Latest news with #JapaneseKnotweed
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over Japanese knotweed growth in Norfolk village
People are being urged to keep away from part of a community meadow as work progresses to stem the spread of an invasive plant. Families using Greg's Meadow in Spixworth are being advised to keep their distance from part of a picnic area. Greg's Meadow, Spixworth (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) It is after the discovery of Japanese knotweed, a plant native to East Asia which has spread out of control since being introduced to the UK in the 1800s. Japanese knotweed (Image: PA) An area of the picnic area on the meadow has been fenced off to try and keep people away. The area which has been fenced off in Greg's Meadow (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) A notice fixed to the fencing states Spixworth Parish Council is "currently undertaking a treatment programme to manage and control the spread of Japanese knotweed on Greg's Meadow picnic enclosure". A notice on the fenced off area at Greg's Meadow (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Matthew Field, vice chairman of the parish council, said: "Having recently been made aware of the presence of Japanese knotweed on a small area of parish amenity land, the council has sought professional advice and agreed a course of action to contain and manage the issue.' Japanese knotweed is identified by distinctive red stems and bamboo-like appearance. It can grow up to 8ft tall and its roots can reach as wide as 28ft. It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species, making it particularly harmful to the flora of the Norfolk Broads. Tackling its spread costs the UK nearly £250 million a year, according to invasive plant specialists Environet, with an estimated 5pc of homes affected across the UK. It can crack tarmac, block drains, undermine foundations and invade homes. Its presence can be enough to cut a property's value or prevent a mortgage lender approving a loan.
South Wales Guardian
02-06-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
Japanese Knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns
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: 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.'
Western Telegraph
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Western Telegraph
Japanese Knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns
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. What is Japanese knotweed? 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.' What does Japanese Knotweed look like? 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." Poisonous plants found in the UK How to remove Japanese knotweed 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.' The legalities to be aware of around Japanese knotweed when selling a property 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: 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.'
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Major warning over ‘beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see ‘super growth' this month
HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Advertisement 2 Homeowners across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Credit: Alamy 2 Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage. Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather . 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. Advertisement Garden News 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 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. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home "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. Advertisement 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. How to remove Japanese knotweed 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. Advertisement "This is all best left to the professionals." 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. 'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.' Legal Issues When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed. Advertisement Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report. 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. "But after that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Advertisement Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits. But we have lots of This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits. That's why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the Advertisement And if you have weeds on your patio here's a Also, The Range is selling a
The Sun
02-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Major warning over ‘beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see ‘super growth' this month
HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Recent weather has created ideal conditions for "super growth" this month and gardeners are urged to be vigilant. 2 2 Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage. Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather. 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. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home "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. How to remove Japanese knotweed 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." 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. 'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.' Legal Issues 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. 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. "But after that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits. But we have lots of June jobs to get you organised in the garden. This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits. That's why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the best things to plant right now. Also, The Range is selling a charming £2.99 buy to brighten up your garden that will add a touch of whimsy to your summer parties.
