An invasive garden plant can knock 10 percent off the value of a property and cost thousands of pounds to remedy, experts have warned.
Japanese knotweed, also known as Reynoutria japonica, is a part of the buckwheat and knotweed family and originates in East Asia. It arrived in the UK in the 1800s when it was considered an ornamental plant, but has since been considered a scourge in the country’s homes and gardens.
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Japanese knotweed can often be a headache for garden-proud homeowners as it can grow to up to seven feet tall and cause damage to buildings, however, it can also come with serious financial repercussions.
It can spark legal battles between neighbours as the presence of knotweed can rack up bills of thousands of pounds in legal or removal fees. It can grow up to 10cm per day in summer, leading to fears of the problem spiralling out of control at a rapid rate.
Now, experts have revealed the telltale signs that Japanese knotweed could be growing in your garden.
Mark Montaldo, director of leading law firm CEL Solicitors, said: “Japanese knotweed can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners as it has a reputation for being extremely invasive and difficult to manage.
“There are a few telltale signs that could identify a knotweed problem early, and it is always better to tackle the problem at the first possible opportunity. You might notice its distinct red or purple shoots starting to break through, while its shovel-shaped leaves are also an easily identifiable sign.”
Normally expected to appear in April or May, sightings are beginning to be made as early as March in recent years. Mr Montaldo is urging homeowners to be on guard for early warning signs that the invasive plant could be growing at your home.
As well as the distinctive roots and leaves, the plant sometimes bears clusters of little white flowers. Its appearance can change during the year, starting with red or purple shoots in the spring before changing to dark green bamboo-like canes.
If you find Japanese knotweed on your property it’s advised to seek immediate help from experts to identify the scale of the problem. Seeking legal advice is recommended too, as it can become a cause of legal dispute between neighbours.
If knotweed spreads, the party responsible for failing to control the plant could be forced to pay specialists to eradicate it. It is also a legal obligation to declare the presence of the plant when selling a house, which can affect how much money the buyer will be prepared to pay.
And if Japanese knotweed is found growing on the property within five years of the purchase, the new owner could claim against the previous owner for misrepresentation or against the surveyor for professional negligence. Without taking action to remove it, the weed will continue to grow and overtake existing flora, as well as spreading to surrounding land.
