Experts have issued a warning to homeowners over an invasive plant that could experience a huge growth spurt due to the weather. Thanks to the rain coming back after a prolonged dry spell in the UK, we may see the perfect conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive.
Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous perennial that was originally introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant – but has since become an invasive weed. You can recognise the plant by its pinkish-red early shoots – and as the stems grow, the green leaves unfurl. In the winter, the stems die back and leave dry, brown stems on the ground. The weed is seen as invasive as it outcompetes native plants for space, light, moisture, and nutrients, the Royal Horticultural Society explains. It can also cause damage to hard surfaces by exploiting joints, cracks, and weaknesses in materials like paving, tarmac, and asphalt.
Terry Fisher, a Sold property expert, said that the current weather conditions can result in a “growth spurt” for the plant which can “cause a plethora of problems for homeowners”.
“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,” he said, per The Argus.
The easiest and most effective way to rid your garden of Japanese knotweed is to hire a professional company, the RHS advises. “They can provide information for mortgage purposes, including suggested treatment plans, and offer insurance-backed guarantees where required.”
One thing you should never do is add the weed to your home compost, home waste, or council green waste bin. In fact, the government website states: “Soil or plant material contaminated with non-native and invasive plants like Japanese knotweed can cause ecological damage and may be classified as controlled waste.”
It adds: “You do not legally have to remove Japanese knotweed from your land unless it’s causing a nuisance, but you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread into the wild.”
Prospective homeowners should get a Japanese knotweed survey done before buying a house with the problem. This is because it can affect a mortgage or remortgage application, Money Super Market says.
It explains: “You can sell a house with Japanese knotweed without falling foul of the law. But you’ll need to disclose the problem as honestly as you can.” There is a section on the TA6 form where you can fill this out.
Estate agent CJ Hole said that Japanese knotweed can devalue a property by up to £23,000, and in the worst cases, it can make a property “almost un-sellable”.
If you need to know how to handle waste containing the weeds or want to find out more about when you need a licence to dispose of it, you can contact the Environment Agency.