Garden Invader – The Continuing Risk Of Japanese Knotweed

We have been told about the risks of Japanese Knotweed to our properties but do you REALLY know the implications…

Although it may appear as though the Japanese Knotweed has been cleared above ground, the rhizome root system (orange in colour when snapped), can be up to seven metres in any direction. This is why it can be so difficult to know whether it has been fully cleared from a property, and also whether it can affect your own property, if any neighbours have been having issues which you are not aware of.

Japanese Knotweed can regenerate from a piece as small as 0.7g of root material and remain dormant for up to 20 years, so when filling in a Property Information Form upon the sale of your property it is imperative to indicate “not known”, unless you have obtained an actual report indicating that your property is clear from this plant.

Have you looked to buy a property with Japanese Knotweed? This should not put you off the property. The seller is under an obligation to get the plant removed, or alternatively a price negotiation can take place if a survey has been obtained and it is confirmed the property has Japanese Knotweed. If a lender is involved then there are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled: a site survey by a qualified PCA surveyor, a management plan produced and a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

DID YOU KNOW that there are also other plants which can cause issues and which need to be monitored:

Giant Hogweed – this plant has been in the press a lot lately given the serious blisters (third degree burns) it can cause due to the highly toxic chemicals contained in the sap.

Bamboo – this gorgeous plant is almost a staple in gardens, however, it is not without its own risks. If it grows unchecked then it can become quite an invasive plant which can cause damage to not only your own property, but also to neighbouring properties.