Latest news with #JapaneseKnotweed
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Japanese knotweed hotspots in North Wales
Japanese knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant and poses a "significant" threat to properties. It can cause structural damage, reduce property value, and make it harder to secure mortgages. It is estimated that around 5% of homes in the UK are affected by the invasive plant, with more than 100,000 infestations reported to Environet. The invasive plant specialists use an online map to chart the spread of Japanese knotweed, helping alert homeowners and homebuyers to the risk level in the area. The worst areas for Japanese knotweed in North Wales, according to the Environet heat map, are: Betws-y-Coed has seen the most sightings of Japanese knotweed, with some areas reporting more than 1,300 cases. Blaenau Ffestiniog is the next worst, with more than 1,100 reported sightings, followed by Dolgellau (more than 900). Porthmadog (800+) and Llanrwst (700+) round out the top five worst spots for Japanese knotweed in North Wales. There are also hotspots on the Environet map around the likes of Ruabon, Bangor and Caernarfon. Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog are the North Wales areas that have seen the most reports of Japanese knotweed sightings. (Image: Environet) Key traits of Japanese knotweed to look out for, according to Environet, include: Japanese knotweed has red shoots that emerge, which "look like asparagus". (Image: Getty Images) Environet added: "The appearance of Japanese knotweed changes with the seasons, so it is important to consider the time of year when you are checking. "Japanese knotweed is most easily identified during the spring and summer months." The experts continued: "In the autumn, the leaves will start to go yellow and drop as winter approaches. "Knotweed can grow to about two or three metres if left unattended. The stems will change to a darker brown before the plant becomes dormant in winter." You can spot Japanese knotweed by the small, cream-coloured flowers that begin to grow towards the end of summer. (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.' Japanese knotweed is an "amazingly resilient" plant and will grow "pretty much anywhere". There are certain steps you should take if you spot Japanese knotweed in your garden, says Environet: If you're selling your property, inform the estate agent at the outset, and even if the infestation is removed, be sure to declare it to potential buyers. If you're unsure whether your property or one you wish to buy is affected by knotweed, you can order a survey to check the property and its immediate surroundings for any sign of the invasive plant. Sold property expert Terry Fisher, advised against attempting to remove the invasive plant yourself. RECOMMENDED READING: Warning over 'beast' invasive plant that's in 'super growth' in the UK right now 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 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."
Rhyl Journal
4 days ago
- Climate
- Rhyl Journal
Japanese knotweed hotspots in North Wales
Japanese knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant and poses a "significant" threat to properties. It can cause structural damage, reduce property value, and make it harder to secure mortgages. It is estimated that around 5% of homes in the UK are affected by the invasive plant, with more than 100,000 infestations reported to Environet. The invasive plant specialists use an online map to chart the spread of Japanese knotweed, helping alert homeowners and homebuyers to the risk level in the area. The worst areas for Japanese knotweed in North Wales, according to the Environet heat map, are: Betws-y-Coed has seen the most sightings of Japanese knotweed, with some areas reporting more than 1,300 cases. Blaenau Ffestiniog is the next worst, with more than 1,100 reported sightings, followed by Dolgellau (more than 900). Porthmadog (800+) and Llanrwst (700+) round out the top five worst spots for Japanese knotweed in North Wales. There are also hotspots on the Environet map around the likes of Ruabon, Bangor and Caernarfon. Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog are the North Wales areas that have seen the most reports of Japanese knotweed sightings. (Image: Environet) Key traits of Japanese knotweed to look out for, according to Environet, include: Japanese knotweed has red shoots that emerge, which "look like asparagus". (Image: Getty Images) Environet added: "The appearance of Japanese knotweed changes with the seasons, so it is important to consider the time of year when you are checking. "Japanese knotweed is most easily identified during the spring and summer months." The experts continued: "In the autumn, the leaves will start to go yellow and drop as winter approaches. "Knotweed can grow to about two or three metres if left unattended. The stems will change to a darker brown before the plant becomes dormant in winter." You can spot Japanese knotweed by the small, cream-coloured flowers that begin to grow towards the end of summer. (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.' Japanese knotweed is an "amazingly resilient" plant and will grow "pretty much anywhere". There are certain steps you should take if you spot Japanese knotweed in your garden, says Environet: If you're selling your property, inform the estate agent at the outset, and even if the infestation is removed, be sure to declare it to potential buyers. If you're unsure whether your property or one you wish to buy is affected by knotweed, you can order a survey to check the property and its immediate surroundings for any sign of the invasive plant. Sold property expert Terry Fisher, advised against attempting to remove the invasive plant yourself. RECOMMENDED READING: Warning over 'beast' invasive plant that's in 'super growth' in the UK right now 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 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."
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Climate
- Leader Live
Japanese knotweed hotspots in North Wales
Japanese knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant and poses a "significant" threat to properties. It can cause structural damage, reduce property value, and make it harder to secure mortgages. It is estimated that around 5% of homes in the UK are affected by the invasive plant, with more than 100,000 infestations reported to Environet. The invasive plant specialists use an online map to chart the spread of Japanese knotweed, helping alert homeowners and homebuyers to the risk level in the area. The worst areas for Japanese knotweed in North Wales, according to the Environet heat map, are: Betws-y-Coed has seen the most sightings of Japanese knotweed, with some areas reporting more than 1,300 cases. Blaenau Ffestiniog is the next worst, with more than 1,100 reported sightings, followed by Dolgellau (more than 900). Porthmadog (800+) and Llanrwst (700+) round out the top five worst spots for Japanese knotweed in North Wales. There are also hotspots on the Environet map around the likes of Ruabon, Bangor and Caernarfon. Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog are the North Wales areas that have seen the most reports of Japanese knotweed sightings. (Image: Environet) Key traits of Japanese knotweed to look out for, according to Environet, include: Japanese knotweed has red shoots that emerge, which "look like asparagus". (Image: Getty Images) Environet added: "The appearance of Japanese knotweed changes with the seasons, so it is important to consider the time of year when you are checking. "Japanese knotweed is most easily identified during the spring and summer months." The experts continued: "In the autumn, the leaves will start to go yellow and drop as winter approaches. "Knotweed can grow to about two or three metres if left unattended. The stems will change to a darker brown before the plant becomes dormant in winter." You can spot Japanese knotweed by the small, cream-coloured flowers that begin to grow towards the end of summer. (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.' Japanese knotweed is an "amazingly resilient" plant and will grow "pretty much anywhere". There are certain steps you should take if you spot Japanese knotweed in your garden, says Environet: If you're selling your property, inform the estate agent at the outset, and even if the infestation is removed, be sure to declare it to potential buyers. If you're unsure whether your property or one you wish to buy is affected by knotweed, you can order a survey to check the property and its immediate surroundings for any sign of the invasive plant. Sold property expert Terry Fisher, advised against attempting to remove the invasive plant yourself. RECOMMENDED READING: Warning over 'beast' invasive plant that's in 'super growth' in the UK right now 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 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."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
New map reveals Japanese Knotweed hotspots in UK wiping thousands off house prices – is your town on the list?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAPANESE Knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant, and it wreaks havoc on homes across the country. With over 100,000 infestations every year, the pesky plant can damage buildings and knock thousands off properties. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant, and it can knock thousands off properties Credit: Alamy An interactive online map has been revealed and lifts the lid on where this fast-spreading menace is causing the most destruction. Leading the charge in England is Bristol, officially crowned the knotweed capital with a jaw-dropping 33.91 infestations per square mile. Hot on its heels are Merseyside (11.87), Greater London (7.74), and Lancashire (7.25), making it clear this isn't just a rural issue – it's a national one. Wales isn't spared either. Newport tops the 2025 list with a staggering 1,747 known cases, closely followed by Cardiff (1,208) and Bridgend (1,209). And while cities are bearing the brunt, rural areas like Gwynedd, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil aren't far behind. The Environet map isn't just for nosy neighbours – it's a vital tool for homeowners, buyers and surveyors. Just pop in a postcode and see your area's risk level at a glance: yellow for low, orange for moderate and red for high. And if you spot a fresh outbreak? You can upload a photo using the 'Add Sighting' feature and help grow the UK's biggest knotweed database. Japanese knotweed isn't just ugly – it can damage buildings, knock thousands off property values and even derail mortgage applications. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home Knowing what you're dealing with is essential, especially if you're buying, selling or developing. And for those wanting a deeper dive, Environet's KnotSure service combines expert insight with the power of the heatmap. The country saw a growth spurt in June after heavy rainfall after a long dry spell. Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Mr Fisher continued: '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," reported The Argus. What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall. "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. How to spot a Japanese Knotweed HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
New map reveals Japanese Knotweed hotspots in UK wiping thousands off house prices – is your town on the list?
JAPANESE Knotweed is the UK's most invasive plant, and it wreaks havoc on homes across the country. With over 100,000 infestations every year, the pesky plant can damage buildings and knock thousands off properties. An interactive online map has been revealed and lifts the lid on where this fast-spreading menace is causing the most destruction. Leading the charge in England is Bristol, officially crowned the knotweed capital with a jaw-dropping 33.91 infestations per square mile. Hot on its heels are Merseyside (11.87), Greater London (7.74), and Lancashire (7.25), making it clear this isn't just a rural issue – it's a national one. Wales isn't spared either. Newport tops the 2025 list with a staggering 1,747 known cases, closely followed by Cardiff (1,208) and Bridgend (1,209). And while cities are bearing the brunt, rural areas like Gwynedd, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil aren't far behind. The Environet map isn't just for nosy neighbours – it's a vital tool for homeowners, buyers and surveyors. Just pop in a postcode and see your area's risk level at a glance: yellow for low, orange for moderate and red for high. And if you spot a fresh outbreak? You can upload a photo using the 'Add Sighting' feature and help grow the UK's biggest knotweed database. Japanese knotweed isn't just ugly – it can damage buildings, knock thousands off property values and even derail mortgage applications. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home Knowing what you're dealing with is essential, especially if you're buying, selling or developing. And for those wanting a deeper dive, Environet's KnotSure service combines expert insight with the power of the heatmap. The country saw a growth spurt in June after heavy rainfall after a long dry spell. Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Mr Fisher continued: '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," reported The Argus. What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall. "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. How to spot a Japanese Knotweed HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years.
