12th November 2019
Q: Do I need to be worried about Japanese Knotweed?
A: Japanese Knotweed could end up costing £1,000s in damages, drop a property’s value or even result in refusal of a mortgage. If you have Japanese Knotweed, it is imperative that you act quickly to have this removed.
But “what am I looking for?” you may ask. If you prefer to carry out your own search of your garden then the plant can be recognised by its lime-green bamboo-like stem, that is speckled purple and red. The leaves are heart-shaped with sprouts having a reddish tinge and turning a lime green.
In the summer they produce lots of little cream flowers. Once you have had a look over your garden it might be worth popping your head over both your neighbours’ fences, as although your garden may be ok, Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10cm per day! This means there is a high chance of it spreading into your garden, very quickly. So, keep a watchful eye on theirs too.
Now, this plant can be very resilient as its roots can grow to a depth of 2m – 3m, and can spread up to 7m from a parent plant. Even after you have had a go yourself of removing it on the surface, the roots may still be there and can remain capable of growing still; and may do so for up to twenty years!
So, like any other weed it can come and re-grow at any time. If Japanese Knotweed is left to grow untreated, it has the potential to cause structural damage to a property, drains, paving, paths, driveways and boundary walls!
The best and easiest way to deal with this destructive plant is to first identify if you have it. Take a picture of what you think maybe Japanese Knotweed, and send it across to a professional. More often than not, there will be no charge for information, or just to look at a picture at this point. They will then advise you on a course of treatment.
If this has already entered your garden or started to grow up your walls, then you will urgently need to take action.
