Latest news with #AnnaThunstrom
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over 'beast' invasive plant that's in 'super growth' in the UK right now
Homeowners across the UK are being warned to be on the lookout for Japanese Knotweed in their gardens as recent weather has created ideal conditions for "super growth". 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. RECOMMENDED READING: When does Japanese Knotweed flower in the UK and what to do if you find some These are the 9 illegal plants that could land you with a £30,000 fine The 9 common garden plants that could devalue your home by thousands 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.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The £2.25 cleaning cupboard staple that could be RUINING your pipes and land you with a £400 bill
Plus, find out the natural alternatives that work just as well PIPE DOWN The £2.25 cleaning cupboard staple that could be RUINING your pipes and land you with a £400 bill WE'VE all used it to get rid of annoying clogs in the drain. But did you know that using quick fix chemical drain cleaners could land you with a £400 bill? 2 Chemical pipe cleaners, which you can get cheaply from the supermarket, could lead to damage in your pipes Credit: Getty 2 Consider using baking soda and white vinegar instead, as a natural alternative Credit: Getty According to a new survey from Saga, around 58% of people confess to using one of the products - which work by creating a reaction that generates heat, dissolving blockages of grease, hair, and waste. However, Saga home insurance's product manager Anna Thunstrom warned that the cleaners, most of which contain strong alkaline or acidic chemicals, "can do more harm than good in the long run". "It can erode metal and plastic pipes, leading to pipe corrosion, and worsen blockages if it doesn't fully clear and hardens inside pipes," she said. And if you have to enlist the help of a professional to get rid of the blockage, you can expect to pay anything from £50 to a whopping £400. "The severity, location, and repair method that's needed to clear a blocked drain all influence how much it could cost," Anna explained. "Don't forget you'll also need to pay the call-out fee, which could be around £50, up to £200 for out of hours." The survey, in which Saga questioned 500 Brits, also revealed the five biggest culprits when it comes to what causes a drain blockage. And many of the problem items come from the kitchen - with oil and grease often leading to "fatbergs", a "hard rock-like accumulation of non-biodegradable waste that causes major blockages in drains and sewers". While research from Unblocktober - the world's first month-long national campaign and awareness month to improve the health of our drains - backs up Saga's survey. "Our own survey found that when asked to identify items that contribute to the formation of fatbergs, 78% of the UK public identified fat, oil, and grease from cooking, 66% identified sanitary towels, 56% identified wet wipes, 50% identified cooking sauces, and 50% identified tampons," Unblocktober's Jacob Larkin said. The cable-tie-scissor trick plumbers swear by to get hair clogs out of your drain & it's WAY better than pricey liquids And when it comes to toilets, it's best to stick to the 'three Ps rule'. 'Our number one piece of advice is to stick to the three Ps rule when it comes to flushing waste," Jacob said. "Only flush pee, poo, and paper!' After putting the chemical cleaners to one side, there are some natural alternatives you can try to get rid of drain blockages instead. 5 cleaning hacks Say goodbye to ironing Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface. Teabags for trainers When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours. Remove limescale without scrubbing When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies. Streak-free mirrors and windows White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant. Make your home smell amazing For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing. For grease-based clogs, try boiling water - but avoid if you have PVC pipes, as they could melt or soften. Baking soda and white vinegar is a good choice as it causes a natural reaction that can help dissolve buildup. Drain snakes or plungers are effective for hair and solid debris, while enzyme-based cleaners are gentler on pipes, and work by 'digesting' the blockage.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
When Japanese Knotweed flowers in the UK and how to remove
Many can lead to your home losing value, so it is important to know when to look out for these plants and how to report and or remove them. This aggressive plant grows quickly and its roots can burrow deep underground – sometimes up to 3 metres down. Here is all to know about Japanese Knotweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK and how to report and remove it. What does Japanese Knotweed look like and when does it flower in the UK? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes Japanese Knotweed as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial". It grows "rapidly in summer and is most prominent from August to September", says Saga's home insurance and property expert Anna Thunstrom. She explained: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom during late summer". However, the RHS warns that while Japanese knotweed stems die back in winter, in sheltered locations, dead stems may remain upright through the winter. What to do if I find Japanese Knotweed? While it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden, it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild and you should take steps to prevent it spreading. Japanese Knotweed, now Europe's most invasive plant, won the Gold Medal from the Utrecht Society of Agriculture and Horticulture for best ornamental plant in 1847. — Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) February 15, 2019 It can also cause damage to your property, as the expert Ms Thunstrom explains: 'Japanese knotweed is particularly notorious for causing structural damage to buildings, potentially impacting the property's value. "As a result, sellers are obliged to disclose its presence." She also warns to act quick, as it could "anywhere between £1,000 to £12,000 to have Japanese Knotweed removed, depending on the garden size and severity of the infestation". Japanese Knotweed UK Law As the RHS explains: "Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 14, making it an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. "The penalties for offences under Section 14 include fines and imprisonment." While it is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, it is important to control it to prevent it becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. As explained by the RHS as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, if Japanese Knotweed has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", property owners may be prosecuted. If problems with the plant happen in a neighbouring garden, you should be in touch with your neighbour about it before contacting your local council. Can I treat Japanese Knotweed myself? How to get rid of it It is advised to get professionals to come and remove Japanese Knotweed. Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in invasive species management, and have experience in controlling and managing Japanese Knotweed. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson, explained various control measures that can be used to manage the Japanese Knotweed on a site. These are: In-situ treatment using approved herbicides Controlled contaminated soils from the site to an approved facility using an approved waste carrier Burial at either 5m with a cap or 2m completely encapsulated Stockpiling of the contaminated soils Soil screening/sieving with potential re-use on-site 'Installation of Root Barriers' where all contamination can't be removed Mr Godbehere added: "Strict biosecurity measures should be enforced to prevent the accidental spread of the Japanese Knotweed. "All plants, vehicles, equipment, and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving contaminated areas. "Cleaning should take place in the location (or immediate vicinity) where the soil or living material originated before equipment and personnel leave the buffer zone." Recommended reading: He also explained how herbicide treatment is regularly used, as this is usually the most cost-effective option. However, he warned that herbicide treatment shouldn't be used in isolation where there is likely to be future soil disturbance around the infested area. "If this option is used, achieving the desired results may take many years," he said.
Powys County Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
When Japanese Knotweed flowers in the UK and how to remove
Invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed are a worry to Brits, with many doing damage to homes and gardens. Many can lead to your home losing value, so it is important to know when to look out for these plants and how to report and or remove them. This aggressive plant grows quickly and its roots can burrow deep underground – sometimes up to 3 metres down. Here is all to know about Japanese Knotweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK and how to report and remove it. What does Japanese Knotweed look like and when does it flower in the UK? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes Japanese Knotweed as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial". It grows "rapidly in summer and is most prominent from August to September", says Saga's home insurance and property expert Anna Thunstrom. She explained: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom during late summer". However, the RHS warns that while Japanese knotweed stems die back in winter, in sheltered locations, dead stems may remain upright through the winter. What to do if I find Japanese Knotweed? While it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden, it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild and you should take steps to prevent it spreading. Japanese Knotweed, now Europe's most invasive plant, won the Gold Medal from the Utrecht Society of Agriculture and Horticulture for best ornamental plant in 1847. — Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) February 15, 2019 It can also cause damage to your property, as the expert Ms Thunstrom explains: 'Japanese knotweed is particularly notorious for causing structural damage to buildings, potentially impacting the property's value. "As a result, sellers are obliged to disclose its presence." She also warns to act quick, as it could "anywhere between £1,000 to £12,000 to have Japanese Knotweed removed, depending on the garden size and severity of the infestation". Japanese Knotweed UK Law As the RHS explains: "Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 14, making it an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. "The penalties for offences under Section 14 include fines and imprisonment." While it is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, it is important to control it to prevent it becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. As explained by the RHS as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, if Japanese Knotweed has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", property owners may be prosecuted. If problems with the plant happen in a neighbouring garden, you should be in touch with your neighbour about it before contacting your local council. Can I treat Japanese Knotweed myself? How to get rid of it It is advised to get professionals to come and remove Japanese Knotweed. Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in invasive species management, and have experience in controlling and managing Japanese Knotweed. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson, explained various control measures that can be used to manage the Japanese Knotweed on a site. These are: In-situ treatment using approved herbicides Controlled contaminated soils from the site to an approved facility using an approved waste carrier Burial at either 5m with a cap or 2m completely encapsulated Stockpiling of the contaminated soils Soil screening/sieving with potential re-use on-site 'Installation of Root Barriers' where all contamination can't be removed Mr Godbehere added: "Strict biosecurity measures should be enforced to prevent the accidental spread of the Japanese Knotweed. "All plants, vehicles, equipment, and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving contaminated areas. "Cleaning should take place in the location (or immediate vicinity) where the soil or living material originated before equipment and personnel leave the buffer zone." He also explained how herbicide treatment is regularly used, as this is usually the most cost-effective option. However, he warned that herbicide treatment shouldn't be used in isolation where there is likely to be future soil disturbance around the infested area.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
When does Japanese Knotweed flower in the UK and what to do if you find some
Invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed are a worry to Brits, with many doing damage to homes and gardens. Many can lead to your home losing value, so it is important to know when to look out for these plants and how to report and or remove them. This aggressive plant grows quickly and its roots can burrow deep underground – sometimes up to 3 metres down. Here is all to know about Japanese Knotweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK and how to report and remove it. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes Japanese Knotweed as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial". It grows "rapidly in summer and is most prominent from August to September", says Saga's home insurance and property expert Anna Thunstrom. She explained: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom during late summer". However, the RHS warns that while Japanese knotweed stems die back in winter, in sheltered locations, dead stems may remain upright through the winter. While it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden, it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild and you should take steps to prevent it spreading. Japanese Knotweed, now Europe's most invasive plant, won the Gold Medal from the Utrecht Society of Agriculture and Horticulture for best ornamental plant in 1847. — Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) February 15, 2019 It can also cause damage to your property, as the expert Ms Thunstrom explains: 'Japanese knotweed is particularly notorious for causing structural damage to buildings, potentially impacting the property's value. "As a result, sellers are obliged to disclose its presence." She also warns to act quick, as it could "anywhere between £1,000 to £12,000 to have Japanese Knotweed removed, depending on the garden size and severity of the infestation". As the RHS explains: "Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 14, making it an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. "The penalties for offences under Section 14 include fines and imprisonment." While it is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, it is important to control it to prevent it becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. As explained by the RHS as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, if Japanese Knotweed has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", property owners may be prosecuted. If problems with the plant happen in a neighbouring garden, you should be in touch with your neighbour about it before contacting your local council. It is advised to get professionals to come and remove Japanese Knotweed. Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in invasive species management, and have experience in controlling and managing Japanese Knotweed. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson, explained various control measures that can be used to manage the Japanese Knotweed on a site. These are: In-situ treatment using approved herbicides Controlled contaminated soils from the site to an approved facility using an approved waste carrier Burial at either 5m with a cap or 2m completely encapsulated Stockpiling of the contaminated soils Soil screening/sieving with potential re-use on-site 'Installation of Root Barriers' where all contamination can't be removed Mr Godbehere added: "Strict biosecurity measures should be enforced to prevent the accidental spread of the Japanese Knotweed. "All plants, vehicles, equipment, and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving contaminated areas. "Cleaning should take place in the location (or immediate vicinity) where the soil or living material originated before equipment and personnel leave the buffer zone." Recommended reading: Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to make ideal environment for grass seeds The top 10 (almost) unkillable plants that can help spruce up your patio Warning as 'shocked' homeowner threatened with fine up to £20k for gardening mistake He also explained how herbicide treatment is regularly used, as this is usually the most cost-effective option. However, he warned that herbicide treatment shouldn't be used in isolation where there is likely to be future soil disturbance around the infested area. "If this option is used, achieving the desired results may take many years," he said.
