisher continued: "Your neighbours can seek compensation if it breaches onto their land, and you can be fined if it starts to grow in the wild.'
The plant can also spread onto your property from neighbouring land as it tends to grow at an "alarming rate".
Mr Fisher said: 'Japanese knotweed can reach two metres in height within weeks, and if it has encroached from neighbouring land, you have the right to pursue legal action against the landowner for compensation, covering both damages and removal costs.
'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.'
When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed.
Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report.
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Mr Fisher added: 'If you're buying a house and a survey flags that a property has Japanese knotweed, you could negotiate the price or ensure the seller treats the plant before the sale goes through,' Terry added.
'After that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. It tends to die back in Autumn but starts to grow again in spring.
'Some homeowners don't know about the existence of the invasive plant until they find it in their garden. In which case, it could be that a surveyor was negligent in their duties, or you could have a case for misrepresentation.'